Historical Moultrie Creek Paddle

Moultrie Creek,  A Paddle Through Time

Paddling up Moultrie Creek with Earth Kinship Ecotours offers a serene journey through one of St. Augustine’s most historically rich and ecologically vibrant waterways. This guided experience immerses participants in the natural beauty and layered past of a creek that has witnessed centuries of human and environmental history.

Historical Facts

Moultrie Creek, stretching approximately 9 miles through St. Johns County, is named after John Moultrie, the British Lieutenant Governor of East Florida during the colonial era. The creek gained historical prominence in 1823 when it became the site of the Treaty of Moultrie Creek. This treaty established a reservation in central Florida for Native American tribes, including the Seminoles, and ceded coastal lands, significantly altering the region's demographics and control. Along the southern shores, Fort Peyton was constructed in 1837 during the Second Seminole War. This fort is notably recognized for the controversial capture of Seminole leader Osceola under a flag of truce, an event that intensified the conflict with the local indigenous tribes.

Ecological Richness

Beyond its historical significance, Moultrie Creek is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The creek's brackish waters and surrounding marshlands support a diverse array of flora and fauna. Paddlers might encounter wading birds like herons and egrets, as well as fish species such as largemouth bass, redfish, and sea trout.

The creek's ecosystem is a dynamic interface between freshwater and saltwater environments, fostering unique habitats that are crucial for various life stages of aquatic and terrestrial species. The presence of oyster beds and submerged vegetation also plays a vital role in maintaining water quality and providing shelter for marine life. Dolphins often frequent the mouth of the creek searching for bait fish and an easy meal.