Tanner Springs
Jackson County
Summary of Features
- Scale—3rd magnitude, estimated
- Scenery—fine
- How Pristine?—surrounded by farmland, runoff into springhead, algae around some flowpoints, otherwise pristine
- Swimming—no
- Protection—unknown
- Crowds—none
- Access—on private land
- Facilities—none
Directions
From U.S. 90 in Marianna, go north on State Road 73 for approximately 4.7 miles. If coming from the north, proceed 1.4 miles south from Union Road. Turn east onto dirt/farm road. Follow around 90-degree turnto the left/north (field will be on right and look for tall pecan trees lining road along a 90-degree turn to the right.
The spring is below, on the right, along this second sweeping turn.
Spring Description
Tanner is a series of flow points consisting of at least 4 areas, corresponding to the rough map. The entire spring area is probably 1-2 acres in size, with numerous flowpoints and seeps from beneath trees, directly through limestone openings/rocks, and within the spring run. The runs are mostly sandy/muddy near the springs, and grassy and overgrown once they converge downstream. The water in all the springs is clear and odorless.
Spring Area #1 appears to have the greatest volume of flow; water exits through several opening in large limestone boulders set into the base of a bank 25 feet below the road. The flow is audible as it exits out of and over the rocks. Water forms a shallow pool area and creek in an area of exposed limestone, cypress, birch, and sweetgum trees. When visited in spring 2003, the bank above this spring was lush with lilies.
Spring Area #2 is about 150 feet to the NNE. Water flows fromthe base of a 15' bank in a swampy/muddy area, going south, and joining the flow from Spring Area #1. Runoff enters the springhead area from the road above and the weedy/scrubby land beyond the road.
Spring Area #3 is approximately 200-250 feet to the east of Area #2. Water flows from limestone openings at the base of/under the rootsof a large hardwood tree growing along the 15' bank. It probably has the second greatest flow after Spring Area #1 and flows south about 150 feet where it is joined by the smaller fun from Spring Area #4.
Spring Area #4, unlike the other springs, #4 consists of seeps, boils,and small flows that are in the bottomland area and not from the base ofthe bank/bluff. This spring area clearly has a different springshed, as its flow areas are heavily covered in algae and there is much more plant growth in its pool and short run. This suggests that this flow has higher levels of nitrate, phosphorus, and/or other organic or inorganic elements.
The combined runs of Areas 1-2 join those of 3-4 at some point where below 3-4 meet, and the spring run appears to head SE. It forms the head of the south fork of Baker Creek, which subsequently flows into the Chipola River.
Use/Access
There appears to be no utilization of the springs. The land above the springs is cultivated. Blue and red blazes mark many of the trees around the spring area, suggesting it is a boundary between two landowners. The runoff directly into the spring area, the algae blooms around Spring Area #4, and the cultivation of land immediately adjacent to the springs are concerns.
Personal Impressions
Tanner is a beautiful spring group, and Spring Area #1 is exceptional in its setting of huge boulders.
Nearby Springs
- Webbville Springs
- Daniel Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Florida Caverns State Park
- Torreya State Park
- Falling Waters State Recreation Area
- Apalachicola National Forest
- Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve