"The Wekiva's place in Central Florida's past and future is truly remarkable. Where else in the nation can you find a spring-fed river beginning in the midst of a rapidly urbanizing area that leads like an ever expanding path out of the city and into a hundred miles of wilderness? Whether it is the Black Bear, the mournful cry of the Limpkin, or the happy voices of children in a canoe on a sunny day, the sounds and sights of the Wekiva will enrich the lives of countless generations yet to come if we are wise enough today to do what is necessary to preserve this ecosystem."

Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy, Florida Audubon Society

Key Accomplishments

• Provided technical advice to the Wekiva Coalition during the preparation of A Blueprint for Action. This report provides detailed strategies for protecting the Wekiva Basin while providing for transportation improvements within an important wildlife corridor and springshed and served as a springboard for the Wekiva Parkway legislation. The aquatic preserve manager received a Champions of Sustainability award from the local engineering firm of Miller, Sellen, Conner and Walsh for her contribution to this project. The Wekiva team also received Healthy Community Initiative of Greater Orlando Award.
• Worked with the Springs Task Force and Florida Department of Transportation to create and place ten signs along roadway right-of-way in key locations throughout the Wekiva Basin. These signs advise motorists they are entering the basin and provide a visual reminder of the vast extent of this important resource.
• With assistance from agency staff, contractors and volunteers, our exotic plant specialist spearheads the battle against prolific exotic plants, fallen logs and other hazards to navigation to maintain canoe and small boat passage for residents and visitors on the Little Wekiva River.

Location:

Central Florida. The Wekiva River, Middle St. Johns River, portions of Blackwater Creek, Little Wekiva River, and Rock Springs Run in Orange, Lake, Seminole, and Volusia counties

Acreage

19,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

Deborah Shelley
Aquatic Preserve Manager
8300 West State Road 46
Sanford, FL 32771
407-330-6727

Download a printable version of this page.

Further information about Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Management Plan

Wood storks nesting on the Wekiva River

Clear sand bottom along Rock Springs Run

Turtles require basking time to maintain their shells

Scenic vista on the Wekiva River

Alligators thrive along the St. Johns and Wekiva Rivers

• The Wekiva, a State Canoe Trail and Outstanding Florida Water, is only one of two Florida rivers to receive the federal designation of Wild and Scenic River.
• The entire reach of the St. Johns River within the aquatic preserve is a federally designated American Heritage River. Other portions of the St. Johns are designated as a Manatee Sanctuary by Florida and an Outstanding Florida Water.
• The Wekiva and Middle St. Johns River support extensive floodplains, but also have significant spring fed components.
• Wildlife is abundant, including several endangered and threatened species such as the West Indian manatee, Florida black bear, wood stork, bald eagle, and sandhill crane.
• Several species typically found in marine environments such as blue crab, stingray, and needlefish inhabit the St. Johns River, and occasionally visit the Wekiva.
• The springheads at Wekiwa and Rock Springs are two of the few places in central Florida where limestone that comprises Florida’s underground aquifer is exposed and can be easily observed.