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Articles by St. Johns Riverkeeper
Saving Julington-Durbin Preserve!
THE THREAT The last remaining wild Florida paradise that has not been paved over inside the Bartram Park community was under threat. Julington-Durbin Preserve is a 2,031-acre peninsula formed at the confluence of Julington and Durbin creeks.
On The River – April is Earth Month - EU Jacksonville
Last month, the world celebrated World Water Day to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of this natural resource. In the Jacksonville area, we are fortunate to have water all around us. On average, 5.4 billion gallons of water are discharged from the mouth of the St. Johns River into the Atlantic Ocean every day. This vast network of water forming 310 miles upstream is a significant part of our identity as a River City.
On the River: Outstanding River Friendly Yard Award
Annually, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER and Florida Native Plant Society’s Ixia Chapter recognize individuals or businesses that have implemented River Friendly landscaping and maintenance practices to reduce their impact upon the health of the St. Johns River and our environment.
On the River: Getting Litter out of Our River
Few waterways are spared from the seemingly endless supply of plastics and litter that dumps directly from storm drain outfalls. In northeast Florida, it is hard to find a creek or park free of these foreign invaders. Getting litter out of our river is a tough job, and few barriers exist to keep it out in the first place.
5 Steps: How to be a “River Friendly” boater
We use the term “River Friendly” often. Usually, it’s a reference to actions homeowners take to conserve water and reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides that can run off into nearby storm drains and waterways. Sometimes we are referring to businesses that take steps to reduce their impact on the river or support the work of St. Johns Riverkeeper. The term also applies to boaters who take steps to be good stewards of the river while out on the water.
On the River - Happy Hour on the Water
There has been a lot of talk about activating our river lately. Lots of initiatives are spinning around to revitalize and energize the tremendous waterfront Jacksonville offers. The best way to understand, explore and experience the river, is to get on the water. Here are some ways you can escape into your own backyard this summer and enjoy what we have to offer.
30-Year Restoration of St. Johns River Headwaters Reaches Completion - 90.7 WMFE
Work is complete on a 30-year, 250 million dollar restoration of the St. Johns River’s headwaters, one of the largest wetland restoration efforts in the world. The work was done to resurrect a more natural flow of water in the headwaters of the state’s longest river, which begins in central Florida and flows north toward Jacksonville. 90.7 environmental reporter Amy Green talked with St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman about the work.
Guest Column: Florida's leaders are siding with polluters over the environment
At a time when South Florida waterways are covered in toxic green sludge, our Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to increase the allowable limits of numerous toxic compounds discharged into our state’s waterways. Required to update its human health-based criteria to protect human health from exposure to surface water chemical contaminants, DEP was presented with a choice.
Guest Column: Florida's leaders are siding with polluters over the environment
At a time when South Florida waterways are covered in toxic green sludge, our Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to increase the allowable limits of numerous toxic compounds discharged into our state’s waterways. Required to update its human health-based criteria to protect human health from exposure to surface water chemical contaminants, DEP was presented with a choice.
Save the St. Johns: Day 13
Day 13 began with a beautiful sunrise overlooking the shoreline where the St. Johns River meets the ocean. The Tour Team camped with family, friends and volunteers along the river at Huguenot Memorial Park, enjoying the final morning before jumping into kayaks. Outfitter Kayak Amelia led a 5-mile paddle through the winding salt marsh and estuary of the Timucuan Preserve, pointing out the pelicans, shorebirds, dolphins, and other wildlife that shared the water with us.
Save the St. Johns: Day 12
On Saturday, Day 12, the weather didn't want to cooperate for the first time on the Tour, and we had to cancel the flotilla from Sadler Point Marina on the Ortega to Jacksonville University (JU). However, the rain and lightning soon subsided, and we were able to make it just in time for the Science Roundtable at JU's Marine Science Research Institute and the location of the St. Johns Riverkeeper offices.
Save the St. Johns: Day 11
The tour team left Green Cove Springs on a full stomach after our innkeeper, Pat, served up a delicious breakfast at the River Park Inn, a historic B&B. The spring in Green Cove is the heart of this Clay County community. As the spring runs from its source to the St. Johns, a picturesque park and view of the river connect generations of people to this place.
Save the St. Johns: Day 10
Crystal Cove Marina, overlooking the St. Johns River in Palatka provided a beautiful backdrop for a live remote interview at sunrise with Lisa Rinaman for WJXT's "The Morning Show".
