Protect Florida Springs grants

Protect Florida Springs grants is sponsored by Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. These grants are for targeted community-based springs research not currently available for state funding. Funds are also directed toward community outreach programs aimed at implementing research findings.

Protect Florida Springs - Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Florida is home to 700 freshwater springs – more than anywhere else on Earth. But many are being degraded by pollution, invasive non-native water plants and other threats. By purchasing our “scuba diver” plate online, you’re helping the Foundation and our partners research and test solutions to these problems, leading to the restoration of our most significant springs.

The cost of your new license plates is a new plate fee of $72. 40, $25. 00 of which will go directly to the Foundation.

You do not need to be a resident of Indian River County to submit your order. Add me to your newsletter $2,409,691 in conservation efforts. over 100 springs in the sunshine state.

one of the largest sources of funding for springs protection in the state. Under F. S.

668. 6076, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public- records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.

Instead, contact us by phone or in writing. Remember when you wore your heart not only on your sleeve, but on your rear bumper? And trunk?

And rear window? Those days may be over, but... Your car can still help save the planet.

Just purchase one of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s conservation license plates or at your local tax collector’s office. For every plate sold, $25 is donated for conservation. Each of our plates has a slightly different focus.

Choose the one that best meets your passions. It’s not a small thing – we receive more than $1 million each year from these donations, funds that we and our partners use to conserve Florida black bears, wading birds, and many other species. We also use these monies to protect and manage new wildlife lands and waters and provide kids with formative outdoor experiences.

So, the next time you renew or order a plate at your local tax collector’s office, make it one of ours — even if you no longer drive a Beetle. The non-profit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to the conservation, management, and sustainable enjoyment of Florida’s outstanding lands, waters, and wildlife.

Since 1994, the Foundation has raised and given away more than $71 million for conservation and outdoor recreation and education programs for adults, children, and families. The Foundation is seeking freshwater springs-focused projects in two areas; several needs within each area are noted.

Research projects that lead to a better understanding of Florida’s springs and how to restore and maintain their long-term ecological health, including the development of effective strategies for addressing one or more principal threats facing Florida’s springs. Preference is given to research and adaptive management projects with the potential to benefit multiple springs.

(Examples: projects that identify the sources of stress for a particular spring; an innovative method of reducing nutrient pollution or controlling invasive species in one or more springs; research to ensure the continued survival of imperiled or declining spring species.) Development of local and regional watershed maps for springs to foster better land-use planning and guide springs and aquifer-related environmental policy.

Development and testing of strategies to improve the water quality of springs, with an emphasis on reducing nutrient loads in springs. Funding for communities and organizations working to preserve or restore springs. Restoration projects that benefit key species (e.g., eelgrass restoration to improve habitat for manatees and other springs species) and/or contribute to our understanding of springs ecosystems and their conservation.

Community education and other outreach activities that foster adoption of best practices in the restoration, management, and conservation of freshwater springs or alter public attitudes and practices detrimental to spring conservation.

Examples: community education projects that encourage landowners to reduce non-point nutrient flow into springs via vegetative buffers, improved septic systems or sewage treatment, fostering and organizing community or interest-group (e.g., divers) springs clean ups, bank stabilization, exotic species removal, and similar on-the-ground stewardship work.

Quantification of the long-term economic benefits of springs preservation and restoration; e. g. , nature tourism, ecosystem services (health of aquifer/clean drinking water, water for wildlife, and agriculture, etc.).

Proposals that address the disconnect between an individual’s actions and the large-scale impacts on springs and the aquifer (for example, that dumping chemicals on the ground can show up in surrounding waters within weeks with little filtration and consequent impacts on human and wildlife health). Creation of a best-practices manual of restoration and conservation strategies that have worked well at one or more springs.

Effective strategies based on current understanding of social behavior to change behaviors by Florida residents and tourists that degrade Florida’s springs. The potential conservation impact of each proposal and its possible applicability to multiple springs will have strong bearing on the possibility of being funded. Questions to be answered in the springs grant application include: Does the project have broad applicability?

