The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute’s (FSI) annual Springs Field School boasts the most comprehensive, in-depth course on Florida’s springs. Thanks to a $10,555 grant from our Foundation, participants explored topics like spring ecology, water use, pollution impacts, and environmental management during the week-long course that took place in early September 2019.
Springs School provides a crucial look into the fragile aquifer system that spans our entire state. Due to increased human activities, flow reductions, and lawn management practices, our springs are in need of protection now more than ever. Environmental scientists, ecologists, environmental activists, water resources engineers, natural resource managers, and attorneys practicing environmental law alike attend the annual crash course with the most up-to-date data on our changing waterways.
Following a week of coursework, students were invited on a guided paddle of the Ichetucknee River, where FSI staff demonstrated sampling techniques. The excursion was led by Dr. Robert Knight, who taught the group about the ecology of the Ichetucknee River and the springs system as they traveled the river.
Florida may be renowned for its pristine beaches, but our natural freshwater springs are equally treasured. Nearly 900 individual springs bubble to the surface across the state, providing not only beautiful ecosystems but also drinking water for millions of residents. Grants for programs like these, which provide critical research for those at the forefront of spring protection, are made available through purchases of our Protect Florida Springs license plate. In total our Foundation has supported three years of Springs Field School.
