Springsfever

Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs. 3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan

XI. Northeast Florida Springs

Contents

Northeast Florida Springs
   Beecher Springs
   Forest (Sulfur) Springs
   Fountain of Youth "Spring"
   Green Springs
   Green Cove Spring
   Heilbronn Springs
   Kingsley Lake
   Mud Spring
   Nashua Spring
   Satsuma Spring
   Welaka Spring
   Whitewater Springs

Beecher Springs
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 3^rd magnitude
Scenery ‐ poor
How Pristine? ‐ retaining wall around pool, used as fish hatchery
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ excellent
Crowds ‐ none
Access ‐ not open to public
Facilities ‐ none

Directions
From Fruitland in Putnam County, go about 1.5 mile north on State Road 309 to entrance to national fish hatchery on the right. The hatchery road goes another 0.8 miles north, then turn west onto a sand trail and go another 0.2 miles to the springs.

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
The spring is not open to the public and was not visited. According to Rosenau et al., the spring is (or at least was in 1972) impounded and partially framed by a retaining wall. It is oval and about 150 by 75 feet. The pool contains several sand boils and is 8-10 feet in the deepest areas. There are many small fish in the pool, the waters from which are used in the fish hatchery on the site (1977, pp. 308-309). The pol has a natural bank on the east side and a concrete walk and retaining wall witha 4-foot metal rail on the west side. Land is cleared or partially clear around much of the pool, and there are woods to the south (Springs of the SJRWMD, draft, 2002). The spring run flows south about 1.25 miles to the St. Johns River.

Use/Access

The spring is part of a U.S. Department of the Interior fish hatchery (called the Welaka National Fish Hatchery), and is not open to the public. However, many of the fishponds can be viewed from the highway.
There is an observation tower and a trail that skirts the fishponds but which does not extend to the spring itself.
The hatchery offers free tours during business hours.

Personal Impressions

Parts of the hatchery may be seen from State Road 309, but not the actual spring pool.

Nearby Springs

Satsuma Spring, Welaka Spring, Nashua Spring, Orange Spring, Salt Springs, Mud Spring, Green Cove Spring, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Spring, Sweetwater Spring, De Leon Spring, Juniper Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Whitewater Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ocala National Forest
Welaka State Forest
Ravine State Gardens
Washington Oaks State Gardens
Faver-Dykes State Park

Fountain of Youth "Spring"
St. Johns County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 0 magnitude (no longer flows)
How Pristine? ‐ Enclosed in building as part of historic attraction area
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ very good
Crowds ‐ in tourist attraction that can be crowded
Access ‐ excellent
Facilities ‐ excellent
Safety ‐ excellent
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for kids age 6-12

Directions
11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine; part of the Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archeological Park.

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
The spring site is incorporated into a diorama depicting Spanish explorers meeting with Native Americans in St. Augustine in 1513. A springhouse is built around the site from coquina in a Spanish mission style. A framed description of the spring house in the gift shop notes that the springhouse "houses Ponce de Leon's famous spring of eternal hope." The spring does not flow; the flow apparently ceased following a geological event in the 19th century. The flow point is now surrounded by a small shaft, serves as a well, and still contains water. The well is a cylindrical tabby-lined shaft in the floor with a low pipe-fence enclosure around it to keep people from falling into it. The diorama is immediately behind the well, depicting the Indian village of Seloy, the historic landing site of Ponce de Leon. An adjacent sign says the following:

T H E F O U N T A I N O F Y O U T H
________________

THIS SPRING WAS DISCOVERED IN 1513
AND WAS RECORDED A LANDMARK IN A
SPANISH GRANT

Use/Access

The former spring is a centerpiece exhibit in the archeological theme park, which also includes a planetarium, tram/train rides, an Indian village re-creation, a gift shop, an Indian burial area, and other attractions. Peacocks and other animals roam the grounds.
The back of the postcard scanned above (no name of photographer provided) notes that "senioritas in Spanish costumes serve you water from the crystal clear springs."

