SPringsWatch: Rainbow River
This group is accepting new volunteers. Volunteers must have their own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to participate.
Rainbow Springs consists of twelve named vents that discharge groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer System at a combined historic average discharge of more than 485 million gallons per day (MGD), making it one of the largest first magnitude spring systems in Florida. Rainbow Springs forms the headwaters of the Rainbow River, which is nearly 6 miles long and merges with the Withlacoochee River in Dunnellon, Marion County.
Springswatch FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The clear waters of Rainbow Springs start their journey halfway between Ocala and the Gulf of Mexico. Rainbow is one of the largest spring groups in Florida, and is located in Rainbow Springs State Park. Although the caves are too small for diving, the magnificent water and state park facilities make this spring a swimmer’s paradise. Downstream from the headsprings, several smaller springs flow forth from limestone walls providing a rare glimpse at the karst geology that makes Florida’s springs possible. From a private attraction that competed with Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee for tourists in the early 1900s to a state park of national recognition, Rainbow Springs offers a vibrant sample of Florida’s relationship with its springs. You can learn more about Rainbow Springs, here: RAINBOW SPRINGS
You can apply for this group by clicking the button below:
Rainbow River SpringsWatch Data AND Monitoring summary REPORTS
Become a citizen scientist and help protect Florida's springs!
SPRINGSWATCH
COORDINATOR
The Rainbow SpringsWatch program is funded in part through generous support from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the Live Wildly Foundation, the annual First Magnitude Springs Run hosted by First Magnitude Brewing Company, and Rainbow River Conservation.
