Explore Florida's Springs Without Leaving Home

-- Internet documentary brings “Nature’s Gems” to life in Cyberspace --

WAKULLA SPRINGS -- A team of digital journalists will open up the magical underground world of Florida’s springs to the Internet during an exclusive web cast production. Throughout the week of November 18, virtual explorers can follow the adventures of a web expedition team as they dive into the main underground cave at Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee, explore Ichetucknee Springs in Columbia County and follow the journey of water from Fanning Springs to the Suwannee River delta.

“Florida’s springs are one of our most precious and unexplored environments,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs. “Joining a team of cave divers and journalists as they research and document the uniqueness of those springs will be an adventure for everyone.”

More freshwater springs occur in Florida than anywhere else in the world. The new Internet documentary, Florida's Springs: Protecting Nature's Gems, is part of DEP’s Florida Springs Initiative, a comprehensive and coordinated plan to improve and protect water quality and habitat. The online exploration includes an in-depth look at spring ecosystems and an investigation into their health and that of the Floridan aquifer. Including lessons for K-12 teachers and students, the Internet production will also allow followers to e-mail the expedition team during the web cast.

“Understanding and protecting the state’s 600 freshwater springs is a priority,” said Struhs. “While providing recreational opportunities, they are a direct reflection of the quality of water in the aquifer - our main source of drinking water. And we’re realizing now that they can be affected by pollutants many miles away.”