Could agencies and other communities take the results and apply them elsewhere? Does the project have the potential to change minds and behaviors? Are the anticipated results measurable or quantifiable?

What is the grantee’s plan for publicizing the findings and having them influence work elsewhere? Does the project or its anticipated results have the potential to attract new funding, partners, or on-the-ground conservation agreements?

Eligible applicants include federal, state, or local government agencies; public and private colleges and universities; and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, including all-volunteer organizations (e.g., “Friends of…” groups). The Foundation may also, at its sole discretion, consider proposals that benefit the public from private, for-profit organizations.

The Florida Legislature established the Protect Florida Springs specialty license plate in 2007 to fund competitive grants for community-based springs research and conservation not currently available for state funding, as well as funding of community outreach programs aimed at implementing such research findings.

The competitive grants are administered and approved by the board of directors of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, with input from a Springs Advisory Committee made up of springs experts and community members. A list of past grants can be found below for guidance. While there is no minimum or maximum award amount for the Protect Florida Springs grant program, grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000.

The applicant’s ability to procure matching funds from other sources may have bearing on the possibility of being funded, but is not a prerequisite. Multi-year projects will be considered; funding is generally awarded for 12-month intervals. Please note, it is the policy of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to provide an indirect cost limitation of 10 percent of project costs.

March 1 – March 31, 2026: Proposals accepted April 1 – June 30, 2026: Review process July 1, 2026: Applicants notified October 1, 2026: Project start date April 15, 2027: Progress reporting due September 30, 2027: Project end date December 31, 2027: Final reporting due Contact the Foundation’s Director of Grants via email. Poe Springs Aquaculture and Restoration Project What basal resources support the Wakulla River food web?

Tracing food quality, assimilation, and trophic positions Interactive Mollusk Exhibit at the Florida Springs Welcome Center in High Springs, Florida Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Validation and Data Publication of SpringsWatch Citizen Science Data from Florida Spring Systems Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Multi-Trophic Fish Community Monitoring, Habitat Assessment, and Nutrient Profiling as Early Indicators of Ecosystem Recovery in a Destabilized Floridan Spring System Minorities in Shark Science on behalf of The Crystal River Bull Shark Project Forever Chemicals in Florida Springs University of Florida Foundation Understanding Detailed Links Between Land Use Expansion and Spring Water Quality Using a Case Study at Lafayette Blue Springs, Florida University of South Florida Virtual Kiosks at Wakulla Springs State Park Woodville Karst Plain Project, Inc. Phylogenomic Analysis of Imperiled Siltsnails in the Genera Floridobia (Hydrobiidae) and Aphaostracon (Cochliopidae) Endemic to Florida Spring Ecosystems Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Manatee Monitoring at Salt and Silver Glen and Support for the Ocala Manatee Docent Observer Program Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Enhance and Monitor Habitat Restoration Efforts at Salt Springs Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Water's Journey: Beyond the Light Florida Speleological Society SPRINGSWATCH: Manatee Springs Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute SPRINGSWATCH: Fanning Springs Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute “What Is a Spring? ” Education Exhibit for the Florida Springs Welcome Center in High Springs, Florida Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Planting Eelgrass: The Crystal River Experience How Does Dissolved Oxygen Affect Fish Behavior in a Hypoxic Florida Spring?

Investigating Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Macroinvertebrate Communities in Florida Springs University of South Alabama Freshwater Invasive Species Exhibit Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Microplastic and Phthalate Concentrations in Water and Turtles at Rainbow Springs, FL Feasibility Study for a Long-Term Springs Fish Monitoring Program Utilizing eDNA and Citizen Science Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Effects of Hurricane Idalia Storm Surge on Submersed Vegetation and Fish Communities in a Spring-fed River in Florida (Crystal River) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Quantifying the Economic Benefits of Springs in the Lower Suwannee and Santa Fe River Basins of North-Central Florida From the Swamp to the Springs: A Campaign to Educate the University of Florida Community about Florida’s Important and Imperiled Freshwater Resources.

