Protect Florida Springs

This study documented the economic impact of tourism and recreatiion in the Santa Fe and Suwannee Springs Heartland, comparing the results to a similar study from 2013.

This project funded a campaign to educate UF’s community on the importance of springs, responsible recreation, and actions to protect these vital resources.

With foraging habitats declining and industrial plants closing, understanding the sustainability of springs for manatee winter refuge is crucial. Volunteers from CMARI monitored manatee use at three springs, collecting data on abundance and distribution.

This project funded two cleanups per month, focusing on areas with high debris levels in north central Florida’s springsheds and waterways. Data collected at each event informed debris prevention strategies.

This project mapped submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System. It assessed current conditions to protect wildlife and habitat, particularly for manatees, turtles, and bluenose shiners. The data collected on SAV expansion or decline provided critical information for future river management and the health of the Wekiva River System.

The grant increased accessibility at the Florida Springs Welcome Center by upgrading the Interactive Springs Map Exhibit with a touchscreen monitor and adjustable base.

This grant continued the study of how the Crystal River and King’s Bay support bull sharks. They tracked sharks to see how they use the area as a nursery and refuge, while involving the public in the research. It also collected data on water quality and shark health to help protect the springs and the wildlife that depend on them.

This grant studied water lettuce in Florida spring ecosystems. Research revealed both native and non-native types of water lettuce, which impacts how they are managed. The study aimed to map where each type is found, compare their growth, and understand the effects on local wildlife in these spring systems.

This grant funded outreach in Alachua County on responsible recreation and manatee sightings by working with businesses, tourism boards, and vacation rentals to provide training and distribute educational materials.

The Lake George area and surrounding springs lost much of their submerged aquatic vegetation after the 2017 hurricane season. In 2021, CMARI started reestablishing vegetation near Silver Glen Springs by planting eelgrass over 0.33 acres and monitoring its growth and health thanks to this grant.

Poe Springs continued its longleaf pine ecosystem restoration with additional plantings and community engagement, including a springs celebration event with educational activities.

The Santa Fe River basin suffers from high nitrogen levels. Grantees monitored wells to analyze groundwater trends, sampling around 80 wells for nutrients during dry and wet seasons. Results were shared with residents at public forums.

This project developed a model for submerged aquatic vegetation growth in springs. It used experiments to study how light and redox conditions affect the growth of Sagittaria kurziana. The results, combined with previous studies, formed a growth model to help managers evaluate restoration efforts, aiming to improve spring management and biodiversity conservation.

The grantee sampled springs in the Santa Fe River for herbicides, targeting two Outstanding Florida Springs and other locations. Bi-weekly sampling during wet and summer seasons aimed to understand herbicide impact on spring flows and inform better management practices.

The Florida Springs Institute’s SpringsWatch program used over 120 volunteer scientists to monitor water quality at 11 springs systems. Funds were used to purchase new water quality meters and an underwater camera for better data collection and documentation.

A Shimadzu RF-6000 fluorescence spectrofluorometer was acquired to enhance research capabilities in water resource management. It also improved the chances of securing funding for future dye traces in collaboration with water management and geological survey organizations.

The Florida Springs Council hosted the fourth “Florida Springs Summit” in spring 2024, bringing together leaders and the public to discuss springs-related issues, raise awareness, and enhance the capacity to protect springs through education and networking.

Elevated nitrate levels in springs pose health risks. This project provided free nitrate well tests and educated rural residents about water safety and testing resources to ensure safer drinking water.

Bull sharks, important to Florida’s ecosystem, used Kings Bay as a nursery. The project used acoustic monitoring to confirm this and assessed the springs’ potential as thermal refuges for these sharks.

The Ocala Manatee Observer Program by the grantee addressed increased manatee and recreational activity at Salt and Silver Glen Springs. Volunteers educated visitors on responsible recreation practices and documented manatee behavior and habitat use.

The Florida Springs Institute addressed rising nitrate levels in the Floridan Aquifer by distributing free nitrate well tests, conducting routine sampling, and educating private well owners about water testing and nitrate risks. An interactive GIS map was created for public access to water quality information.

The Sustainable Floridian’s Program, a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and UF, promoted sustainable practices in new master-planned communities, focusing on water conservation and quality. A “Guide and Best Practices Manual to Sustainable Landscapes” was developed to educate homebuyers.

The grantee promoted multi-species lawns and landscapes as alternatives to manicured urban lawns. The project involved designing a campaign to educate the public through social and print media and engaging local partners to reach a broader audience.

The project used social media and digital content to influence behaviors related to lawn fertilization, irrigation, and bottled water use. The campaign aimed to reduce fertilizer use, water consumption, and plastic litter in springs.

