November 8, 2024 - Monthly Eco Paddle (Event by Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System)

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood

What to Expect: Learn how to benefit our waterways and see the Wekiva River first hand on a canoe tour! Space is limited; RSVP REQUIRED. Participants should have some prior paddling (canoe, kayak, etc) experience. Contact Elizabeth Stephens for more information (407-665-2457; serv@seminolecountyfl.gov). Please note that this is an educational event, not a clean-up (volunteer hours are not available). A huge shoutout to the folks at Wekiva Islands - we couldn't do it without your generosity!

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

October 21, 2024 - Monthly Eco Paddle (Event by Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System)

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood

What to Expect: Learn how to benefit our waterways and see the Wekiva River first hand on a canoe tour! Space is limited; RSVP REQUIRED. Participants should have some prior paddling (canoe, kayak, etc) experience. Contact Elizabeth Stephens for more information (407-665-2457; serv@seminolecountyfl.gov). Please note that this is an educational event, not a clean-up (volunteer hours are not available). A huge shoutout to the folks at Wekiva Islands - we couldn't do it without your generosity!

Friends of the Wekiva River Presents - Doug Tallamy, Ecologist & Author

Reserve your tickets today!

Date and time

Sunday, October 20 · 1:30 - 3:30pm EDT

Location

Longwood Community Building

200 West Warren Avenue Longwood, FL 32750

About this event

“We are at a critical point of losing so many species from local ecosystems that their ability to produce the oxygen, clean water, flood control, pollination, pest control, carbon storage, etc, that is, the ecosystem services that sustain us, will become seriously compromised.” —Doug Tallamy

Join Friends of the Wekiva River for a special event featuring renowned ecologist Douglas Tallamy, founder of Homegrown National Park and author of several well known, optimism inducing environmental books including Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope (+ young readers edition), to learn about what we can do in our own backyards to help preserve the nature around us, including the very special Wekiva River basin and springs.

Together we will hear Doug's message about the importance of native plants and how Florida-friendly mindsets and methodologies in our very own yards can support a larger wildlife ecosystem and prevent destruction of the wild places we love.

As one of Friends of Wekiva River's biggest events of the year, expect to have an inspiring afternoon:

• Raffle – Win one of Doug’s books or purchase a book at the door to have it signed by the author himself

• Meet our local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Cuplet Fern, and receive a discount on future plant orders. We'll also have native seeds on hand for attendees.

• Meet other nature enthusiasts and gain valuable, actionable insights from a renowned expert on what you can do today to help our local environment

Don't miss out on this chance to expand your knowledge and make a positive impact on the environment! We look forward to meeting you and seeing you there. All welcome.

Become a member to support our work, and learn more about what we do at friendsofwekiva.org

If you would like to make a donation to support our work, you can do so via PayPal here: https://tinyurl.com/donateFOWR

Resources:

Doug’s books are available on Spotify Premium if you would like to learn more:

• Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy

• Feature on Doug in Smithsonian Magazine

Learn more about Friends of the Wekiva River and become a member at FriendsofWekiva.org

Reserve your tickets today

You won’t want to miss this one. Hope to see you there!

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

September 25, 2024 - Monthly Eco Paddle (Event by Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System)

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood

What to Expect: Learn how to benefit our waterways and see the Wekiva River first hand on a canoe tour! Space is limited; RSVP REQUIRED. Participants should have some prior paddling (canoe, kayak, etc) experience. Contact Elizabeth Stephens for more information (407-665-2457; serv@seminolecountyfl.gov). Please note that this is an educational event, not a clean-up (volunteer hours are not available). A huge shoutout to the folks at Wekiva Islands - we couldn't do it without your generosity!

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

September 14- Wekiva Wellness: A Guided Walking Meditation

Join the Friends of Wekiva River for a serene start to your day! Master Certified Life Coach, Nicole Ouellette, who specializes in holistic wellness, will lead the meditation. Experience tranquility and rejuvenation with every step. See you there!

Time: 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Cost: $15.00 plus $3.00 parking

Location: Rock Springs State Reserve, 30601 County Road 433, Sorrento FL 32776

What to Expect:

• A peaceful walk through beautiful natural surroundings

• Guided meditation to help you connect with nature and find inner calm

• Gentle stretches and mindfulness exercises

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes (or no shoes)

• Water bottle

• Light, weather-appropriate clothing

Reserve Here!

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

Lake Prevatt

Join us for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample, where volunteers play a vital role in preserving the health of our waterways. As part of this initiative, we explore four key sites around the Wekiva River System, collecting juvenile dragonflies to be assessed for mercury levels. These dragonfly larvae, acting as biomonitoring tools, offer insights into mercury pollution, originating primarily from distant sources like coal-burning power plants. Through citizen science, we empower individuals to contribute to meaningful research while fostering a deeper connection between people and parks. By studying mercury in dragonfly larvae, we can better understand its impact on ecosystems and work towards effective conservation strategies.

If you're passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a difference, sign up today to volunteer for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample. Together, let's protect our precious waterways and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

Wekiva Springs Run

Join us for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample, where volunteers play a vital role in preserving the health of our waterways. As part of this initiative, we explore four key sites around the Wekiva River System, collecting juvenile dragonflies to be assessed for mercury levels. These dragonfly larvae, acting as biomonitoring tools, offer insights into mercury pollution, originating primarily from distant sources like coal-burning power plants. Through citizen science, we empower individuals to contribute to meaningful research while fostering a deeper connection between people and parks. By studying mercury in dragonfly larvae, we can better understand its impact on ecosystems and work towards effective conservation strategies.

If you're passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a difference, sign up today to volunteer for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample. Together, let's protect our precious waterways and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

KATIE’S LANDING - DRIVE IN, NO SIGN UP NECESSARY!

Join us for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample, where volunteers play a vital role in preserving the health of our waterways. As part of this initiative, we explore four key sites around the Wekiva River System, collecting juvenile dragonflies to be assessed for mercury levels. These dragonfly larvae, acting as biomonitoring tools, offer insights into mercury pollution, originating primarily from distant sources like coal-burning power plants. Through citizen science, we empower individuals to contribute to meaningful research while fostering a deeper connection between people and parks. By studying mercury in dragonfly larvae, we can better understand its impact on ecosystems and work towards effective conservation strategies.

If you're passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a difference, sign up today to volunteer for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample. Together, let's protect our precious waterways and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

Big Buck Campsite

Join us for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample, where volunteers play a vital role in preserving the health of our waterways. As part of this initiative, we explore four key sites around the Wekiva River System, collecting juvenile dragonflies to be assessed for mercury levels. These dragonfly larvae, acting as biomonitoring tools, offer insights into mercury pollution, originating primarily from distant sources like coal-burning power plants. Through citizen science, we empower individuals to contribute to meaningful research while fostering a deeper connection between people and parks. By studying mercury in dragonfly larvae, we can better understand its impact on ecosystems and work towards effective conservation strategies.

If you're passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a difference, sign up today to volunteer for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample. Together, let's protect our precious waterways and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Join us for our monthly board meeting!

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Registration is required. Click here to register. 

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. 

Information provided by The Florida Springs Institute

https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/

Wekiva Springs State Park Rec Hall 3-5 p.m

Thursday, March 7th, 7:00 pm

Come join us for a special and informative event! Jim Adamski will be leading a presentation about Public Lands, what they are, their history and their current threats. You can expect lots of interesting facts with scenic pictures to accompany and probably some great discussion! Hope you can join us as we all learn more about the public lands we all love.

Please email michelle@friendsofwekiva.org to join the list!

(FOWR Board will meet from 5:30-6:30 in the same location.)