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Musical/Story Telling/Serenade of the Wakulla Springs by Luke Smith, Senior as Recorded in 1971 by Roger S. Crawford

Some of the most memorable times in Wakulla Springs History came from the Singing Ranger Luke Smith.

At the time of this recording, Luke Smith had been giving both "Glass Bottom" and "Jungle Boat" tours of the Wakulla Springs River and Springs for most of his life.

Luke Smith's musical story telling narrative is a raw/earthy and personal interpretation of the Wakulla Springs River... indian word meaning "Mysterious Water".

Luke's earthy serenade is like stepping back to the time of the indians, mastedons and maybe back to the origin of time on earth. He was 69 years old at the time of this recording. Luke passed in 1991 at the age of 89.

His passion for the spring lives on in these recordings...


Singing Ranger Luke Smith 1971 Track 2



This Page is Your Link to Virtual Visits Including Videos & Activities

Many of the videos are part of the Virtual Speaker & Performance Series, sponsored by Florida Humanities. We continue to expand our content on this page, so come back often.  You may also wish to encourage younger members of your family to become Virtual Jr. Rangers.  To get started just click on this link: https://www.floridastateparks.org/index.php/learn/virtual-junior-ranger

“Wakulla Springs” is a poem written and read by Poet Michael Rothenberg and recorded with Jon Pazder, a musician and sound engineer in Tallahassee.  Michael is a resident of Tallahassee and FSU Library's Poet in Residence. Most of his personal archives are in Special Collections at FSU’s Strozier Library. His writings over the years emphasize nature and ecology. He grew up in Florida and Wakulla Springs has always been a magic place for him. Like many other local residents, he looks forward to bringing guests to Wakulla.  Michael was kind enough to make this recording available for all of us to see the river through his eyes.

Hot Tamale Performs for a ZOOM Virtual Sing for the Springs – Friends of Wakulla Springs 09-17-20

Click here or on the image below to download printable PDF 2 page worksheet




SALLY WARD TRAIL WALK

We hope you will embark on our virtual walk along the Sally Ward Trail at Wakulla Springs State Park. All the tools you need to enjoy your excursion and conduct a scavenger hunt along the trail are right here.  Please download and print the document entitled Sally Ward Trail Walk.  Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with items you might see on your virtual walk. (You can find 22 of the 24 items pictured).  Then, click the link to the Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwEPbmOnQqA)  and off you go!

You can pause the video to get a closer look at something.  You can back up to find something you missed.  You can time yourself to see how quickly you can get your first ‘Bingo’.  

Best of all, you can bring the Sally Ward Trail Walk sheet with you when you visit the park.  All the items can be found without leaving the trail.

We hope you enjoy your time on the Sally Ward Trail at Wakulla Springs State Park.


Conserving the world's largest and deepest freshwater spring

© The Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park • 465 Wakulla Park Drive • Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

Phone: (850) 561–7286 • Email: friends@wakullasprings.org

 A 501(c)3 organization  whose mission is to conserve, protect, restore and enhance the natural, historical, cultural and recreational resources of Wakulla Springs State Park for present and future generations.

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