Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Upcoming Events:
February 8, 2025 - The Springs Summit
Time - Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m., the opening session will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the main event will wrap up at 6 p.m. Followed by a Banyan Bash after-party at Stetson Law School.
Address - Stetson Law School, 1401 61st St S, Gulfport, FL 33707
The Springs Summit is held every other year and brings together springs advocates to discuss policy and law that affects how we protect Florida's springs. Hosted by the Florida Springs Council and Stetson Law School.
New to the Springs Summit? This is an opportunity for seasoned experts and new advocates to learn, network and map the path forward for the springs conservation movement. The event is FREE TO ATTEND because of the generous support of our sponsors, including title sponsor Save the Manatee Club.
Secure your seat today - floridaspringscouncil.org/summit - Attendance is free, but space is limited so you must register. All spots filled up for our last Summit, and even though we can accommodate more attendees this year, we do expect it to fill up.
Dive Deeper: Every two years the Florida Springs Council gathers springs advocates from across the state together for a Springs Summit. Our end goal is a highly informed group of participants who can work together to recognize the threats to Florida’s springs and follow through on implementing meaningful springs restoration and protection actions.
February 11, 2025 - Seminole State Forest Run for the Woods
Time - 6:30AM- 1:30PM
Address - Bear Pond Trail Head / Hwy 46 Seminole State Forest Entrance, Sorrento, FL US 32776
Run, hike or walk the scenic trails of Seminole State Forest. Offering something for everyone, there will be a 5K, 12K (7.14 miles) and half-marathon trail race through some of central Florida's most beautiful forests.
This is a charity event and all proceeds will be used to improve the Seminole State Forest for the increased enjoyment of the public.
You can directly support the Seminole State Forest by registering for the trail run today. Because the Run is sponsored by the Friends of Seminole State Forest, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, your registration fees are tax deductible, to the extent allowed by law. Thank you!
February 22, 2025 - LCCC Eco Expo
Explore, Learn, and Celebrate Nature! Join FOWR and many other exhibitors for the 2025 LCCC Eco Expo and experience a day of eco-friendly fun for the whole family!
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Location: Lake David Park, Groveland, FL
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What to Expect: Meet local food producers, eco-friendly businesses, and conservation groups. Film Festival and FREE family photos. Get up close with some of Florida’s furry, feathery, or scaley critters! Food trucks, Farmers' Market (open until 1 PM), playground, and skate park!
Admission: FREE
Parking: Street parking around downtown near Michigan and Waldo or plenty of room near the Farmer's Market at Crittenden Street.
This event is for nature lovers of all ages! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the environment, learn from experts, and enjoy Groveland’s beautiful amenities.
Contact more information: info@lcconservationcouncil.org
March 1 , 2025 - Annual Three Bridges Clean Up
Where: 24542 Blackwater Creek Rd, Eustis, FL 32736
When: 9:00 AM until we finish!
Hosted by the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, Seminole State Forest, Central Florida Aquatic Preserves and Lake County: The Annual Clean Up of the Three Bridges that cross Black Water Creek will be held on Saturday, March 1st.
We will meet at the Lake Norris Conservation Area East Trailhead at 9:00 AM. From there we will sign in and then move to clean up around the Lake Norris Bridge, 44 and 44A bridges.
Close toed shoes and long pants are required, long sleeve shirts are recommended! Sign up here!
Wekiva Wellness
Vision: Wekiva Wellness, a proud branch of the Friends of the Wekiva River, is
dedicated to fostering the health and well-being of individuals and communities
by promoting a harmonious connection with the natural environment of the
Wekiva River basin. Through education, advocacy, and wellness initiatives, we
empower individuals to nurture both personal health and the preservation of this
vital ecosystem.
Mission: To inspire sustainable practices, enhance mental and physical wellness,
and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and biodiversity of the Wekiva
River. Together, we strive to ensure a thriving environment and a healthier future
for generations to come.
Save the dates:
March 8th - Rock Painting with LeAnne Boyd, $20 pp
April 19 - Kokedama with LeAnne Boyd, $20 pp
September 13 - Body Stretching, $15 pp
October - Holistic Plant Medicine with Nicole Ouellette, $15 pp
November - Soundbathing with Shinnai , $15 pp
Proceeds cover the cost of facilitators, materials and help fund future Wekiva Wellness Events. We’ll post more details soon!
Wekiwa Springs Watch
The 3rd Thursday of each month
Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30
Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL
Thank you, Wekiva Island, for donating canoes for this activity!
BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST AND HELP MONITOR OUR SPRINGS! SpringsWatch is a citizen science program that provides volunteers with hands-on training in the field. That “field” is Florida’s beautiful springs! Volunteers learn all aspects of water quality monitoring and get to know the wildlife and plants that depend on springs systems. This fun and educational day on the water also contributes to our springs knowledge database as well as that of other environmental agencies across the state.
Currently, the Florida Springs Institute has 11 active SpringsWatch groups across Florida, including Wekiwa Springs. During SpringsWatch sessions, volunteers collect data on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, vertical light attenuation, aquatic vegetation, wildlife, and human uses.
SpringsWatch is a great way to get out to the springs, learn, and help generate data that supports them. Email michelle@friendsofwekiva.org if you’d like to join!
Scenes from several Springswatch paddles. Images by Michelle Jamesson and other Springswatch volunteers