Local Springiana

There is no direct evidence that this former spring was sought out by Ponce de Leon as part of his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. However, the water source was an important one for the Timucuan Indians, who had been living at this site (calling it "Seloy") for an estimated 1,000 years before the Spaniards landed in 1513.
According to the http://www.staugustine.com/stories/051202/tou_676335.shtml web site, the site was popularized and promoted as the Fountain of Youth by Walter B. Fraser. Born in 1888, Fraser arrived in St. Augustine in 1927 and quickly saw the tourism potential represented in the long-neglected and dilapidated remnants of the city's distant past. He purchased the Fountain of Youth estate that year from Dr. Luella McConnell and converted it into an attraction devoted to educating the public about the "Nation's First Chapter in History." In the 1930's, Fraser brought members of the Carnegie Foundation to St. Augustine and obtained their financial support in creating Colonial St. Augustine, Inc. ‐ a formal restoration movement. Fraser later served as St. Augustine's mayor and as a state senator and was a tireless promoter of St. Augustine. His descendents continue to run the archeological park.
According to a book published by Fraser, the spring was known as the "Fountain of Youth" for many years before he owned it.

Nearby Springs

Green Cove Spring
Mud Spring
Beecher Spring
Green Spring
Satsuma Spring
Sulfur Spring
Welaka Spring
Whitewater Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ravine State Gardens
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Guana River State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Faver-Dykes State Park
Ocala National Forest

For more information:
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archeological Park
11 Magnolia Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-3168

Forest (or Sulfur) Springs
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 4^th magnitude
Scenery ‐ fine
How Pristine? ‐ near path, otherwise completely pristine
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ excellent
Crowds ‐ none
Access ‐ good
Facilities ‐ none
Safety ‐ very good
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ free

Directions
From intersection of Highways 309 and 308B in Welaka (Putnam County), go south on Highway 309 for 1.5 miles to entrance to Mud Spring trailhead on the west (right) side of the road. Walk about ¼ on Mud Spring trail until trail crosses a wide sand road. Turn left and continue about another 0.3 mile to springs on the left at sign. One pool is 150 feet east of the access trail, the other is 250 feet east of the trail.

Spring Description
JF only found one of the springs at this site (Spring #2). The spring forms a shallow oval pool with dimensions of about 4 by 12 feet. There was one visible vent ‐ a small hole in the bottom at a depth of about 18 inches. The rest of the pool was about one foot deep. The vent forms a visible boil on the surface, and the water is clear and has a sulfur smell. Flow from the spring forms a creek the same width as the spring that flows alongside and then under the sandy road thence about ¾ mile to Lake George. The area around the spring is forested and low.

SJRWMD notes there are two spring pools, about 100 feet apart. Spring #1 is smaller and more upstream than #2. The description continues:

Flows from the two springs join about 50 feet west, below Spring 2, in a meandering brook, or run, that continues west about 100 feet to pass through a culvert beneath the access trail and then flows toward Little Lake George, which is about 0.75 mi west of the trail . . . There was a red deposit on the bottom of the run just below Spring 1. The water was clean and clear (2002, draft, pp. 9-10)

Use/Access

The spring is located within the Welaka State Forest (the SJRWMD drafts states the springs are on the Univ. of Florida Conservation reserve and are not open to the public--but they were on a public path) and is accessible from the main trailhead for Mud Springs.
There is no apparent utilization of the spring.
The trail and spring area with infested with mosquitoes and biting flies when JF visited in summer 2001.

Personal Impressions

Biting insects prevented JF from conducting a more thorough reconnaissance of the area. The spring itself is not much to look at ‐ just a little wet spot that forms a creek along the sandy road.

Nearby Springs

Alexander Springs
Fern Hammock Springs
Juniper Springs
Sweetwater Spring
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Springs
DeLeon Spring
Orange Spring
Mud Spring
Satsuma Spring
Beecher Spring
Salt Springs
Welaka Spring

Other Nearby Natural Features

Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge
Welaka State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest
Withlacoochie State Forest
Ocala National Forest

Green Cove Spring
Clay County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 3^rd magnitude
Scenery ‐ very good
How Pristine? ‐ encircled by concrete, in urban park setting
Swimming ‐ none in spring, good in adjacent spring-fed pool
Protection ‐ good
Crowds ‐ in well-used park that can be crowded
Access ‐ excellent
Facilities ‐ outstanding
Safety ‐ excellent
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ free to see spring; $2 for adults and $1 for children to swim in adjacent pool

Directions
In the center of Green Cove Springs. From the intersection of U.S. 16 and SR 17 in Green Cove Spring, go one block north on U.S. 17 and turn east onto Spring Street and continue one block to the spring and Spring Park.