UF Florida Museum of Natural History Characterizing and Monitoring Manatee Winter Use of the Springs Along the Rivers of North Central Florida Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Current Problems - Florida Springsheds Cleanup Critical Habitat: Mapping Eel Grass within the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Friends of the Wekiva River, Inc. Interactive “Florida Springs Map” Exhibit for the Florida Springs Welcome Center in High Springs, Florida Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute The Crystal River Bull Shark Project: A Tool for Establishment of Top Predator Nursery and Thermal Refuge Habitat, and Augmented Springs System Health and Quality Monitoring The Crystal River Bull Shark Project Quantifying Differences in Primary Productivity and Herbivory Control Among Native Versus Non-native Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in Spring Runs of the St.

Johns River Stetson University Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience Business in the Springs Heartland: Collaboration with Recreational Outfitters and Vacation Rentals for Responsible Recreation and Manatee Protection Enhance and Monitor Habitat Restoration Efforts in Silver Glen Springs to Increase Foraging Resources Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Springs Celebration and Longleaf Pine Restoration Project Lower Santa Fe River Basin Groundwater Nitrate Assessment Ecological Model for Effective Restoration of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation: a Mesocosm-based Approach University of Florida Ecohydrology Lab Lower Santa Fe River Springs Herbicide and Pesticide Study Filling the Data Gaps: Purchasing New Springswatch Equipment Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Acquisition of Spectrofluorometer to Support Florida Springs Dye Tracing and Other Research University of South Florida Is Your Water Well?

Private Well Test Awareness and Nitrate Monitoring in the Springs Heartland Evaluation of Bull Shark Movement and Habitat Use in Crystal River/Kings Bay: Categorizing Critical Nursery Habitat, Effective Juvenile Habitat and Thermal Refugia The Crystal River Bull Shark Project Monitoring Manatee Use and Developing a Manatee Observer Program in Salt and Silver Glen Springs Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Is Your Water Well?

Private Well Test Awareness and Nitrate Monitoring in the Suwanee Valley Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Swaying New Home Buyers Mindsets Towards Sustainable Landscapes “Freedom Lawns” Social Marketing Behavior Change Campaign Altering Public Attitudes and Practices That Harm Florida Springs Springs Project Funding Analysis Florida Springsheds Cleanups Ecological Health Assessment of the Silver Springs System Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Springswatch Training Workshop Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Fertilizer and Aquifer Actions Behavior Change Campaign Educating the Public About Conservation and a Major Restoration of the Blue Spring State Park Headspring and Run Friends of Blue Spring State Park Evaluating and Analyzing Microplastics in Florida Springs University of Central Florida Evaluation of Common Snook Movement Patterns Associated with Thermal Refugia in Crystal River, Florida Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Determining Changes in Utilization of Ocklawaha River System By Manatees in Response to Environmental Declination in Other Manatee Use Areas Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Florida Springs Field School 2022 Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Monitoring Manatee and Recreational Use of the Silver River Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Ecological Health and Recreation Assessment of the Rainbow Springs System Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Florida Springs Friendly Yards Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Springs Protection and Manatee-monitoring Through Citizen Science and Educational Outreach in the Springs Heartland Simple Things for Our Springs Phase III Alachua Conservation Trust Identifying Sources of Changing Water Chemistry in the Upper Floridan Aquifer University of South Florida Santa Fe Springshed Troglobitic Surveys All Accessible Glass Bottom Boat for Silver Springs State Park FLORIDA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION INC. Simple Things for Our Springs Phase II Alachua Conservation Trust Springs Protection Behavior Change Videos Ecological Health Assessment At Seven Outstanding Florida Springs on the Suwannee River Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute West Panhandle Springswatch Tag Grant Proposal Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Creating a Better Santa Fe BMAP The Story of Florida Water: A Permanent Exhibition At the State's Natural History Museum University of Florida Foundation/Florida Museum of Natural History Interactive Florida Springs Atlas Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Healthy Underwater Forest Signage at Ruth B.

Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Florida Springs Summit 2021 Jackson Blue Springswatch Tag Grant Proposal Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Santa Fe River Springs Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Project Year Ii: Evaluation of Thermal Refuge Habitat for Fish (Snook) in Springs of the Lower Suwannee River Determining Habitat Preference, Seasonal Use Trends and the Resighting Frequency of Manatees in the Silver River Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Assessing Manatee Use of Regional Springs and Habitat Selection Utilizing Gps Telemetry in the Ocklawaha River System Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Simple Things for Our Springs Alachua Conservation Trust Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater of the Santa Fe River Basin and Outreach Determining Annual Use Trends, Return Rates, and Habitat Preferences of Manatees in the Silver River Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Irrigation-free Residential Landscapes in Florida’s Springs Region: Making the Case Herbivory and Recreational Exclusion Device Study Aquifer Awareness Education Campaign Modeling Nutrient Transport in Karst Aquifer for Florida Springs Water Quality Management University of Central Florida Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Florida Springs Conservation Prioritization Tool and Web Application Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Blue Spring Alliance Community Plan for Springshed Resilience Surveying for Endemic Cave Crayfish Species At Alexander and Silver Glen Springs Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Evaluation of Thermal Refuge Habitat for Snook in Springs of the Lower Suwannee River Sediment History of Florida Springs: Determining Baseline Spring State and Subsequent Human Impacts Monitoring the Silver River for Manatees While Increasing Public Awareness on Best Practices for Viewing Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Movement Patterns of the Florida Peninsula Cooter and the Florida Red-bellied Turtle in Wekiwa Springs Marine Science Graduate Program at Jacksonville University Assessing Temporal and Spatial Trends in Fish Assemblages Within Spring Runs of the St.

Johns River Basin Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Wekiva River Springswatch Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Investigating Drivers of Winter Shifts in Fish Abundance in the Homosassa River System Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Poe Springs Aquatic Habitat Enhancement & Outreach Do the Sediments of St.

Johns River Springs Contain Higher Organic Content Than Springs on Other River Systems? Santa Fe River Springs Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Project Florida Springs Conservation Plan and Executive Summary Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Monitoring the Silver River and Characterizing Springs in the Upper Ocklawaha River for Manatee Utilization Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Hornsby Springs Dissolved Oxygen and Faunal Study Why Is Flow in Silver Springs Declining? University of Florida - Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands Lower Santa Fe River Springswatch Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Weeki Wachee Springswatch Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Wakulla Spring Dark Waters: Pinpointing Sources Protect Weeki Wachee Spring / Lyngbya Removal The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (CSO) Inspiring Behavior Change Through Experiencing the Santa Fe River and Springs Fish Identification Guide for Florida Springs Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Florida Springs Restoration Summit Santa Fe River and Springs Signage Project Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind: Developing a Septic Systems Education Toolbox for Homeowners in Florida’s Springsheds University of Florida/IFAS Blue Water Audit Interactive Website Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Rainbow Springs Springswatch Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Volusia Blue Spring Restoration Action Plan and Executive Summary Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Wakulla Springs Water Quality Restoration Hernando County Fertilizer Ordinance Survey and Results Outreach Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service Springs Protection Outreach Campaign Characterizing and Monitoring Environmental Parameters As Springs in the Lower Oklawaha River Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute The Water Festival: Celebrating Water Through Art Wakulla Spring Dark Waters: Causes and Sources Phase II Following the Water to Wakulla Spring Video Lake and Sinkhole Seepage Nitrogen Loading to Wakulla Springs Monitoring Environmental Parameters and Use By a Keystone Species in Central Florida’s Salt and Silver Glen Springs Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Ichetucknee Springs Baseline Assessment - a Citizen-science Project Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Wakulla Spring Dark Water: Causes and Sources Agriculture and Springs Protection High School Curriculum, Field Trip, and Educator Short Course Wekiwa Springs and River Restoration Plan Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Rainbow Springs Baseline Assessment - a Citizen-science Project Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Wakulla Spring Baseline Assessment - a Citizen-science Project Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Trophic Dynamics in Blue Spring, Volusia County, Florida Blue Spring Adventurers Program Monitoring Re-colonization At Ulele Spring Post-restoration Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Septic to Sewer Conversion Study Hernando County Utilities Dept.