The Florida Springs Council evaluated the cost-effectiveness of springs projects funded by the Land Acquisition Trust Fund since 2016. They analyzed data and presented findings to policymakers and the public to recommend more efficient use of LATF funds.

The grantee focused on cleaning up high-priority debris in Outstanding Florida Springs and springsheds. Volunteers collected data to develop debris prevention strategies and tailored outreach programs, ultimately producing a comprehensive report.

The Florida Springs Institute assessed the ecological health of the Silver Springs System, one of Florida’s largest spring systems impaired by high nitrate nitrogen levels. The project involved water quality monitoring, vegetation surveys, and wildlife studies to provide insights for protection efforts.

The SpringsWatch program by the Florida Springs Institute grew to involve over 120 citizen scientists. A training event was held to enhance data collection and public outreach, including interactive sessions and educational videos on water quality and wildlife surveys.

This grant promoted protective behaviors for springs conservation encouraged individuals to reduce fertilizer and water usage, particularly in front yards for HOA residents. The campaign focused on limiting shower time and turning off sprinklers to protect springs.

The Friends of Blue Spring State Park used funding to create signs and park maps to educate visitors about an erosion project. The signs emphasized the importance of preventing further damage to the park and complemented other initiatives like the manatee rescue ramp.

A project assessed microplastic contamination in central Florida springs and developed cost-effective membranes for solid collection and analysis. While no microplastics were found, heavy metals and fluoride raised concerns about water quality. The study advised against drinking spring water.

This grant tracked common snook in Crystal River/Kings Bay using acoustic telemetry. The data showed their reliance on the river as a warm water refuge in winter, providing insights for future management plans.

CMARI studied manatee use in the Ocklawaha and adjacent systems with GPS tracking and citizen reports. The program expanded regional education efforts and identified 69 individual manatees, contributing valuable data for manatee management.

The Springs Field School by the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute offered a comprehensive education on Florida’s springs, combining lectures and hands-on fieldwork to enhance public understanding and encourage conservation efforts.

CMARI conducted a five-year study on manatee presence in the Silver River, finding it a critical winter habitat. Despite recreational activity posing a risk, educational outreach minimized disturbances and promoted spring protection awareness.

The Florida Springs Institute launched the Kings Bay SPRINGWATCH citizen science group to monitor water quality and ecological health. Volunteers conducted monthly monitoring, resulting in a dedicated webpage and data dashboard to support ongoing conservation.

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute assessed the ecological health of Rainbow Springs and River, which faced challenges like flow reductions and invasive hydrilla. The study provided a snapshot of current conditions to guide future restoration efforts.

The Florida Springs Institute’s Springs Friendly Yards program encouraged people to avoid groundwater withdrawal and fertilizers, and to landscape with native species, promoting personal contributions to springs conservation.

This grant promoted responsible recreation in springs and collected manatee data through the “Feet Up and Float” campaign and the “Florida Springs Heartland Sighting Network.” Educational materials were distributed, and volunteers monitored manatee presence, resulting in 148 reported sightings.

The Alachua Conservation Trust bridged knowledge gaps regarding springs conservation and land conservation. Outreach events, educational videos, and surveys deepened community relationships and empowered landowners to engage in conservation efforts.

Significant water quality changes weere observed in the Suwannee River Basin springs. Preliminary findings suggested agricultural practices as a likely cause, emphasizing the need to mitigate fertilizer applications. Ongoing research aims to improve water resource management.

This grant surveyed twelve groundwater sites in Alachua County for cave-dwelling species like crawfish and amphipods. The findings provided valuable data for future conservation efforts, expanding the known range of certain endemic species.

With this grant, an all-accessible glass bottom tour boat at Silver Springs was created to provide everyone, including people with disabilities, the opportunity to appreciate and protect the springs. Positive feedback highlighted the meaningful impact and inspiration the boat provided.

The 2021 Simple Things for Our Springs project by Alachua County Trust enhanced capacity for springs conservation, resulting in the permanent protection of nearly 3,700 acres vital to Florida springs. Increased staff capacity enabled targeted outreach for conservation efforts.

Alachua County created five short videos focused on springs protection, accessible on the county website, YouTube, and social media. These educational tools will be integrated into ongoing initiatives and shared with stakeholders.

The Florida Springs Institute studied the health of four outstanding Florida springs feeding the Suwannee River. The analysis revealed severe impairments, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention to restore these critical springs.

This grant established a SpringsWatch program for volunteer monitoring of the Ponce de Leon Springs system’s ecology. Objectives included creating an annual report, volunteer involvement, and data visualization through an online dashboard.

The Florida Springs Council developed and shared a “Better BMAP” for the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers’ springs, addressing deficiencies in the initial Basin Management Action Plan and providing solutions to improve water quality.