Spring Description
The spring appearance has not changed since it was described in detail by Rosenau et al. in Springs of Florida (1977). The authors of this Guide cannot add to or detract anything from Rosenau's excellent physical description of this spring:

The spring is in a city park amid oak and palm trees on the west bank of the St. Johns River. The spring pool, about 20 feet in diameter at land surface, is bounded by a 2-ft.-high decorative concrete railing. The pool tapers downward in soft marl like an irregularly shaped funnel to a 2-ft. diameter cavern opening in its bottom, 31.5 feet below water surface. The 2-ft. opening then opens into a cavern 25 feet wide trending in a NE direction toward the St. Johns River. The roof of the cavern descends to a depth of 50 ft. and the bottom of the cavern falls to 150 feet. Some of the flow in this cavern is toward the St. Johns River, and it is possible that the spring does discharge water into the river bed. Most of the flow appears to emanate from the 2-ft. opening in the bottom of the pool. Discharge from the pool is through a 4-ft.-wide weir opening in the NE side to a 50-ft. by 100-ft. swimming pool. The swimming pool overflows through a weir on its east end to a spring run that is tributary to the St. Johns River about 300 ft. farther east. Some or all of the flow from the spring can be directed from a flume to bypass the swimming pool. The water is clean and clear and has a hydrogen sulfide odor (pp. 169-170). One dates of visit (1995-2001), JF has observed coins, a golf ball, a brick, and other debris that had been thrown into the spring. There is algae growing on the rocks in the spring, and there are whitish deposits in the run. The spring run below the pool winds through the city park surrounding the spring and is clear, a few inches deep, and 8-10 feet wide. Banana and other trees have been planted along the spring run. A sign next to the spring says it is 28 feet deep and provides 1990 measurements of its flow and water content/quality characteristics.

Use/Access

No admittance is allowed in the spring itself, but as noted above the flow from the spring fills the municipal pool of Green Cove Springs. To prevent pollution from the pool to the spring run to the St. Johns River, no chemicals are used in the pool. Pool staff brush down the sides of the pool on a regular basis to prevent algae build-up.
The excellent city park around the spring (the park is also on the St. Johns River) includes a picnic pavilion, changing facilities, bathrooms, a large playground, a gazebo, a large dock/pier, and walking areas.
The spring is in the historic district of Green Cove Springs.

Local Springiana

The town of Green Cove Springs, which is now a bedroom community for Jacksonville, is named for the spring. The spring was originally a water source for the community. There are a number of historic buildings near the spring, including a hotel (undergoing renovation in April 2001) where people stayed while seeking "cure" at the spring.
In his 1869 book describing a winter in Florida, Ledyard Bill provided an excellent description of Green Cove Spring and its utilization at that time:

The spring is the attraction at Green Cove, distant not over ten rods from the river, and double that from the principal hotel. It is owned, as are most of the village lots, by two parties--Mrs. Ferris and a Mr. Palmer at Jacksonville; who being opposed to improvements, and seemingly to every enterprise as well as to their own interests, suffer the spring to remain surrounded by a clump of wild trees, which, however, serves a good purpose in screening bathers; yet it is not to the interest of the villagers to have affairs continue in their present unimproved state. The spring has scooped for itself a bed, twenty by fifty feet, and lies some ten feet below the surrounding level. It flows freely from its fountainhead into this spactious reservoir, of an average of five feet in depth, and then runs rapidly off to the river. The water is at a temperature of, we should judge, about seventy-five degrees, very pleasant, and thoroughly unharmful to drink. It bursts up with considerable force, and clear as crystal. It has a slight sulphurous taste, and leaves slight traces of the same mineral on the sides of the spring. Both magnesia and iron are, we think, held in solution. Every one spoke in high praise of this spring-water, both as a drink and for bathing uses; for the latter of which, regular hours are assigned to the different sexes. A dozen or more rude yet convenient dressing-houses surround it. (pp. 99-100)

Bill goes on in a later chapter to sing more praises of the spring:

Though we have spoken in a previous chapter of the spring at Green Cove, yet to omit mention of it here would be an injustice, not for any thing remarkable about it as seen by the beholder, but for its high value as a curative agent. In this particular, it excels all others with which we are acquainted. Its water is pure and pleasant, and has the credit of having cured some invalids and greatly benefited many others. Its depth is such that any one may bathe in it without fear, and the use of the water increases the appetite and strengthens the system. Indeed, it is the only spring with which we are familiar in this State that has any reputation as a curative agent (p. 140).

