Florida’s spring-fed rivers are some of the most biologically rich ecosystems in the state, supporting fish, wildlife, and the people who depend on clean water for recreation. Beneath the surface of these clear waters lies a critical but often overlooked component of river health: submerged aquatic vegetation.
In April 2025, our Foundation awarded a $50,000 Protect Florida Springs grant to Friends of the Wekiva River to map eelgrass habitat within the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.
Eelgrass plays an essential role in spring ecosystems. It stabilizes sediment, improves water clarity, and provides important habitat for fish and other aquatic species. But changes in water quality, flow, and light availability can cause eelgrass to decline, making it difficult for scientists and managers to understand where restoration efforts are most needed.
This project focuses on creating a detailed map of eelgrass distribution throughout the Wekiva River system. Using a combination of video surveys, sonar technology, GPS mapping, and water quality data, researchers documented where eelgrass is present, how dense it is, and how it interacts with other types of vegetation.
Fieldwork for the project has already been completed. The next phase involves analyzing this data and developing maps that will guide conservation decisions.
One of the key goals of the project is to better understand habitat suitability for eelgrass. By classifying areas based on eelgrass presence, absence, and density, researchers can identify where conditions are ideal and where they may be limiting growth. These insights will help prioritize restoration efforts and track changes in the river over time.
By investing in projects like this, we are helping ensure that the Wekiva River remains a thriving, resilient ecosystem for generations to come.
If you care about Florida’s springs and the ecosystems they support, you can help fund research like this by purchasing our Protect Florida Springs specialty license plate. Order your plate today and help protect Florida’s most extraordinary waters.
