Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year with this half-day paddle starting at 9 a.m. in Alva, a rural hamlet just east of Fort Myers.

A new program based at Caloosahatchee Regional Park lets you find your way with others to the green lushness of Telegraph Creek.

The creek offers a relaxing, meandering paddle and makes a great tour for all experience levels.

“Wildlife we may see includes baby alligators, barred owls, wild hogs, raccoons and water birds,” said Kelly Williamson, the programmer at Caloosahatchee Regional Park who is planning the Lee County Parks & Recreation trip.

The $35 fee includes the kayak and equipment. You bring water, binoculars, appropriate clothing and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Meet at the campground entrance of Caloosahatchee Regional Park, 19130 North River Road. St. Patrick's Day falls on a Wednesday this year, so it should be a calm, mid-week paddle.

For more information or questions, call Williamson at (239) 693-2690. To register, call (239) 533-7440 or visit www.leeparks.org.

“With a maximum of 10 participants, space will fill fast so register right now,” Williamson said.

For a glimpse of the creek, check out this photo of Williamson that was shot by E.J. Hornick.

If you go on this trip, be sure to plan some time to explore Caloosahatchee Regional Park. It features 768 acres of pine flatwoods, scrub oak, cypress swamps and oak hammocks. Crossing through them, you'll find more than 18 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. Primitive camping sites for families and groups are available, along with equestrian sites for people with horses. Get directions and a site map plus more details at www.leeparks.org.