Another account from this period was written by George Walton in his 1876 chronicle of mineral springs in the U.S. He noted that "a partial analysis showed the water to contain sulphate of magnesia, sulphate of lime, chloride of sodium, iron, and considerable sulphuretted hydrogen. . . . Temperature, 76 degrees Fahr. the flow is exceedingly large" (p. 185).

Personal Impressions
Of all the developed springs the authors have seen, Green Cove is perhaps the nicest and most pleasant. The system for filling the city pool is as simple as it is ingenious. While the wall around the pool is not natural, it does seem to keep most people out of the spring if not from occasionally tossing things into it.

Nearby Springs

Heilbronn Springs
Wadesboro Spring
Whitewater Springs
Kingsley Lake

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ravine State Gardens
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Guana River State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park

Green Springs
Volusia County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ very low flow
Scenery ‐ very good
How Pristine? ‐ remnant of pumping structure around spring
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ unknown
Crowds ‐ none
Access ‐ none/private

The authors have not visited this spring and so rely on directions and descriptions from Roseneau et al. (1977) and an historic description by Bill (1869).

Directions
Green Springs is about 5 miles WNW. of Osteen. Drive west for 6 mi on the Enterprise-Osteen Road from the junction with State Highway 415, turn right (north), and continue 0.2 mi to the spring.

Spring Description
Description from Roseneau et al.:

Green Springs is in an open, semitropical hardwood and palm forest. The pool is semicircular, about 90 ft in diameter and is reportedly about 125 ft deep in its north-central part, where a conical-shaped hole in limestone gradually diminishes in diameter with depth. Overhanging rock ledges are said to extend into the hole at depth from its east and west. On April 21, 1972, the water had a moderate hydrogen sulfide odor and a turbid green color, in part the result of algae, which limited its clarity. Algae growth is visible on the bottom of the shallow parts of the pool. An eastward extension of the pool is bordered on the north and east by a concrete-block retaining wall 2 ft high that maintains the water level high enough to provide a wading or low-swimming area. A diversion gate in the northeast corner of the wall can be opened to lower the water level for cleaning of the shallow part of the pool. Spring flow is into a shallow run 6 ft wide and 2 or 3 in. deep at the southeast edge of the pool and then southeast about 200 ft to a small creek that flows south 0.25 mi to Lake Monroe (1977).

Use/Access
In 1977, there was no public access, and the spring was used for private recreational use (Roseneau et al., 1977).

Local Springiana
In his 1869 book describing winter travels in Florida, Ledyard Bill described Green Spring as follows:

It is circular in form, and nearly eighty feet in diameter; and its surface is as smooth as unrippling as if congealed. The water is of a delicate green and quite transparent. Its depth is said to be full an hundred feet. No living thing was seen in its waters, which are sulphurous, though not markedly so. Its taste, however, was not especially pleasant; and we should prefer good clear spring-water to it, for purposes of health. It might serve a good use for bathing; but it is, in all respects, far inferior to the healthful crystal spring at Green Cove. . . . This spring is not now used, and we observed no signs of its having been by any one. It is simply a curiosity, and is visited as such. An expert swimmer might bathe in it, but none others, since its shores are as deep as its center, and it is quite forbidding in view of its depth and color. A small outlet, six feet wide and as many inches in depth, carries the wastage waters to the lake, a third of a mile distant (pp. 134-135).

Nearby Springs

Wadesboro Spring
Whitewater Springs
Green Cove Spring
Kingsley Lake

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ravine State Gardens
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Guana River State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park

Heilbronn Springs
Bradford County

Directions
In Starke, from intersection of U.S. 301 and State Road 16, go NW on SR 16 for 6 miles to bridge at Water Oak Creek. Walk west (left) along bank to locate the flows. Two are about 150 yards from the bridge, and the main flow is a short distance further on the left (south).

