is a perfect example of an ecotourism attraction , as it infuses a portion of its profits right back into the local community to aid local marine wildlife through conservation , research , rescue and education programs . This ecotourism attraction is truly an ecotourist dream , as the staff receives hundreds of hours of training and hands-on experiences in order to provide a oncein-a-lifetime experience while maintaining the integrity of the local ecosystem .
St . Augustine Eco Tour ’ s is also actively contributing to federally permitted , non-invasive scientific study of the longterm health of the local Bottlenose Dolphin population . Flagler college joined this research initiative in 2011 , giving science majors the opportunity of a lifetime to study wild dolphins in their backyard .
The next stop on our ecotourism adventure is Palm Coast , located in Flagler County . The Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department oversees 13 parks and recreational amenities , as well as over a hundred miles of trails . Kim
Kim Brown
Brown , Recreation Supervisor of Marketing said , “ As a department , one of the pillars in our mission is the environment .” Ecotourism offers a way to connect recreation to the environment . By offering programming and events that focus on the natural ecology of the area , residents and visitors alike can get outside and enjoy nature . Palm Coast creates educational opportunities about conservation and stewardship . The idea is that if the Palm Coast Parks and Recreational Department can encourage just one participant to fall in love with kayaking , they may be much more likely to want to help protect the waterways , marshes and mangroves .
Amy Lukasik , Tourism Development Director of Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches , described Flagler County as an eco-tourism destination for folks looking to get away from it all with its 19 miles of beaches , natural parks and pristine waterways . Having these natural resources in
Amy Lukasik combination with a low-density population , Flagler County is a magnet to visitors looking for a safe and uncrowded environment . Lukasik also added that once travel restrictions related to Covid-19 were lifted , Flagler County ’ s ecotourism was able to bounce back relatively quickly in comparison to their neighbors to the north and south . The ecotourism in the Flagler County area also helped hotels , vacation rentals and restaurants break sales records and
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