- Scale -2nd magnitude
- Scenery -excellent
- How Pristine? -unspoiled; parking area above springs; fence around site, development planned
- Swimming -very good, superb snorkeling
- Protection -unknown
- Access -none, private
- Safety -very good
Summary of Features
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Alas, times have changed... |
For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
Spring #1 is the larger spring and is downriver or east of spring #2. Spring
#1 is a roughly circular pool with a limestone wall and large fallen tree
between the spring and the immediately adjacent Suwannee River. The spring
is set in a steep depression below the natural river berm about 50 feet from
the river and about 18 feet below the crest of the berm. The pool is approximately
50 by 30 feet and has a multitude of vents, sand boils, and other flow points
along the northern bank and on the bottom. Green algae grows in the pool,
but the bottom is mostly sandy or exposed limestone. The water is very clear.
Some of the water flows under a limestone bridge to the river, but most of
the flow appears to exit the pool under the fallen tree to tumble into the
Suwannee in a small and attractive cascade. In times of high water, the river
inundates the spring. In times of low water, the cascade is larger.
Spring #2 is 150 feet upriver or west of spring #1. In contrast to Spring #1, it is set back approximately 150 from the river and its run forms scenic glen. The main vent is at the back end of the run and is calm upwelling of clear water from the base of a steep, 20-foot limestone and sand bluff. The small entrance extends down several feet and is perhaps large enough for a person to fit into. The run is 10-20 feet wide, shallow and creek-like, with stones along its course. There is another vent on the west side about 2/3 of the way to the river. Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 375) mention three vents. Flow is very clear, and the back vent is blue in the sunlight. At the end of the run, the spring flows under a natural bridge into the Suwannee River.
Use/Access
For several years, the undeveloped land adjacent to the springs has been owned by a private owner and the University of Florida Foundation. There had been relatively free access to the site, and there was some damage from erosion and some litter on the site. The private owner empowered the Foundation to negotiate the sale of the land. The land immediately on the springs was platted, divided into lots, and appraised for development. The Foundation approached both the Suwannee River Water Management District and the CARL program and suggested they purchase the entire mile of riverfront that was available. In 1995 or 1996, the Suwannee River Water Management made an offer of approximately $35,000 for the seven lots on the springs. The offer was based on the conservation of the land and not on its developed value. Because the land had been divided into lots and appraised for development, however, UF said it could not accept such a low figure. Both UF and the private owner expressed a desire to conserve the site and accept a rate lower than the appraised rate (up to $45,000 per lot). The latest information (9/22/00) is that the land is sold. When JF contacted Bruce DeLaney at the UF Foundation and asked about the disposition of the parcel, this was Mr. Delaney’s response:
We contracted to sell the property to a private individual for something
like 400% more than the state offer. This individual has spent the last six
months fencing the property and trying to eliminate harmful trespassing that
was degrading the site. He will most likely build a single house. While not
in public hands, we think this will help preserve the site.
Personal Impressions
Snorkeling in spring #1 is an almost rapturous experience, as water seems to be flowing from everywhere and the pool is "alive" with movement and the play of light on the water. These two sheltered spring pools are exceptionally beautiful in a region with many attractive springs.
Nearby Springs