Spring Description
JF found two small flows in the creek as well as the probable run from the main flow on a visit in 1998. The first flow is about 150 yards from the SR16 bridge on the right or north bank. Water flows from a small opening at the rate of about 1 gallon/second a few feet into the creek. The second flow is in the creek bed a few feet to the west. The flow from this spring is greater than that from the first spring.

About ¼ mile west of the bridge, a run enters the creek from the left (south). It appears to be the run from the spring described in Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 74-75). In 1998, this flow was only a trickle and frequently dipped below the ground and out of sight. When the run neared trailer homes, JF did not proceed further. There were no signs of a structure (in Springs of Florida, there is a cylindrical wall with a roof and fence around the spring, a pump, and pipes leading from it), although there was lumber in the run.

The banks of the creek are steep and about 10 feet high. The area around the spring is forested. Water Oak Creek flows into the New River.

Use/Access
No apparent use. The spring may still be used, however, to provide water for local residents.

Local Springiana

The spring may also be reached by a dirt road about 0.2 miles SE of the bridge off SR 16. However, the road is posted.

Personal Impressions
It was kind of creepy walking up the run; JF feared attack by pit bulls if he made too much noise or went too far up the spring run.

Nearby Springs

Wadesboro Spring
Whitewater Springs
Green Cove Spring
Kingsley Lake

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ravine State Gardens
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Guana River State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park

Kingsley Lake
Clay County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ Surficial spring- and rain-fed lake 2 miles across
Scenery ‐ very good
How Pristine? ‐ some of shoreline is developed
Swimming ‐ excellent
Protection ‐ good
Crowds ‐ can be heavy on warm days
Access ‐ very good
Facilities ‐ excellent
Safety ‐ very good
Scuba ‐ yes
Cost ‐ yes

Directions
In Starke, from intersection of U.S. 301 and State Road 16, go east on SR 16 for 8 miles to community of Kingsley Beach. Turn right at convenience store on right (currently called Strickland's One-Stop), and proceed to either the campground or swim park that both offer access to the lake.

Spring Description
Kingsley Lake had previously been described on this site as a spring-fed lake. According to information from William Osburn, a Hydrologist tiwh the St. Johns River Water Management District,

Kingsley Lake is a more or less a perched lake that is fed by rainfall and Surficial aquifer seepage along the lake bottom. Water leaks out of the bottom of the lake into deeper aquifer system. During construction of the monitor wells near the entrance to Camp Blanding, the water management district found the top of the Floridan aquifer to be around 410 ft below land surface (BLS) or -184 ft MSL. The water level in the Floridan aquifer is at 64 ft MSL, while the water level in the lake is at 175 ft MSL. Only water from the Surficial aquifer system--the shallowest--can feed water to the lake. Since the Surfical consists of about 95 ft of unconsolidated sands at this site, it can't support openings--thus the water flows through the sands as seepage. This is the most common method by which Florida lakes exist. The Intermediate and Floridan aquifer water levels show that the lake would be loosing water to both of those aquifers. If water is flowing in the hole in the middle it is flowing out of the lake. However, there must be little flow as the lake maintains a pretty stabel level (e-mail communication, February 23, 2004).

The lake is notable for being both nearly perfectly round as well as nearly exactly two miles across. There is an 85-foot deep hole in the middle of the lake (Scalpone, p. 30). Water in the lake is clear and blue.

Use/Access

The campground on the lake is a large facility with concessions, cabins, picnic pavilions, camp store, fishing, an arcade, boat rental, docks, and over 100 RV sites (no tent camping).
Strickland Landing, next to the camp area, is a swim park with large slides, floats, and paddleboats for rent.
Kingsley Lake borders the huge Camp Blanding National Guard Base and bombing range.

Local Springiana
The lake has been a recreation site since the 1890s.