Springs Protection Landscaping Behavior Campaign Lower Santa Fe River Basin Springs and Groundwater Synoptic Nitrate Sampling and Outreach Springs Protection Education Model Monitoring Recolonization At Ulele Spring Following Restoration Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Enhancement of Water Chemistry Monitoring - Exisiting Cave Fauna Survey - Wes Skiles Peacock Springs, Lafayette & Ichetucknee Springs St.

Park North Florida Springs Alliance Homosassa Springs Springswatch Project Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Kings Bay Springs Restoration Action Plan Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Poe Springs and Lower Santa Fe River Hydrologic Investigation and Outreach Promoting Springs Conservation in the Classroom and Beyond Monitoring Environmental Parameters and Use By a Keystone Species in Central Florida’s Salt and Silver Glen Springs Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Blue Spring Alliance Springshed Academy Save the Manatee Club and Blue Spring Alliance Wekiva Springs Fertilizer Education Orange County Environmental Management Division Alachua County Poe and Hornby Nitrate Source Investigation Economic Impact of Springs in the Santa Fe Basin Monitoring Recolonization At Ulele Spring Following Restoration Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Monitoring Environmental Parameters and Determining Use By a Keystone Species in Central Florida's Salt and Silver Glen Springs Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Springs Protection Through Longleaf Pine Restoration and Outreach in the Santa Fe River Springs Basin Wakulla Springs Restoration Action Plan and Executive Summary Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Silver Spring Restoration Action Plan and Executive Summary Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Determining Messages That Will Encourage Springs Protection Rhodes Spring Environmental Assessment The Magnolia School - Tallahassee, FL Springs Protection Stakeholder Research Phase II Watermelon Spring Run and Water Conservation and Springs Friendly Landscaping Outreach Central Florida Freshwater Turtle Research Group The Addition of Water Quality Monitoring to Long-term Cave Fauna Surveys of Wes Skiles Peacock Springs and Ichetucknee State Parks North Florida Springs Alliance Santa Fe Springs Restoration Action Plan Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Monitoring Environmental Changes in Deleon, Salt, and Silver Glen Springs in Central Florida Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Glen Spring Restoration Action Plan Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute What Is the Impact of Pterygoplichthys Disjunctivus Feces on Volusia Blue Spring Nutrient Dynamics?

Biodiversity Background Research for Springs Education Springs Protection Stakeholder Research Encouraging Conservation Easements on Farmland Rainbow and Silver Springs Basin Working Groups Training Volunteers to Educate About Springs Protection Rainbow and Silver Springs Basin Working Groups Ichetucknee Partnership Mascot The Ichectucknee Partnership Ft.

White Stormwater Filtering with Ecological Engineered Native Plantings UF/IFAS Extension, Columbia County Tarpon Springs Manatee Conservation Day 2011 Florida Springswatch: a Prototype Project At Silver Springs Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute Santa Fe River Springs Interpretive Signs Ichetucknee Springshed Interpretive Kiosk At Alligator Lake The Ichectucknee Partnership Silver Glen Springs Fish Cam Basin Posters for Rainbow/Silver Springs Best Management Practices Posters for Horse Farms Best Management Practices Educational Tour for Horse Farm Owners Video Monitors for Vegetation Protection Video Rainbow River Conservation Poe Springs Aquaculture and Restoration Project Organization: Alachua County Alachua County implemented a submerged aquatic vegetation restoration and education project at Poe Springs to improve habitat conditions and increase public engagement in springs conservation.

The project established plant propagation tanks, installed an interactive educational display, and provided interpretive programming focused on the importance of native aquatic vegetation. Hundreds of native plants were propagated for restoration activities, while visitors and volunteers gained hands-on experience with springs stewardship and habitat restoration. What basal resources support the Wakulla River food web?

Tracing food quality, assimilation, and trophic positions Organization: Florida State University Florida State University examined the foundational food resources that support the Wakulla River ecosystem and the species that depend on it. Researchers analyzed how energy and nutrients moved through the food web, identifying the relative importance of different food sources and their influence on fish and aquatic communities.

