Fueled by dynamic tributaries and over 90 freshwater springs, the Santa Fe River flows east to west into the Suwannee River which finds its way into the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to serving as a recreational backbone for the region and a source of drinking water for all of North Central Florida, this watershed is also vital habitat to many endemic species and other endangered and imperiled species including the Oval Pigtoe, Suwannee Moccasinshell, Wood Stork, Gulf Sturgeon, and the West Indian Manatee.
In 2017, ACT officially opened the 934-acre Santa Fe River Preserve. The Preserve features 3-miles of recreational trails, high bluffs along the river, and an interesting tangle of floodplain forest where the New River converges with the Santa Fe River. There are wild azaleas and rain lilies on the banks; large birch trees, cypresses, and gums in the bottomlands; and a ridge of live oaks and pines in the uplands with lots of sparkleberry and wire grass in the understory.
ACT needs your help. Together, we have the unique opportunity to add 133 acres to Santa Fe River Preserve!
Located north of the existing preserve lies 133 acres of potential conservation lands. These lands are largely comprised of wetlands and riverbank that features uncommon trees such as water elm, river birch, and a profusion of flowering shrubs including wild azalea. The blackwater stream of both the Santa Fe and New River provide habitat for Oval Pigtoes, Swamp Darters, and Sailfin Shiners.
This potential addition extends the Santa Fe River Preserve north across the river, and most importantly, conserves an additional 1.3 miles of riverfront – further protecting the upper Santa Fe River, establishing a portion of the preserve along the New River, and safeguarding water resources for several counties in North Central Florida.
This Earth Day, join us in rising up for the Santa Fe River!
Your donation during the Amazing Give will help:
Acquire 133 acres as conservation land in the Santa Fe River Basin;
Protect 1.3 miles of river frontage along the Upper Santa Fe and New rivers;
Expand Santa Fe River Preserve to over 1,000 acres of protected land; and
Ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy natural lands in North Central Florida.
For a suggested donation of $100, you will receive an entry into ACT's drawing of chance to win an REI Adventure Package (valued at over $500)!*
Package includes:
REI Co-Op Flash 18 Pack (not pictured)
REI Co-Op Nalgene Sustain Star Bloom Graphic Water Bottle (not pictured)
Colors may vary.
Thanks to a generous donor, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar during the Amazing Give to help us reach our $40,000 goal!
Thank you for helping further conservation efforts in the Santa Fe River Basin!
*This drawing of chance is hosted by Alachua Conservation Trust, 7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville, FL 32641. Donations of $100 per ticket are suggested, but not required. A winner will be randomly selected on April 22, 2021 at 9 PM EST and notified by email. The items included in the Adventure Package were donated by REI Co-Op.