Nearby Springs
Heilbronn Springs
Wadesboro Spring
Whitewater Springs
Green Cove Spring

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ravine State Gardens
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Guana River State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park

Contact Information
Kingsley Beach RV Campground
6003 Kingsley Lake Drive
Starke, FL 32091
904-533-2006
Strickland Landing (swim park)
904-533-2321

Mud Spring
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 3^rd magnitude
Scenery ‐ Fine-excellent
How Pristine? ‐ land cleared above spring, pavilion nearby, otherwise pretty natural
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ excellent
Crowds ‐ small to none
Access ‐ 2/3 mile hike to spring
Facilities ‐ good
Safety ‐ good
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ free

Spring Description
The spring is in area of deep hardwood and palm/palmetto forest near the St. Johns River. The spring forms a circular pool about 40 feet in diameter. There is a small footbridge at the western edge goes over a 30' concrete weir/gate of the pool where the run begins. This western end of the pool is bounded by an earthen dike. The weir--with stop logs--controls the level of the pool. A boil is evident near the center of the pool, flowing upward from a 12-foot vent at a depth of about 6 feet. The pool was clear and blue. Flow from the pool creates a ½-mile run to Mud Creek Cove, which is part of the St. Johns River. The spring and run contain eelgrass, water lilies, and duckweed. The path to the spring and the spring run pass through areas of wetlands, bayheads, hammocks, and sandhills.

Use/Access

The spring is located within the Welaka State Forest and is open to the public. There is an information kiosk at the trailhead. The trail is signposted and marked with blazes on trees.
The spring site has a picnic pavilion and a portable toilet.
The pool was framed with the dike and weir for swimming around 1940 (SJRWMD, 2002, draft, p. 16).

Local Springiana
The spring was formerly dammed to form a large swimming pool, and there were houses near the spring (Rosenau et al., 1977, pp. 312-313). There is little evidence of the development today, and the site is in a very natural condition.

Personal Impressions
JF first found the spring trail on a business trip in June 2001. It was 8:20 p.m., and JF was dressed in business clothing, but he decided to see the spring. Running/stumbling down the path to the spring in the gathering darkness, he was rewarded by the lovely site of the pool ‐ which is not the least bit muddy ‐ and its babbling run. He photographed it and panted his way back to the car. When the film was developed, the Mud Spring shots were too dark to see anything! It took a subsequent trip to secure the photographs that are included herein.

Nearby Springs

Beecher Springs, Satsuma Spring, Welaka Spring, Nashua Spring, Orange Spring, Salt Springs, Green Cove Spring, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Spring, Sweetwater Spring, De Leon Spring, Juniper Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Whitewater Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ocala National Forest
Welaka State Forest
Ravine State Gardens
Washington Oaks State Gardens
Faver-Dykes State Park

Nashua Spring
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 4th magnitude, est.
Scenery ‐ good-very good
How Pristine? ‐ spring pristine, houses nearby
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ unknown
Crowds ‐ none
Access ‐ no direct access
Facilities ‐ fine nearby
Safety ‐ good
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ free

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 17 and Highway 309 in Satsuma (Putnam County), drive south on Highway 309 for 3.4 miles and then turn right (west) onto a dirt road and go another1/3 mile to the spring.

Spring Description
JF has not visited this spring, so relies on the description provided by the NWFWMD, itself derived from Roseneau et al., 1977:

Nashua Spring is in a grassy clearing in the mouth of a shallow wooded ravine on the east side of the St. Johns River. It has a pool basin about 25 ft wide and 85 ft long, oblong westward. Flow is from two vents in rock about 50 feet apart near the north side of the popl. A spring run 4-5 ft wide connects the pool with the St. Johns River, 250 ft to the west. Its stage is reportedly affected by tides, the spring is subject to flooding by the river. The east vent measured 6.5 feet deep and 3-4 feet in diameter; the west vent was 8 ft deep and tapered down from 8-3 ft in diameter. The of the rest of the pool was about 2 ft, and the run was only a few inches deep. The bottom of most of the spring basin and the run is sandy. rooted aquatic vegetation is common. The water has a hydrogen sulfide odor and a salty taste (2002, draft, p. 22).

Use/Access
Land around the spring is privately owned, and not accessible to the public.

Nearby Springs

Beecher Springs, Mud Spring, Welaka Spring, Satsuma Spring, Orange Spring, Salt Springs, Green Cove Spring, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Spring, Sweetwater Spring, De Leon Spring, Juniper Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Whitewater Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ocala National Forest
Welaka State Forest
Ravine State Gardens
Washington Oaks State Gardens
Faver-Dykes State Park

Satsuma Spring
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 3^rd magnitude
Scenery ‐ good-very good
How Pristine? ‐ spring pristine, houses nearby
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ unknown
Crowds ‐ none
Access ‐ no direct access
Facilities ‐ fine nearby
Safety ‐ good
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ free

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 17 and Highway 309 in Satsuma (Putnam County), drive south on Highway 309 for 2.9 miles and then turn right (west) onto Norton's Fishcamp Road. Continue another half mile until road ends directly in front of the Satsuma Spring run. The spring is 100 feet to the left.