The project improved understanding of ecosystem function in one of Florida’s most significant spring-fed river systems and provided information to support future conservation and management efforts. Interactive Mollusk Exhibit at the Florida Springs Welcome Center in High Springs, Florida Organization: Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute The Florida Springs Institute designed and installed a permanent interactive exhibit highlighting the ecological importance of freshwater mollusks in Florida springs. The exhibit featured interpretive signage, hands-on shell displays, and educational materials integrated into tours and outreach programs at the Florida Springs Welcome Center.

By showcasing the role mollusks play in maintaining healthy spring ecosystems, the project increased public awareness of springs biodiversity and conservation challenges facing Florida’s freshwater resources. Validation and Data Publication of SpringsWatch Citizen Science Data from Florida Spring Systems Organization: Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute The Florida Springs Institute strengthened the scientific value of its statewide SpringsWatch program by validating data collected by citizen scientists across multiple spring systems. Volunteers and professional scientists conducted side-by-side monitoring to measure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability, while monitoring protocols were refined based on the results.

The project produced peer-reviewed publications and a publicly accessible dataset, increasing confidence in citizen-collected data and expanding its usefulness for research, resource management, and long-term springs conservation.

Multi-Trophic Fish Community Monitoring, Habitat Assessment, and Nutrient Profiling as Early Indicators of Ecosystem Recovery in a Destabilized Floridan Spring System Organization: Minorities in Shark Science on behalf of The Crystal River Bull Shark Project Minorities in Shark Science expanded ongoing research in Crystal River and Kings Bay by monitoring fish communities, habitat conditions, water quality, and bull shark populations to evaluate ecosystem recovery following recent disturbances.

The project combined predator surveys, fish community assessments, habitat monitoring, nutrient profiling, and acoustic telemetry to better understand changes in ecosystem structure and function. The resulting data informed restoration and management efforts while supporting conservation of spring and coastal habitats that serve as important nursery areas for wildlife, including bull sharks.

Forever Chemicals in Florida Springs Organization: University of Florida Foundation The University of Florida Foundation investigated the presence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals,’ in Florida spring systems. The project assessed the extent of contamination and evaluated potential risks to spring ecosystems and water resources.

Findings contributed to a growing understanding of emerging contaminants in Florida’s springs and provided data to support future monitoring, management, and protection of these important freshwater habitats.

Understanding Detailed Links Between Land Use Expansion and Spring Water Quality Using a Case Study at Lafayette Blue Springs, Florida Organization: University of South Florida The University of South Florida investigated how expanding agricultural and urban land uses affected water quality at Lafayette Blue Springs by examining how individual cave conduits contributed to nitrate contamination.

The project collected water samples, analyzed geochemical and isotope data, and developed models to identify contamination sources and evaluate how future land-use changes could influence spring water quality. Findings improved understanding of contamination pathways in karst systems and provided information to support land-use planning, water resource management, and long-term protection of Florida springs.

Virtual Kiosks at Wakulla Springs State Park Organization: Woodville Karst Plain Project, Inc. The Woodville Karst Plain Project expanded public access to information about Wakulla Springs through the installation of virtual kiosks at Wakulla Springs State Park.

The kiosks provided visitors with educational content about spring ecology, conservation, wildlife, and ongoing research efforts, creating new opportunities for public engagement and learning. The project enhanced visitor experiences while increasing awareness of the importance of protecting Florida’s springs and connected ecosystems.

Phylogenomic Analysis of Imperiled Siltsnails in the Genera Floridobia (Hydrobiidae) and Aphaostracon (Cochliopidae) Endemic to Florida Spring Ecosystems Organization: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission This project examined the genetic diversity of rare freshwater snails found in Florida springs and rivers.

Researchers used this information to better understand how these species are related and where conservation efforts are most needed. The findings will support long-term protection of sensitive spring ecosystems.

