SILVER SPRINGS, FL – The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute (FSI) will host its annual Springs Field School from August 13th – 16th in Silver Springs.
Florida’s artesian springs are an important natural resource, providing the basis for extensive wildlife support and human recreation. These springs and the Floridan Aquifer that feeds them are under increasing threats from human activities, including flow reductions, nutrient increases, aquatic weed management activities, recreational impacts, and a variety of water resource development projects. A growing awareness of these problems is leading to a rapid increase in the demand for knowledge about the basic chemistry, biology, and ecology of springs. The Springs Field School is the Institute’s most advanced and immersive springs education program and provides participants with the tools they need to understand and influence the management of these shared resources.
“When I first fell in love with springs, I thought that there were enough experts and scientists and government agencies taking care of the springs on my behalf”, states past Field School participant, Brenda Wells. “The Field School illuminated how much help the springs need from everyone and made me feel like I had the tools and knowledge to take a more active role in conserving the springs.”
FSI’s Springs Field School will be held over the course of four days at The Retreat at Silver Springs, which includes classrooms, a dining facility, air-conditioned cabins, and recreational opportunities. Participants will be given a crash course in springs ecology from local experts on topics including biology, hydrology, geology, chemistry, springs stresses, environmental law, and advocacy efforts. Guided field trips will be led to Silver Glen Springs, the Rodman Dam/Ocklawaha River, Silver Springs, and Ocala Wastewater Treatment Plant.
To register or learn more about the Springs Field School, visit https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/fieldschool
For questions, contact Heather Obara, Associate Director, at hobara@floridaspringsinstititue.org or 386.454.9369.