Spring Description
Satsuma Spring lies in a depression/ravine in a area of deep forest adjoining the St. Johns River. The spring forms a semicircular pool 30 feet in diameter. Water flows from a clearly visible funnel-shaped opening perhaps 5-6 feet deep. The water looked clear and greenish from the author's vantagepoint 65 feet away, and the depth was only a few inches. The water has a pronounced sulfur odor. Water from the spring forms a small run that flows 350 feet into the St. Johns River. Another small spring run joins the Satsuma run just below the pool on the SE side. The run is 4-6 feet side and only a few inches deep.

Use/Access
There does not appear to be any utilization of the spring. There are houses on the north and east sides of the pool and run, and there is a fish camp at the site.

Nearby Springs

Beecher Springs, Mud Spring, Welaka Spring, Nashua Spring, Orange Spring, Salt Springs, Green Cove Spring, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Spring, Sweetwater Spring, De Leon Spring, Juniper Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Whitewater Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Ocala National Forest
Welaka State Forest
Ravine State Gardens
Washington Oaks State Gardens
Faver-Dykes State Park

Welaka Spring
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 2^nd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery ‐ fine
How Pristine? ‐ near marina, otherwise very pristine
Swimming ‐ fair-good
Protection ‐ unknown
Crowds ‐ small-none
Access ‐ boat only
Facilities ‐ none
Safety ‐ fair-good
Scuba ‐ yes
Cost ‐ free

Directions
At junction of highways 309 and 308B in Welaka, proceed 300 feet west on 308B to public boat ramp. Travel by boat about 1 mile upriver on the St. Johns, enter wide mouth of Welaka run on the right (east) side of the river, and proceed to the spring. From land (not allowed without permission), drive 1.1 miles north on SR 309 fromthe junction with SR 308B. Turn west onto a dirt trail for about 500 feet, then follow trail north another 500 feet to the edge of the spring pool.

Spring Description
Welaka Spring lies at the head of a 1,000-foot run that empties into the St. Johns River. The spring forms a shuttle-cock-shaped pool that is about 85 feet wide at its head and widens in the run. Water flows powerfully from two main vents near the center of the pool. The larger boil is more central, about 6 feet in diameter, and raises the water about 2 inches. The smaller boil is about 6 feet south of the large boil, is perhaps 3 feet in diameter, and is not as pronounced. The bank rise approximatley 15 feet above the water and is densly wooded. According to the SJRWMD, water flows from a cavity in the central part of the pool that is 20 feet in diameter. In addition, there are several small springs that flow from the sandy bottom "near the south edge of the run, midway between the main spring and the river. One of these springs reportedly has a considerably lower chloride concentration than Welaka Spring and has at times been used as a domestic water supply" (2002, draft, p. 32).

On date of visit in July 2001, the spring flow was bluish but not clear, and the surrounding water was brownish-green. According to Rosenau et al., the general depth around the spring is 5 feet, and the vents are approximately 13 feet beneath the surface (1977, p. 318-9). Land rises up around the spring and is dense hardwood forest.

Use/Access

The land directly behind the spring is privately owned and is not developed near the spring. The land on the south side of the run is a private boat club and is not open ot the general public.
One may reach the spring by boat and swim or fish in it. On date of visit, swimming was not inviting because the water was not clear and alligators are often spotted in the area.

Local Springiana

Dan Hayes, of the St. Johns River Water Management District, took JF to the spring and noted that manatees had been seen in it during the winter of 2000-2001. Hayes noted that it was the first time that anyone could remember seeing manatees in Welaka Spring.

Personal Impressions
Welaka is a large and attractive spring of at least 2^nd magnitude flow. There is no development at all on the north side of the spring, which has a primeval appearance. Welaka Spring is worth the trouble to visit.

