Recent Events!

Late winter and early spring has been a busy event season for Friends of the Wekiva River. Check out what we’ve been up to!

February 24, 2024- Parkway Festival

The last leg of the Wekiva Parkway officially opened on January 26, 2024. It connects St Rd 429, St Rt 417 and I-4 to complete the Central Florida beltway for express travel around Orlando. On Saturday, February 24, 2024, hundreds of people, including state and government leaders, came out for the free Community Festival held at the Lake County Neighborhood Lake Scenic Trail Head and joined in celebrating completion of the conservation-conscious Wekiva Parkway.

“We had to have a beltway, but we had to protect the most vital and important natural resource for water supply and for our animals traversing up and down the Ocala-Wekiva Area“ was Seminole County commissioner and former state senator Lee Constantine’s comment at the festival. Land was also set aside for conservation. Many stakeholders and other organizations, including Friends of the Wekiva River (FOWR), had tables set up handing out information and getting to know the people attending. Some of our members were involved in this project over the entire 20+ years of planning and helped get the Parkway raised for a wildlife corridor for safer passage of wildlife. When the ground was broken for the Parkway, a tree was planted and at this community festive celebration, another tree was planted, coming full circle.

A shout out also goes to The Seminole High School Marching Band followed by a DJ who both kept the crowd celebrating with background music, adding to the celebratory atmosphere!

Photos Cindy Newton

March 2, 2024 - EcoExpo

We had a very nice turn out at this year’s annual EcoExpo! This great “Going Green” event was hosted at the Leesburg Square Mall and included a scavenger hunt, door prizes, nature films, and workshops on protecting natural resources. The crowd also enjoyed exhibits about electric vehicles, new construction techniques, native plants and animals, climate change, sustainability, smart growth, energy alternatives, community trusts, the wildlife corridor and dark sky lightning!

The foot traffic was excellent and not only were we able to connect and reconnect with 45 other exhibitors; we also had a great response from residents who wanted to know more about Friends and a large portion of those signed up to receive our Newsletter! So, if this is your first time receiving the Newsletter, welcome!!!

The exhibits were excellent and informative, and the 14 speakers did a great job. Friends of the Wekiva River was happy to host a table this year and is looking forward to next year’s event, EcoExpo 2025!

Photos Cindy Newton

March 7, 2024 - Professor Jim Adamski’s Presentation

What a special and informative presentation FOWR board member, professor Jim Adamski gave! Jim spoke to a very attentive audience about public lands, what they are, their history and their current threats. He threw in interesting and fun facts alongside a slideshow of maps and scenic pictures from his own adventures across the country. As well as some great discussion afterwards! Big thank-you to Jim for sharing your incredible insight with us on the public lands we all know and love!

Photos by Michelle Jamesson and Mark Pafford

March 9, 2024 - Springs Conservation Night at the Island

Wekiva Island hosted the "Springs Conservation Night at the Island" event from 7- 11 p.m. on March 9th and generously donated a portion of sales from the evening to springs conservation efforts. The Florida Springs Council set up a table to share information about springs protection, talk to our members and partners, and meet new springs advocates.

We had a great time talking with members of the Friends of the Wekiva River as well as the Sierra Club and other organizations in the area. We were also joined by the Wekiva Wild & Scenic River team who held the first screening of their new film "Wekiva: A National Treasure" at the Springs Conservation Night event.

- Chloe Dougherty, Communications Associate, Florida Springs Council

Photos by Chloe Dougherty. Images includes Ryan and Michael McGrath speaking with the owner of Wekiva Island, Bill and Ryan Smart speaking with a FOWR member.

March 10, 2024 - Hike at Rock Springs Run State Reserve

The Friends of the Wekiva River recently hosted a hike at Rock Springs Run State Reserve with FOWR board member and wildlife ecologist Dr. Jay Exum leading the way. It was a beautiful day for celebrating the arrival of spring and the exuberance of birds singing along our 2.5-mile guided stroll through live oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and longleaf pine sandhills. 30 birds were identified either from their calls, and songs or from seeing them in flight or in the trees.

Jay’s extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna in the varing habitats added to the hikers experience. FOWR board member Nancy Prine, also an experienced birder was keeping track of the 30 different birds that were identified. The Merlin Bird ID app was also a help for both experienced and novice birders. Look out for similar guided hikes to be announced soon for next year’s event calendar!