"Our springs have been referred to as "liquid bowls of light." When you visit Rainbow Springs you never leave unchanged."

Jeff Sowards, Aquatic Preserve Manager

Key Accomplishments

• Nutrient and water clarity data is being collected through the successful partnership between the aquatic preserve and the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program. Through the collection of water chemistry and clarity data adverse changes to the system can be documented and acted on in a timely manner.
• Through an effort coordinated by the aquatic preserve in partnership with DEP’s Bureau of Invasive Plant Management and the SWFWMD, the exotic invasive hydrilla and water-lettuce are treated to control their expansion within the Rainbow River. The control of invasive exotic vegetation species in our natural systems is important because they have historically out competed native species which leads to adverse impacts on the entire aquatic community.
• A new program to identify and monitor damage to submerged aquatic vegetative communities by propeller scarring was instituted by the staff. This program will specifically monitor prop scar damage in a shallow freshwater system to determine recovery time and identify the species of vegetation that re-establish in the damaged areas. It will also determine if scarring opens the door for establishment of invasive exotic species.
• A project to restore native aquatic vegetation to highly disturbed areas due to recreational use continues within areas of the headspring and Rainbow River run. Strap-leaf sagittaria, tape grass, saw-grass and cypress trees have been replanted within the aquatic preserve as a part of this project.

Location:

Marion County

Acreage

150 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

Jeff Sowards
Aquatic Preserve Manager
19152 SW 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
352-465-8565

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Further information about Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve

Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve (1991 draft)

The crystal clear water of the head spring supports many species of fish.

Red-shouldered hawk on a nesting box

Loggerhead musk turtle

Unlike most other major spring runs in Florida, the spring discharge comes from many vents that are scattered over the first mile of the run.

• The Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve encompasses the entire length of the Rainbow River.
• The river begins at Rainbow Springs and empties into the Withlacoochee River 5.7 miles to the south.
• The 72 degree F clear water is home to 23 species of 15 genera and 7 families of fishes.
• This area is rich in cultural resources dating back to 7000-3000 BC.

View of the headsprings