VOLUME III, ISSUE II WWW.FLORIDASPRINGSINSTITUTE.ORG SPRING 2016 VOLUME III, ISSUE II WWW.FLORIDASPRINGSINSTITUTE.ORG SPRING 2016

THE SPRING SENTINEL

THE HOWARD T. ODUM FLORIDA SPRINGS INSTITUTE

In this Issue

Springs Baseline Assessments 1 Gearing Up for Springs Season 2-3 Events Recap 4

The Osprey is a hawk with a five-foot wingspan and

large talons used to snatch live fish out of the water. Ospreys can sight their

prey from over 100 feet in the air before plunging,

talons-first, into the water.

Photo by Dominick Martino

VOLUME III, ISSUE II SPRING 2016

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

BASELINE MONITORING COMPLETED

The Florida Springs Institute is in the process of analyzing data collected in the Ichetucknee River, Rainbow River, and Wakulla River over two seasonal, two-week-long intensive monitoring periods as part of the Springs Baseline Assessment project. Thanks to the work of FSI staff and volunteers, environmental monitoring was completed in March, and preparation for the final report has begun.

Other than some schedule delays due to bad weather, the baseline monitoring went well, says Ron Clarke, environmental scientist. This community and volunteer-based research approach really involves people who understand the importance of healthy springs. We were very fortunate to have so many excellent volunteers good people donating their time and energy. We look forward to working with many of them again in the future.

As the state embarks on comprehensive restoration activities at many of Floridas impacted spring systems, there is often little historical data available to assess recovery or continuing decline. Ron Clarke explains, these spring baseline assessments will demonstrate a community-based approach to providing rigorous scientific data for establishing an accurate springs baseline, which will be a measuring stick against which the results of future restoration initiatives and changing management practices can be evaluated.

Preliminary findings from the data show that, visually, the Lower Ichetucknee and Rainbow rivers appeared to support healthy plant and fish populations while the Lower Wakulla River had poor water clarity and sparse fish populations. This did not come as a surprise significant changes to Floridas spring ecosystems have been observed over the last several decades, including a reduction in spring discharges, a result of consumptive human withdrawals; nitrate-nitrogen pollution of groundwater from human population growth and associated land use changes; damage to plant communities from excessive recreational activities in the springs and associated spring runs; and negative side effects of aquatic plant management. FSI hopes that the data collected during the Springs Baseline Assessment project will be considered in future management decisions in an effort to mitigate some of these harmful effects.

The final reports, along with a springs health report card for each system, will be available on our website within the next few months. Check back at: www.FloridaSpringsInstitute.org/plans-reports-publications.

THE HOWARD T. ODUM FLORIDA SPRINGS INSTITUTE

About Us

The Florida Springs Institute is working toward

the vision of having a permanent research center

focused on springs and aquatic ecology and education at a major Florida spring. In the

meantime, we are devoting our time and energy to

developing restoration and management goals for as many springs as possible and advocating for their

full implementation.

Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

23695 W US HWY 27

High Springs, FL 32643

(386)-454-2427

For more info, email: hculp@floridasprings

institute.org

Follow us on social media!

The Florida Springs Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization. Your donation may be tax deductible.

FEIN 46-1663401

The work of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is funded entirely through grants and private donations. Please consider supporting springs conservation and restoration by making a donation online or via mail, becoming a member, or including the Florida Springs Institute in your will. Please visit www.FloridaSpringsInstitute.org/ Join-Us.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPRINGS

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

Earth Day 2016 at the Great Outdoors Restaurant was a big success! Thank you to our members and supporters who joined us at this special fundraiser. The donations we received through bar sales, merchandise sales, and individual contributions will help the Florida Springs Institute to continue our efforts to protect and restore Floridas springs through science and education.

The Suwannee River

Monitoring on the Icketucknee River in July

Debbie Segal monitoring on the Rainbow River

Give Springs a Break 2016 took place at Ginnie Springs Outdoors from April 1-3. This immersive experience for college students included guest speakers, a paddling trip on the Santa Fe River, and two nights of camping. Thank you to SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard, Adventure Outpost, Strongtree Coffee Roasters, Ginnie Springs Outdoors, our guest speakers, and all of our sponsors!

Thank you to Swamp Head Brewery for hosting us on May 7! In partnership with the Florida Springs Institute, Swamp Head has brewed another batch of Eternal Blonde Ale. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to FSI.

VOLUME III, ISSUE II WWW.FLORIDASPRINGSINSTITUTE.ORG SPRING 2016 VOLUME III, ISSUE II WWW.FLORIDASPRINGSINSTITUTE.ORG SPRING 2016

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GEARING UP FOR SPRINGS SEASON North and Central Florida are home to nearly 1,000 artesian springs. Emerging from holes in the porous limestone, crystal clear waters flow upwards at a constant 72F, creating a picture-perfect pool and inviting refuge in the summer heat. With so many springs to explore, theres always a new paradise to discover. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience Floridas springs. For more suggestions, visit us at the North Florida Springs Environmental Center. Our staff and friendly volunteers are available Tuesday-Saturday to provide recommendations, directions, and educational materials.

DIVING AT DEVILS DEN *GREAT FOR EXPLORERS

One of the most unique spots in North Florida, Devils Den is located inside a cavern. With water 55 feet deep, this karst window was once home to fossils of extinct animal species that date back to the Pleistocene Age. Take the wooden staircase down into this remarkable formation and gaze up through a natural skylight of hanging vegetation. Admittance is granted for visitors who are scuba diving or snorkeling only (no general swimming or bystanders allowed). Rental equipment is available. Dont forget your dive buddy!

SWIMMING AT BLUE SPRINGS *GREAT FOR SUNBATHERS

Theres plenty of room to splash around at Blue Springs! This second-magnitude spring has a diving dock and reaches 24 feet deep in the main boil. If you are looking for a picturesque place to lounge, Blue Springs has 50 yards of white-sand beach, perfect for working on your tan. Bring along your favorite lunch to enjoy the picnic areas and three covered pavilions equipped with grills and a large barbeque. If you need a quiet break from all the fun, Blue Springs State Park offers meandering trails where you will see a variety of flora and fauna.

TUBING AT KELLY PARK / ROCK SPRINGS *GREAT FOR KIDS

A family favorite, Rock Springs at Kelly Park flows at 68F all year round. The park features a playground and 7 miles of hiking trails, but tubing is the most popular activity. Bring your own tube or rent one from vendors outside of the park. The entire tube run is 0.75 miles of clear water and takes about 30 minutes to travel.

Photo by John Moran, Springs Eternal P

roject CC photo by Julie Fletcher, Flickr

CC photo by FWC

, Shanna Chatraw

, Flickr

CAMPING AT GINNIE SPRINGS OUTDOORS

Ginnie Springs Outdoors has seven natural springs and great facilities, including grills, volleyball courts, and a laundry room. This is a great spot for cave divers, snorkelers, and anyone who enjoys a campfire and smores. Need more incentive to stay the night? Ginnie Spring is lit until 1:00 AM! Night snorkeling is a whole new way to experience the underwater world.

GEARING UP WITH ADVENTURE OUTPOST Looking for a guided adventure? Lars Anderson, owner of Adventure Outpost and member of the Florida Springs Institute advisory panel, leads kayaking and canoeing trips at 40 waterways in the region. Author and life-long Floridian, Lars provides historical and scientific context for your journey downstream. Adventure Outpost will provide all the gear and set-up you need! Just bring your sunscreen and sense of adventure!