MERRITT'S MILL

An avid outdoors woman, paddler, adventurer and conservationist; Taylor loves all the birds, wildlife and lush vegetation that Florida has to offer (but manatees and ospreys are most probably her favorite)! She loves connecting people to nature by sharing the local ecology, and human impact on the flora and fauna of Florida! She holds an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist designation and draws on this depth of knowledge and experience as a former journalist, teacher and professional storyteller to create engaging stories for all ages. Taylor is passionate about infusing her tours with her love of nature and all things Florida! Just an hour south of Sarasota she can’t wait to show you how to search the beautiful beach paradise of Don Pedro Island for fossilized shark teeth and shells! When she’s not leading clear kayak tours you can find her exploring Florida by paddle or on foot with her partner, Danny and their two dogs, Sam and River, doing yoga and continuing to learn more about Florida! She is an active volunteer with Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, Eagle Watch and Save the Manatees. In addition to her Naturalist designation, Taylor is a Manatee Guardian Guide certified through Save the Manatees and is CPR/BLS certified with the American Heart Association. Explore Florida with her on IG @taylorinthelandofflowers

Danny’s love of all things water began at a young age. Growing up in Miami he spent every spare moment on the beach. He went from running into waves as they rolled on the beach as a kid to riding them as an amateur skim boarder, surfer and paddler of all water crafts. Danny’s father, a former competitive paddler for the Cuban National Team introduced him to the sport of kayaking at a young age. His parents nurtured and encouraged his love of nature and all things outdoors. As a Florida Master Naturalist an avid nature lover, adventurer and explorer his passion for the environment and conservation drives him to introduce more people to the joy of these experiences through offering unique clear kayak ecotours on the Weeki Wachee River and Pine Island an hour north of Tampa and at Don Pedro Island just south of Sarasota. Danny also shares his love for all things Florida flora and fauna as an avid content creator with a focus on storytelling and videography. In addition to his certification as a Naturalist, Danny is CPR and ACA certified, a Guardian guide with Save the Manatees Club, volunteers with Eagle Watch and participates in Florida Springs advocacy. Follow along on his adventures at @danenriquez on IG.