Santa Fe Springs Preserve
SUMMARY
Size: 254 acres
Year conserved: 2020
Partner organization: Suwannee River Water Management District
ABOUT THE PRESERVE
At the confluence of Olustee Creek and the Santa Fe River sits 254 acres, two freshwater springs, and 1.3 river miles of pure Florida. Tall live oaks, cypress trees, blossoming chickasaw plums and native azaleas dot the river banks and steep bluffs of Santa Fe Springs Preserve. Large alligators, wading birds, turtles, catfish, garfish and other water creatures can be found along and in the river within the vicinity of the preserve. Tucked in the forest is a small, unnamed fourth magnitude seepage spring. Found above the river, secluded under the trees, with a flow that trickles down the banks into the waiting river, the spring gurgles and glistens in the filtered sunlight.
However, none of these natural treasures can prepare you for the view of the preserve’s namesake – Santa Fe Spring. Once considered a first magnitude spring, now classified as a second magnitude, Santa Fe Spring is the most upstream Floridan Aquifer spring on the Santa Fe River. Spanning about 200 feet in diameter with a short run to the river, the spring basin is surrounded by bluffs almost 20 feet above the water’s edge, and it pumps out an average of 44 million gallons of water a day. Depending on water levels, the depth of Santa Fe Spring is over 70 feet in places and is connected to the Floridan Aquifer via a cave system close to 150 feet deep. The spring system is extremely dynamic as it varies in levels, clarity, and flow. Eventually, its waters flow from the Santa Fe River into the Suwannee River and to the Gulf of Mexico.
Santa Fe Springs Preserve is part of ACT’s regional efforts to protect the Santa Fe River Basin. Learn more here.
ACCESS INFO
No public access is currently available.
This preserve is expected to open to the public in 2024 and will include multi-use trails, a parking area, and kiosks that have low impact on the springs and river.
Banner image by Alison Blakeslee.
