Putnam County School District second graders stepped back in time this week during special field trips to the St. Johns River Bartram Frolic & Festival at Palatka Riverfront Park.
Throughout the week, students from schools across the district visited the riverfront to learn about 18th-century explorer and botanist William Bartram, who traveled through what is now Putnam County in 1774 and documented the area’s plants, animals and natural beauty.
During the experience, students met living history interpreters, learned about Native American life and Florida wildlife in the 1700s, explored ways to protect the St. Johns River and even enjoyed a boat ride across the river.
The educational field trips are coordinated in partnership with the Bartram Trail Society of Florida, St. Johns Riverkeeper and other local organizations. This year marks the eighth year PCSD second graders have participated in the event.
For many students, the trip was their first opportunity to ride on a boat and experience the river up close.
The St. Johns River Bartram Frolic & Festival will continue this weekend at Palatka Riverfront Park, with living history demonstrations, vendors, music and guided tours available for the community.
View a photo gallery from our students’ Bartram Frolic field trip here.
#ProudtobePCSD