Volunteers with the Florida SpringsWatch program conduct monthly sampling sessions at Jackson Blue Spring and six smaller springs along the northern half of Merritts Mill Pond. Our Jackson Blue Spring group collects data on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, vertical light attenuation, and aquatic vegetation. In addition to water quality monitoring, this group also conducts visual fish counts. A mask, snorkel, and fins are required for volunteers who wish to participate in the fish count.  (Click here to learn more about the fish commonly found in Florida springs.)

SpringsWatch offers participants a deep dive into understanding the ecology of Florida springs as well as a fun day on the water helping to generate research which supports them.  To learn more about the data our volunteers are collecting, click on the monitoring summary above.

Click here or scroll down to sign up, contact us, or learn more about other SpringsWatch locations.