These 30 Outstanding Florida Springs have special status and protections. Explore the map above to learn more.

about

the Florida Springs Institute

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is a science and education based non-profit organization. Our mission is to to provide a focal point for improving the understanding of springs ecology and to foster the development of science-based education and management actions needed to restore and protect springs throughout Florida.

Springs 101 GUIDE

Springs 101 is a beginners guide to understanding Florida springs. Learn about the water cycle, the Floridan Aquifer, springs flora and fauna, threats to Florida springs, and what’s needed to protect them for current and future generations.

Springs Protection

Why do we need to protect Florida springs? Where are we with springs protection? Who is in charge of managing the health of Florida’s springs? And what can you do to protect them? Dive deeper and learn about the threats our springs face and what can be done to protect them!

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This website was developed by the Florida Springs Institute to educate Florida residents and tourists about the Floridan Aquifer and springs.

About Us

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is a science and education based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our goal is to document Florida’s springs and educate the public about the threats that face them in hopes to ensure that future generations of wildlife and humans can enjoy springs.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Florida Springs Institute is to provide a focal point for improving the understanding of springs ecology and to foster the development of science-based education and management actions needed to restore and protect springs throughout Florida.

Visit Us

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is located in a historic building in downtown High Springs, Florida. We concurrently operate the North Florida Springs Environmental Center, which is open to the public! Visit us and speak with a springs expert, or contact us to request a group presentation.

Location

The North Florida Springs Environmental Center is located in the springs heartland of Florida, in the middle of historic downtown High Springs. Look for the beautiful Gateway to the Springs mural by Douglas Hancock on the west facing wall of our building!

Address

23695 US-27 High Springs, FL 32643

Did you learn anything from this website? If so, please consider making a donation to our organization!

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The Wacissa Spring Group lies at the northern end of the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson
County and forms the headwaters of the Wacissa River. Over twenty springs form a cluster that runs
along the river. A public boat ramp allows for easy access to the core of the spring cluster. This dense
core contains Log, Thomas, Wacissa #1-4, and Acuilla springs, which together form a large bowl of fast-
flowing water. Along the run, large patches of Coontail compete with beds of Hydrilla beneath the clear
water. The combined magnitude and isolation of the Wacissa springs make the location one of the most
pristine in the state, earning the system a spot on the list of OFSs despite none of the individual springs
flowing at the first magnitude.