OUTSIDE COLLAB 2025:
ECOLOGICAL + SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY
APRIL 24 + 25, 2025 | CLERMONT, FL
Optional Tours
Palatlakaha River Blueway Paddling Tour
Date: Saturday April 26. 2025
Location: Attendees should not park at the main cemetery entrance. Instead, parking will be located just around the corner at a separate entrance off State Road 19, just south of Bible Camp Road. Use the following address for navigation: 5501 SR 19, Groveland, FL. Chief Carroll will be stationed at the parking entrance to guide vehicles in.
Embark on a guided paddling tour along the pristine Palatlakaha River Blueway, a hidden gem in Central Florida. Departing from Cherrylake, participants will paddle to Wilson Island and back, immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of this interconnected wetland ecosystem.
Flowing north from the Green Swamp and Lake Louisa to Lake Harris, and eventually merging into the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers, this blueway offers a rare window into Florida's freshwater ecosystems.
Local experts will lead the way, sharing insights into the region’s unique biodiversity and the conservation challenges it faces. As development pressures mount, preserving the natural charm of this wetland system is more critical than ever. This tour also highlights opportunities for public access, education, and strategies to enhance the region's environmental identity and connectivity.
Important Details:
- Bring Your Own Vessel (BYOV): Participants must provide their own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
- Registration: Limited to ensure an intimate, guided experience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate – suitable for participants with prior paddling experience.
Sign up now to reserve your spot and connect with the natural beauty of Florida’s wetlands!
Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery Tour
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Time: 10 AM - 12:30 PM (optional, limited capacity)
Location: Depart from Cherrylake
Join us for a guided tour of the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville, a site of history, resilience, and restoration. Established between 1895 and 1900, the cemetery reflects the legacy of Taylorville’s first Black settlers, who played a vital role in the region’s citrus, turpentine, and lumber industries.
Abandoned for decades after racial violence, the cemetery is now being preserved through a community-wide effort to honor those laid to rest, including WWI veterans. As part of this restoration, Dix.Hite assisted the City as a pro-bono effort, advocating for the use of Florida natives instead of conventional ornamental species and St. Augustine grass. The City fully embraced the principles of the Collab, committing to a 100% native plant palette and the use of COMAND soil compost to support long-term ecological restoration. This project was made possible through the support of local vendors, including Cherrylake and Green Isle Gardens, as an investment in both the site’s preservation and the broader community.
Following the tour, enjoy lunch and an opportunity to reflect on this meaningful chapter of local history.