ACT Partners with Suwannee River Partnership to Host Cleanups at Santa Fe Springs

On November 21st, Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) along with the Suwannee River Partnership hosted the first of several public cleanup events at Santa Fe Springs Preserve. Members of the Suwannee River Partnership and local geocaching groups spent several hours removing debris associated with former structures on the property near the second-magnitude Santa Fe Spring.  

“Our members were excited to be able to serve our community by getting our hands dirty to help clean up a property that will be preserved for future generations,” said Suwannee River Partnership Outreach Coordinator, Kelly Aue. “The Santa Fe Springs Preserve contributes to the Suwannee River Partnership’s mission to protect and conserve our water. We are so grateful for our steering committee members, like Alachua Conservation Trust, that invite us to be part of these important projects.”

Santa Fe Spring was purchased by Alachua Conservation Trust in May of this year as part of a 254-acre conservation purchase that included two springs and 1.3 miles along the upper Santa Fe River. The purchase of the property as conservation land will provide protection for water quality and wildlife habitat, as well as create additional opportunities for public recreation in the area. The property will open to the public for passive recreation in 2022 and will feature hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

“We are excited to be able to partner with members of the Suwannee River Partnership as well as the local geocaching community to begin our restoration of Santa Fe Springs Preserve, said ACT Community Outreach Coordinator, Heather Obara. “Volunteers make a big impact in our community by committing countless hours towards helping prepare ACT’s preserves for public use and enjoyment.”

Additional cleanups at Santa Fe Springs Preserve will take place in February and March of next year. Volunteers are welcome.

Learn more about ACT’s Santa Fe Springs Preserve here.