The Florida Museum of Natural History launched “The Story of Florida Water,” a transformative exhibition covering Florida’s vital water narrative, with a special emphasis on springs. The exhibition aims to empower visitors to become responsible stewards of the state’s water resources.

The Florida Springs Institute developed an Interactive Florida Springs Atlas, highlighting the 30 Outstanding Florida Springs designated by the Florida Legislature in 2016. The online atlas provides immersive content, allowing exploration and understanding of these exceptional springs.

This grant educated visitors at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park about submerged aquatic vegetation and responsible recreation. It resulted in the installation of educational signs and vegetation data collection.

The Florida Springs Council organized a three-day Springs Summit in Crystal River, attracting over 375 participants from diverse backgrounds. The event featured prominent voices in springs law, policy, science, and activism, enhancing understanding and connections within the springs community.

The Jackson Blue Springs SpringsWatch project initiated a volunteer monitoring program for the ecology of Jackson Blue Springs. Objectives included creating an annual report and an online dashboard for data visualization.

Surveys in 2018 and 2019 documented the impact of flooding and tannic river water on submerged aquatic vegetation in the Lower Santa Fe River. The resurgence of SAV in 2021 indicated potential recovery, highlighting the need for ongoing surveys to understand extreme weather impacts.

This grant established a telemetry network in the Lower Suwannee River region to track Snook habitat use. The goal was to inform hydrological management considering species like Snook to establish minimum flows and levels in areas with temperature fluctuations.

CMARI collected manatee data in the Silver River to understand their habitat use. Surveys revealed the river as a vital winter habitat for manatees, despite disturbances from recreational activities. Educational efforts aimed to minimize these disturbances.

CMARI researched manatee use in the Ocklawaha and adjacent systems, using GPS tracking and citizen reports. The program expanded regional education efforts and identified 161 manatees since data collection began in 2016.

The Simple Things for Our Springs project increased public awareness about protecting private land through conservation easements. Diverse content like maps, brochures, and films simplified conservation easements and built support for springs protection efforts.

The Santa Fe River, an Outstanding Florida Water, was evaluated for groundwater quality, particularly nitrate concentrations. Comparing data to previous results

This grant grant facilitated the creation of a comprehensive springs documentary package comprising a feature-length documentary film, a short 360 video documentary, and a media outreach campaign.

CMARI conducted manatee monitoring in the Silver River, finding it vital for manatees in winter. Over three winters, 62 manatees were identified. Educational outreach minimized recreational disturbances.

A study on sprinkler-free landscapes in Florida showed 49% to 61% less water use, unaffected property values, lower construction costs, and higher satisfaction. The study promotes sustainable landscaping.

This grant evaluated herbivory and stress on Sagittaria kurziana in the Lower Santa Fe River. Full enclosures improved vegetation establishment, especially with high dissolved oxygen levels and shorter floods.

A campaign to link daily water use with springs impact reached 1.5 million people. Social media, print media, and ads increased public understanding, with 54% correctly identifying their water source.

An integrated model for Volusia Blue Spring tracked pollutants, highlighting the need for septic upgrades to control nutrient and caffeine pollution. The model aids spring protection and restoration.

The Florida Springs Field School provided insights into springs ecosystems through a hybrid learning program, doubling student participation and promoting environmental awareness.

An interactive web app prioritized and reported on springs’ conditions and future risks. It aids decision-making and conservation efforts by visualizing key variables.

Resources like a Homeowners Guide, Native Plant Guide, and YouTube videos educated the public on the link between springshed activities and groundwater quality

This grant located rare crayfish in Florida Springs. While two systems yielded no findings, Alexander Springs revealed a mature male Big-cheeked Cave Crayfish, confirming its persistence.

This grant used acoustic telemetry to show that lower Suwannee River springs are vital thermal refuges for snook in winter. This is the first study to quantify such habitat importance.

Research on Florida springs revealed shifts from plant to algal dominance, affecting biodiversity. Sediment cores showed unique characteristics, guiding management strategies against algal increase.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium assessed manatee use in the Silver River, showing its sustainability as a habitat. Surveys and educational initiatives minimized human impact on manatees.

48 Florida Red-belly and Peninsula Cooters were tracked with radio transmitters over 48 river km, revealing movement data and home ranges for conservation efforts.

FWC established electrofishing protocols and gathered fish population data in eight spring runs, identifying effective sampling strategies and habitat preferences.

A SPRINGSWATCH program for Wakulla System monitored ecology and provided an annual report, including a data visualization dashboard.

A SPRINGSWATCH program for Wekiva River System monitored ecology, creating an annual report and a data visualization dashboard.

