2015 ANNUAL REPORT HOWARD T. ODUM FLORIDA SPRINGS INSTITUTE

A MESSAGE FROM THE

DIRECTOR

As we move forward into the New Year, we look back on the many accomplishments that occurred in 2015; a time in which the Florida Springs Institute (FSI) continued to fight tirelessly for our treasured, yet suffering, springs. We begin 2016 with a renewed resolve to promote springs science and education, while also advocating for stronger protection and meaningful restoration of these truly unique and greatly admired environmental wonders.

We have recently moved our principal offices and staff to High Springs, where we will open the North Florida Springs Environmental Center in the coming months. The Springs Environmental Center will become a central hub for visitors to learn about springs science, gather educational materials and information, learn how to get involved with local advocacy organizations, hear about the best springs to see while in the area, and view videos, artwork, and photography by talented local environmental artists. The FSI will also continue with existing programs while growing our mission and goals to include new springs projects and outreach endeavors. We have reached many milestones over the past year, but we will not be resting on our laurels. In fact, we are just getting started.

We could not have accomplished so much without the generous support of our members, donors, allies, and volunteers. Your continued support will help us reach new heights in 2016. We go forward with our resolve that Florida’s springs will survive for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Robert L. Knight, Ph.D. Director, Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF SPRINGS ECOLOGY AND TO

FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE-BASED EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT ACTIONS NEEDED TO

RESTORE AND PROTECT SPRINGS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA.

INSPIRE • PROMOTE • ADVISE • ADVANCE

MISSION

INSPIRE an appreciation for Florida’s more than 1,000 artesian springs through education and immersive experiences that teach the biology of springs, the factors influencing their health, and the steps we can take to limit our effect on the environment and restore springs to their former glory.

PROMOTE

The magnificent artesian springs in Florida are being degraded in a variety of ways due to the state’s increasing population. What are the factors affecting our springs, and how have they come to be impaired? In his book released in March, Dr. Robert Knight, Director of the Florida Springs Institute, educates readers on the history of springs declines and presents a plan of hope and a path to restoration and protection. The FSI’s Springs Education Program carries this message to students, teachers, and civic groups across central and north Florida and continues to reach new audiences.

Recreation and a strong economy in the springs heartland compatible with

healthy springs ecosystems Advocacy for wise land use practices and a reduction in nutrient pollution affecting springs vegetation and wildlife

Collaboration with 35 springs organizations as part

of the Florida Springs Council, an active voice in

springs legislation

Implementation of regulatory measures that restrict

groundwater withdrawals that result in reduced spring

flows

Photo by David Moynahan

ADVANCE our knowledge of the status of Florida’s springs

through consistent monitoring, new baseline assessments, and inventive solutions to restore

springs ecosystems. The Kings Bay Phytoremediation Project is one such creative solution, using aquatic plants to naturally filter

excess nutrients and slow the growth of tangled mats of algae.

ADVISE the public and their leaders by recommending management actions needed to reverse the damaging changes occurring in many of Florida’s springs, including the disappearance of native submerged plants and the spread of algae mats that thrive on excess nutrient pollution.

How quickly are springs degrading and in what ways? The Florida Springs Institute performs sound science and consistent monitoring to map trends in springs health and develop restoration plans with specific and immediate steps to be taken by the public and decision makers. In 2015, FSI began a Springs Baseline Assessment Project at three rivers, documenting water quality, flow, and biological composition to be used as a measuring stick for future restoration efforts. Data collection in other spring-fed rivers is conducted through the SPRINGSWATCH Program, which gives citizens the opportunity to act as springs scientists.

Photo by Jennifer Adler

Photo by John Crowe

REVENUE Foundation Grants $78,512 Individual Contributions $ 61,293 In-Kind Contributions $ 5,441 Other $ 3,169 Total Revenue $ 148,416

EXPENSES Program Services $ 78,653 General Administrative $ 64,713 Fundraising $ 14,123 Total Expenses $ 157,490

Foundation Grants53%

Individual Contributions

41%

In-Kind Contributions

4%

Other2%

2015

SUPPORTERS

$25,000 + Fish and Wildlife

Foundation of Florida Ginnie Springs Outdoors

$10,000 +

Dharma Foundation Felburn Foundation

Jelks Family Foundation

$1,000 + First Green Bank Paddle Florida

Swamp Head Brewery University of North Florida

Environmental Center

$500 + Alachua Audubon Society Calhoun International, LLC

Nancy and Tom Morris Pat Kennedy

Philip Robinson Robert Palmer

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS, OUR

MEMBERS, AND OUR ANONYMOUS DONORS.

The Florida Springs Institute is funded entirely

by grants and private donations. Thank you for

your continued support of our efforts to protect and restore Florida’s springs.

Photo by Jennifer Adler

Florida Springs Institute 23695 W US HWY 27 High Springs, FL 32643 (386) 454-2427

2015 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Program Services

50%

General Administrative

41%

Fundraising9%

Net Assets Beginning of Year $ 85,351 Net Assets End of Year $ 65,236 Change in Net Assets $ (20,115)

BOARD STAFF ROBERT L. KNIGHT, PHD President Aquatic Systems Ecologist PATRICIA HARDEN Vice President Retired Manager of Environmental Affairs, Founding Member of Friends of the Wekiva River, Inc. DAVID WILSON, PHD Treasurer Retired Professor of Mathematics at the University of Florida MARY ODUM, PHD Secretary Retired Nursing Professor, Author for ProsperousWayDown.com

ROBERT L. KNIGHT, PHD Executive Director HEATHER A. CULP, ESQ. Associate Director DEBRA SEGAL Education Director

BUDDY MACKAY, ESQ. Retired Attorney, Former Governor of Florida ROBERT PALMER, PHD Former Staff Director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology JIM STEVENSON Retired Senior Biologist for the Department of Environmental Protection and Former Chief Biologist for the Florida State Park System TERRY L. ZINN, ESQ. Environmental Attorney, Chair of Florida Wildflower Foundation

RON CLARKE Senior Environmental Scientist EMILY TAYLOR Intern COLLEEN WHITEHOUSE Intern

ADVISORY PANEL Lars Anderson Linda K. Bystrak Todd Kincaid, Ph.D. Elizabeth Odum

Tom Swihart Robert E. Ulanowicz, Ph.D. Stephen J. Walsh, Ph.D. Robert A. Williams, Esq.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL,

OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH38941. FEIN: 46-1663401.