Telling the Story of Springs

A state park volunteer at a booth, speaking with guests.
Blue Spring State ParkSilver Springs State ParkNatural Bridge Battlefield Historic State ParkRuth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Florida's springs are windows into the past and places of tremendous natural beauty. No two springs are the same, and each one has its unique place in human history and in Florida’s ecosystem.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is dedicated to protecting these natural resources. Along with protecting springs within the state park system, DEP monitors water statewide and establishes protection that will ensure its quality for generations.

Friends of Blue Spring
Manatee at Blue Spring State Park

This mission is essential as many native species rely on the springs. Florida manatees, winter residents of Blue Spring State Park and other parks, depend on the consistent 68-72°F water of springs for shelter from colder waters and to rear their young.

Migrating birds touch down every autumn, deer approach the banks for a sip, and otters and fish live and hunt throughout the waters originating from springs.

Springs are Florida’s most enduring natural legacy and are much-loved places to swim and see wildlife. Over the past three years, Florida purchased land to protect two springs systems and opened new parks to allow people access to springs.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most popular swimming destinations. The Horn Springs Addition to Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park protects 10 springs from development.

Glassbottom Boat Tours
Silver Springs State Park

Last year, 70 Florida State Parks staff joined DEP's water quality experts to develop interpretive programs that teach people inside and outside of parks about springs and share ways to protect water quality.

Visitors to springs parks are met with helpful guides and have access throughout parks to educational displays and ranger-led interpretive programs.

Raising springs awareness paid off with the most successful Florida SpringsFest ever. In 2019, the annual event drew nearly 7,000 visitors to Silver Springs State Park to learn about and celebrate Florida’s springs. Scientists, activists, outdoor enthusiasts and curious visitors enjoyed music, food, and glass-bottom boat tours of Silver Springs.

See How You Can Protect Florida's Springs

A view of a manatee underwater, swimming through the seagrass.

More Articles You Might Like

See All Articles
Bee in flower at Lake Louisa State Park
Learn

Spotlight on Pollinators

Honeybees may be some of the most well-known pollinators, but you may be surprised to learn they are not native to America – they were introduced here from Europe.
A couple in the woods, one looking through a pair of binoculars.
Learn

Celebrate National Bird Day 2022

Visit our state parks on Jan. 5 and celebrate National Bird Day creatively. Birding is a great way to observe our feathery friends in their natural habitats. Use your creativity and explore your talents at a park near you. Grab a friend, a pair of binoculars and a phone or field guide to identify the birds you may see.
A nesting leatherback sea turtle.
Learn

Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Here

Many of the 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks provide nesting habitat for sea turtles. As nesting season begins, park staff and biologists are preparing to monitor nests and keep them safe. The majority of nesting takes place between March and October.