Manatee Monitoring at Salt and Silver Glen and Support for the Ocala Manatee Docent Observer Program Organization: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute This project tracked manatee use at Salt and Silver Glen Springs during the winter season. Data collection and public education efforts helped reduce harassment and improve understanding of how manatees rely on springs for warm-water refuge.

The work supports ongoing protection of manatees and spring habitats. Enhance and Monitor Habitat Restoration Efforts at Salt Springs Organization: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute This project improved habitat conditions at Salt Springs by restoring underwater vegetation used by manatees for food. Ongoing monitoring helped evaluate how restoration efforts affected spring health.

The work supports healthier spring ecosystems and improved wildlife habitat. Water's Journey: Beyond the Light Organization: Florida Speleological Society This project helped support the production of an educational film that explores Florida’s underground cave and spring systems.

The film will help viewers better understand how groundwater moves and why protecting springs is important and will increase public awareness of Florida’s unique freshwater resources. SPRINGSWATCH: Manatee Springs Organization: Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute This project engaged volunteers in monitoring manatee use at spring sites.

Participants collected data and learned how human activity affects spring habitats. The program supported both community involvement and protection of manatees and springs. SPRINGSWATCH: Fanning Springs Organization: Howard T.

Odum Florida Springs Institute This project supported volunteer-based monitoring at Fanning Springs. Community members helped track environmental conditions and learned how springs connect to surrounding watersheds. The effort encouraged stewardship and long-term protection of spring resources.

“What Is a Spring? ” Education Exhibit for the Florida Springs Welcome Center in High Springs, Florida Organization: Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute This project developed an educational exhibit to help visitors understand how springs form and why they are important.

Interactive displays explained groundwater flow and human impacts on water quality. The exhibit promoted public understanding and conservation of Florida springs. Planting Eelgrass: The Crystal River Experience Organization: Save Crystal River This project restored eelgrass in Crystal River to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.

Volunteers and staff planted native vegetation in areas damaged by boat activity. The effort supported healthier springs and better habitat for manatees and fish. How Does Dissolved Oxygen Affect Fish Behavior in a Hypoxic Florida Spring?

Organization: Stetson University This project studied how changes in oxygen levels affect fish behavior in spring-fed waters. Researchers used the findings to better understand conditions needed for healthy aquatic life. The work will help inform future management of spring ecosystems.

Investigating Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Macroinvertebrate Communities in Florida Springs Organization: University of South Alabama This project tested methods for mapping underwater plants in spring systems, helping managers track habitat changes over time. The work supports more effective protection and restoration of spring environments.

Freshwater Invasive Species Exhibit Organization: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute This project created an educational exhibit focused on invasive species that threaten Florida’s freshwater systems. Visitors learned how invasive plants and animals impact springs and rivers. The exhibit encouraged prevention and responsible stewardship.

Microplastic and Phthalate Concentrations in Water and Turtles at Rainbow Springs, FL Organization: Eckerd College This project examined the presence of microplastics and other pollutants in Florida springs. Researchers evaluated potential impacts on water quality and aquatic life. The findings support efforts to reduce pollution and protect spring health.

Feasibility Study for a Long-Term Springs Fish Monitoring Program Utilizing eDNA and Citizen Science Organization: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission This project evaluated the feasibility of establishing a long-term fish monitoring program in Florida springs. The study identified data needs and monitoring approaches. The work supports better planning for future spring conservation efforts.

Effects of Hurricane Idalia Storm Surge on Submersed Vegetation and Fish Communities in a Spring-fed River in Florida (Crystal River) Organization: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Sampling in Crystal River showed that high salinity from Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge nearly wiped out submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).

This study continued to monitor fish populations and SAV to assess the long-term effects of the hurricane and inform conservation and restoration efforts for the ecosystem.

Quantifying the Economic Benefits of Springs in the Lower Suwannee and Santa Fe River Basins of North-Central Florida Organization: Alachua County This study documented the economic impact of tourism and recreatiion in the Santa Fe and Suwannee Springs Heartland, comparing the results to a similar study