Albany Herald

Photo by Carly Farrell

ALBANY, Ga. -- Supporters of the Flint RiverQuarium will have plenty to do this month as the local non-profit schedules at least two events designed to get the public out and into the environment.

First up will be a series of birdwatching tours, guided by RiverQuarium staff.

The tours will take patrons down the riverfront trail to get a gander at native bird species. For a $5 fee, the RiverQuarium will provide binoculars, a bird book and a knowledgeable tour guide.

There will be at least two tour dates in October, with the first this Saturday and again on Oct. 16. Those interested should meet at the main entrance to the RiverQuarium and check in. Each Saturday tour starts at 10:30 a.m. and lasts an hour.

For those who want something a little different, the RiverQuarium is offering a float down the Flint River on Oct. 17.

The Sunday afternoon event starts at 1 p.m. Participants can choose either a two- or five-mile trip down the river, which will be followed by a barbecue meal and music at the RiverQuarium. The event will wrap up around 6:30 p.m.

There are several rental and fee options.

According to RiverQuarium officials, rental of a two-person canoe (includes two meals) is $55; a rental kayak is $40; or you can bring your own two-person canoe/kayak for $40 or your own single canoe/kayak $30.

Fifty spots are available for the Flint Float. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis by contacting the RiverQuarium at (229) 639-2650. All major credit cards are accepted.

According to RiverQuarium officials, those who don't want to participate in the float can still join in with the festivities at the RiverQuarium, including food, music and aquarium admission from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Prices for Flint RiverQuarium members are $8, adult, and $5, child. Non-member prices are $12, adult, and $6, child.

"Our goal for this event is to inspire appreciation and conservation of the Flint River," Scott Loehr, Flint RiverQuarium CEO, said. "What people appreciate, they protect, and the Flint RiverQuarium wants to inspire that appreciation for the river, which is one of our greatest natural resources."