Programs & Events
On this page, you can browse all of the different types of events and programs the Florida Springs Institute has to offer! Click any profile to learn more about the event/program. If you’re looking for a specific event, navigate to our Events Calendar to search by event name and/or date.
You don’t want to miss the Open House for our new building in downtown High Springs! Located at 18645 High Springs Main Street, this is the location for the new Florida Springs Welcome Center! Come see us for live music, drinks, food, and all things springs! 2 – 8 pm on Saturday, January 21st. Learn more, here: https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/events/open-house/
Springs Run 2023 is on Saturday, February 4th! Springs Run 7.2K starts at First Magnitude Brewing Company, goes through Depot Park and along the Hawthorne Trail, then back to the brewery for beer and all day Springs Fest. 1.0 mile Fun Run also available! Click here to sign up: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/FirstMagnitudeSpringRun
Springs Field School is our most advanced springs education program! Springs Field School 2022 will be held from Sept. 6-10 in the Springs Heartland! This course will teach attendees everything from Florida springs basic hydrogeology, biology, and chemistry to advanced water quality testing methods, state management regulations, and what is needed to conserve this natural resource. Click on the image to learn more, or follow the link: https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/events/springs-field-school-2022/
You won’t want to miss this incredible tour of Kings Bay! Guided by springs expert Dr. Robert Knight, this pontoon boat tour around Kings Bay will stop at various springs and points of interest along the way. Lunch will be provided on the boat and there will be several opportunities to swim. Join us for a day you’ll never forget! Friday, April 8th from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm. Sign up today, HERE
The First Magnitude Springs Run is a 7.2K around Depot Park and the Hawthorne trail. The event is hosted by First Magnitude Brewing Company in Gainesville, FL. Runners of all ages join us as we run for the springs! Proceeds are donated to the Florida Springs Institute to help us on our mission to save the springs. This is the largest run of its kind in the area. Will be on Saturday, Feb 5, 2022. Sign up today HERE!
This event is on July 23rd from 6-9 pm. The Fellowship of the Springs is a documentary film series by director and producer Oscar Corral. This event is an evening with the Florida Springs Institute at the Hippodrome Theater in the heart of downtown Gainesville, FL. Find out more here: https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/events/the-fellowship-of-the-springs/
On February 22nd from 10am to 12pm, the Florida Springs Institute will host a public meeting to discuss the findings of our three-year project monitoring water quality, water quantity, and ecological health on the Lower Santa Fe River and springs. The public is encouraged to attend and can view via zoom or Facebook Live. Details can be found HERE.
With the goals of reducing aquifer nitrogen pollution and groundwater depletion, there are three objectives to achieving a “Springs Friendly Yard”:
- No fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides
- Rain capture instead of groundwater withdrawal
- Landscape with native species
Out of the Mist: A Silver River Story
SpringsWatch is our monthly citizen science springs monitoring program that facilitates “hands-on” volunteer participation while also contributing to springs research efforts around the state. Currently, we have six SpringsWatch groups: Silver, Ichetucknee, Rainbow, Santa Fe, Weeki Wachee, and Homosassa River spring systems
This event on May 14th from 5-8pm will be featuring live ‘Old Time Southern String’ music in the garden by The Baldwins, hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting, a book talk and signing by Dr. Robert Knight, and an opportunity to pose for a picture with Miss Mermaid Florida 2021!
Springs Academy is six-part lecture series which takes place on the first or second Tuesday of each month. Springs Academy Courses are as follows: Class 1: Springs Overview, Class 2: Springs Hydrogeology, Class 3: Springs Biology, Class 4: Springs Chemistry, Class 5: Springs Stresses, and Class 6: Springs Advocacy.
Our Springs Outing trips connect nature lovers with the outdoors (and each other) while giving participants the opportunity to learn about Florida’s rich landscape from qualified experts and scientists. Each Spring Outing holds a new adventure, and with it, new information and experiences, even for the most seasoned adventure enthusiasts! Proceeds from Spring Outings benefit the Florida Springs Institute so we can continue vital springs research and education efforts.
The Florida Springs Institute is hosting our 6th annual Give Springs a Break at Gissy Springs on the Rainbow River from Thursday, June 6th – Sunday, June 9th, 2019. This weekend event combines learning and relaxation, with activities for college students and young professionals who are passionate and concerned about our environment and the future of Florida’s freshwater resources.
Save Our Springs: Mermaid Gala
Save Our Springs: Mermaid Gala is our annual fundraiser and biggest fundraising event of the year! At this event, guests have the opportunity to learn about the important work that our organization is doing to protect our springs and aquifer, while also enjoying an elegant evening celebrating environmental protection!
The North Florida Springs Environmental Center is our central hub for springs education. Join us for one of our fun monthly events like Painting the Springs, live music, book signings, native landscaping seminars, environmental documentary film screenings, and more!
If you have questions about one of our events or an idea for an event, please email us at info@floridaspringsinstitute.org