Nearby Springs

Alexander Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Juniper Springs, Sweetwater Spring, Silver Glen Springs, Silver Springs, DeLeon Spring, Orange Spring, Salt Springs, Whitewater Springs, Mud Spring, Satsuma Spring, Welaka Spring, Beecher Spring, Sulfur Spring

Other Nearby Natural Features

Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge
Welaka State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest
Withlacoochie State Forest
Ocala National Forest
Ravine State Gardens

Whitewater Springs
Putnam County

Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 3^rd magnitude total
Scenery ‐ very good
How Pristine? ‐ some flows very natural, others amid exotic vegetation and flowing wells
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ fine
Crowds ‐ small
Access ‐ excellent to state gardens, fair-good to flows
Facilities ‐ excellent in state gardens
Safety ‐ fine
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ $3.25 per car

Directions
From the intersection of U.S. 17 and State Road 20, go south on U.S. 17 for 0.9 miles. Turn south onto 18^th Street and proceed to Twigg Street and the entrance to the Ravine State Gardens. Using a map and directions from state staff. Walk down into the ravines behind the visitors' center. Proceed upstream along the spring-fed creek (also upstream of the footbridge) to main spring flows in the NW part of the ravines. Other spring flows are in the other 20 ravines in the area.

Spring Description
A number of steephead springs, seeps, and flowing wells flow from the approximately 20 ravines that make up the geologic feature that is today called Ravine Gardens. The ravines were formed "by water flowing from beneath the sandy ridges that flank the west shore of the St. Johns River" (Florida State Parks, 1999, p. 27), which is a short distance to the east.

Two connected sets of ravines form a V-shaped depression nearly a mile long and from 70-130 feet deep. Creeks are formed in the bottom of each arm of the "V" and meet at the bend to flow to the St. Johns River. The larger springs are in the NW end of the upper or northern arm of the "V." Three springs are easily visible flowing up in the bottom of the ravine. At least one is a flowing well, and water comes up in a small fountain about 4" in height. The main flow was a pool at the west end of the ravine. It is perhaps 50 feet across and was obscured on date of visit (December 2000) by felled bamboo. The bamboo had been planted ornamentally in the ravine and appeared to have recently been felled.

Other springs and seeps may be viewed from the walking trails within the ravine along both arms of the "V." They typically lie along the steep slopes of the ravine and flow to the creek in the bottom. Rosenau et al. (1977) cite statements from staff at the State Gardens that there are more than 100 springs in the ravines altogether (p. 320). Water is impounded at the bend of the "V" and then flows in a canal toward the St. Johns River.

Use/Access

The various steephead spring and the flowing well are in the bottom or and along the slopes of the ravines, and must be reached by foot.
The springs are located in Ravine State Gardens, which also includes trails, a one-way driving loop, a Parcours fitness course, bicycling, picnic areas, formal gardens, an auditorium and amphitheater, and other meeting facilities. There are 59 acres in the ravines area that are accessible, and the state holds another 94 acres of river swamp along the St. Johns River ("Ravine State Gardens . . . More of the Real Florida," n.d.).
The state gardens host floral festivals during the year as well as other community events.

Local Springiana

The ravines were "developed" in a park in 1933 as part of the Depression-era WPA or Works Progress Administration program. In addition to creating the loop road and trails, the project also planted form gardens of azaleas and exotic plants and created a small dam to impound water in the spring-fed creek (Florida State Parks, 1999).
The water from the steephead ravines was once the main source of drinking water for the town of Palatka (Rosenau et al., 1977).
Historic photographs of Ravine State Gardens and the early water works are available online in the Florida Photographic Collection at www.floridamemory.com/PhotographicCollection/

Personal Impressions
The ravines are an oasis of nature in an otherwise unattractively developed area (a golf course flanks the western side of the ravines, for example). The area is very appealing and worth exploring by car, bicycle, and foot. The site is uncrowded except during festivals, and the visitor can have solitude on the ravine trails. The exotic plants, especially the bamboo, detract from the natural beauty of the ravines and even can block access to and view of the springs. Some of the park staff were knowledgeable about the springs.

Nearby Springs

Heilbronn Springs
Wadesboro Spring
Green Cove Spring
Kingsley Lake

Other Nearby Natural Features
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Guana River State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park

Contact Information
Ravine State Gardens
1600 Twigg Street
P.O. Box 1096
Palatka, FL 32178
904-329-3721