2024 was a landmark year for the Florida Springs Institute. We celebrated what would have been the 100th birthday of our namesake, Howard T. Odum. We also honored the legacy of our organization by completing an Ecological Health Assessment of the Silver Springs System, the location where Dr. Robert Knight studied under Dr. Odum and the seeds that eventually grew into the Florida Springs Institute first nestled themselves into the fertile mind of our dear founder.
This year, FSI also adopted an updated Strategic Plan. With our eyes fixed on the north star of ‘saving our springs’, FSI moves into 2025 with renewed vision and a sturdy set of strategic initiatives that will keep us focused on our long-term goals in 2025 and beyond.
In 2024, FSI also started AND completed a 3-year Capital Campaign to purchase a large building for the permanent location of the Florida Springs Institute. Located in the “Springs Heartland” of historic downtown High Springs, we are humbled by how quickly the public rallied to our call for support. People truly believe in the power of a public education center for Florida’s springs. You can look forward to more information about the Florida Springs Welcome Center and a formal dedication of the building in early 2025.
Our partnerships and commitment to educating the youth also grew. For the first time, FSI looks forward to participating in a grant from the National Science Foundation for our field science internship program. In collaboration with our project partners at the College of Central Florida, this three-year project will facilitate career exposure and training for students interested in spring science.
In 2025, we will also be working with local high schools in Alachua County to develop a springs education program for teenagers. And for the youngest spring lovers, FSI is engaged with the Girls Scouts of Gateway Council to facilitate springs education and badge earning for Girl Scouts and Brownies in 2025.
As we look forward to our 15th year, we reflect on just how far we have come as an organization.
In 2024, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute (FSI) was able to accomplish a mind-boggling amount of work because of generous donors just like you. At FSI, we depend on individual private donations to fund nearly half of all we do. The work of ‘saving our springs’ depends heavily on contributions from supportive individuals. Please consider making a donation to the Florida Springs Institute before the end of 2024 to support our continued work. You can contribute knowing that your donation means the absolute world to FSI.
With tremendous gratitude,
The Staff of the Florida Springs Institute

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