Research on spring-fed rivers, like Homosassa River, showed increased marine fish presence during cold periods, highlighting the river as a warm water refuge.

This grant at Poe Springs County Park enhanced aquatic vegetation and stream banks through native plantings, addressing nuisance algae dominance.

This grant on nuisance algae in Florida’s springs focused on muck accumulation and sediment records, providing insights into long-term environmental changes.

This grant assessed the state of submerged aquatic vegetation in Santa Fe River springs, comparing current findings to 2017 baseline data.

FSI’s Florida Springs Conservation Plan reviewed extensive data and provided a report card for 35 springs, informing officials and stakeholders about their condition.

The project gathered environmental data in Ocklawaha River spring systems to assess manatee winter habitats, informing habitat restoration and management.

ACEPD’s study of Hornsby Spring monitored dissolved oxygen, sediment composition, and conducted biological surveys to support habitat restoration efforts.

This grant at Silver Springs identified causes of spring flow declines by testing hypotheses, informing future restoration and management strategies.

A SPRINGSWATCH program for Lower Santa Fe River produced an annual report and a public-access data visualization dashboard.

A SPRINGSWATCH program for Weeki Wachee Springs System produced an annual report and developed a data visualization dashboard for ecological trends.

The project investigated causes of “green dark water” events at Wakulla Spring, linking them to tannins and discharge patterns, and suggested mindful lawn practices to reduce algae.

The “Protect Weeki Wachee Spring / Lyngbya Removal” project used a diver-assisted suction harvester to efficiently remove Lyngbya algae, improving spring health.

Guided paddling trips on the Santa Fe River educated various groups on springs protection, water use, and conservation concerns.

A fish identification guide with online videos and a waterproof field guide was developed to educate the public about Florida’s Springs’ fish species.

A multi-day conference on spring restoration brought together various stakeholders to collaborate on preserving springs and the aquifer.

Interpretive signs and water conservation education materials were installed at selected sites to remind visitors of actions to protect springs.

This grant raised awareness about septic systems and water quality through workshops, videos, factsheets, and training, reaching 250 citizens across four counties.

The Blue Water Audit assessed nitrogen loading and groundwater withdrawals, presenting results via an interactive website with educational resources and tools.

A citizen monitoring program at Rainbow Springs tracked nitrate nitrogen and flow rates, engaging volunteers in data collection and analysis.

A Restoration Action Plan and Executive Summary for Volusia Blue Spring were developed to inform the public and officials about restoration challenges.

FSU researchers studied the transformation of Wakulla Springs due to groundwater extraction and rising sea levels, highlighting environmental challenges.

51,378 postcards were mailed, resulting in 439 survey responses to gather public opinions and attitudes.

This grant supported education initiatives encouraging homeowners to adopt practices protecting springs, using TV commercials and Facebook marketing.commercials and Facebook marketing to engage the target audiences.

Data collection in Ocklawaha River spring systems assessed manatee suitability and potential impacts if the Rodman Dam were removed.

The Water Festival in Volusia County increased support for spring conservation, growing its mailing list by 50% and attracting over 50 new vendors.

The second phase of the dark water study at Wakulla Spring investigated sources of chlorophyll from algae contributing to green tint.

The video “Following the Water to Wakulla Spring” educated the public on water pollution vulnerability and protection strategies, reaching over 1500 views on its first day.

A study on total nitrogen loadings to Wakulla Springs recommended prioritizing urban stormwater remediation for large urban lakes to restore water quality.

A five-year study at Silver Glen and Salt Springs established baseline environmental data and vegetation abundance to inform future management decisions.

A community-based approach provided scientific data for establishing a springs baseline for the Ichetucknee Spring run ecosystem.

This grant by the Wakulla Springs Alliance aimed to identify causes of prolonged “dark water” conditions impacting the spring ecosystem.

Presentations and field trips educated high school students on springs protection, water conservation, and agricultural best practices.

A Restoration Action Plan and report for Wekiwa Springs and River were developed to inform officials and stakeholders about complex issues.

A community-based approach provided scientific data for establishing a springs baseline for the Rainbow Spring run ecosystem.

A community-based approach provided scientific data for establishing a springs baseline for the Wakulla Spring run ecosystem.

The project investigated nutrient sources in Volusia Blue Spring’s food web, focusing on seasonal variations and the role of invasive catfish.

The Blue Spring Adventurers Program facilitated educational field trips for students, promoting stewardship and knowledge sharing about the spring ecosystem.

A two-year study at Ulele Spring assessed the impact of restoration on species diversity, vegetation growth, and recreational boating activity.

A feasibility study for converting septic tanks to central sewer in Spring Hill aimed to develop a GIS layer and prioritize areas for conversion projects.