Save the St. Johns: Day 9
We begin our day with a hot pot of coffee on the banks of the Ocklawaha River. We stayed overnight at the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort, the perfect place to sleep, relax, and enjoy the river life. Canoe rentals and shuttles are available that allow patrons to kayak the Ockalwaha and conclude at the campsite. Today, the Tour Team paddled the lower Ocklawaha River from the Kirkpatrick Dam to a takeout at highway 19, about 8 miles. This stretch of braided river feels wild.
Save the St. Johns: Day 8
We started out our day with a meeting at Silver Springs State Park with numerous environmental leaders that included: Guy Marwick, Executive Director of the Felburn Foundation; Dr. Katie Tripp with Save the Manatee; Thomas Hawkins, Executive Director of Florida Defenders of the Environment; Dr. Robert Knight, Executive Director of the Florida Springs Institute; and Robin Lewis, wetland scientist and President of Lewis Environmental Services.
Save the St. Johns: Day 7
We began the day with a warm send-off from the generous and hospitable residents of Drayton Island who hosted our group in their homes and nourished us with a delicious Easter dinner and hearty breakfast before we departed. On the water, we were joined by Sam Carr and Ken Mahaffey with the Bartram Trails in Putnam County. Both are locals with tremendous pride in their River and its heritage.
Save the St. Johns: Day 6
Sunday the tour team departed DeLand and headed north passing the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Dexter. Bald Eagles and osprey lined many of the trees we passed. Houseboaters were common in this area and it is a great place to relax and watch the river. Our first stop was lunch at the Blackwater Inn, a local favorite and the best place to dine waterfront.
Save the St. Johns: Day 5
Today, we ventured off the main stem of the St. Johns River to explore the Econlockhatchee River, the second largest tributary to the river at 54 miles. Our outfitter Adventures in Florida guided the team through low hanging trees, snags, sandy beaches and wildlife. Several gators were spotted as well as otter, herons, kingfishers and large bass.
Save the St. Johns: Day 5
What an adventure! Day 5 of the Save the St. Johns tour began on the spring fed, 16-mile tributary to the St. Johns, Wekiva River. Nearly 50 paddlers joined us on the water with outfitter Adventures in Florida to experience this River. We launched from Katie's Landing, with, Katie. Katie Moncreif and her husband Russ worked hard to acquire this waterfront property from surrounding development pressure. It now serves as a tremendous River resourse.
Save the St. Johns: Day 4
Today, we ventured off the main stem of the St. Johns River to explore the Econlockhatchee River, the second largest tributary to the river at 54 miles. Our outfitter Adventures in Florida guided the team through low hanging trees, snags, sandy beaches and wildlife. Several gators were spotted as well as otter, herons, kingfishers and large bass.
Save the St. Johns: Day 4
Today, we ventured off the main stem of the St. Johns River to explore the Econlockhatchee River, the second largest tributary to the river at 54 miles. Our outfitter Adventures in Florida guided the team through low hanging trees, snags, sandy beaches and wildlife. Several gators were spotted as well as otter, herons, kingfishers and large bass.
Save the St. Johns: Day 3
On Day 3, the Tour Team paddled the St. Johns River north of Lake Poinsett. This section is more braided and difficult to navigate. Cattle hug the banks, altering the native landscape and causing erosion. Airboats are popular in this stretch of river and crowds wait patiently at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp to experience the wild Florida. We paddled the St. Johns with guides from the Brevard County Parks and Recreation along the eastern border of the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Save the St. Johns: Day 3
On Day 3, the Tour Team paddled the St. Johns River north of Lake Poinsett. This section is more braided and difficult to navigate. Cattle hug the banks, altering the native landscape and causing erosion. Airboats are popular in this stretch of river and crowds wait patiently at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp to experience the wild Florida. We paddled the St. Johns with guides from the Brevard County Parks and Recreation along the eastern border of the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Save the St. Johns: Day 2
The St. Johns Riverkeeper is traveling the length of the St. Johns River. Here's a look at the group's second day. Day 2 on the river brought sunny skies and wide lakes, connected by marshland ideal for airboating. Camp Holly was busting with tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the many gators common in this stretch of river. The Tour Team reached Lake Washington, the largest lake in Brevard County, on a refreshing and placid day.
Save the St. Johns: Day 1
The St. Johns Riverkeeper is traveling the length of the St. Johns River. Here's a look at the group's first day: Our 13-day journey began with a ceremonial blessing from Sister Pat Siemen. Today's launch coincides with World Water Day, an international day of awareness for water issues. The tour team explored Blue Cypress Lake, headwaters of the St. Johns River and the largest concentration of Osprey in the world.
Lisa Rinaman: St. Johns River faces major threats
You’ve probably heard a lot about Florida’s water future in the news lately, especially since the Florida Legislature is considering a major water policy bill for the legislative session that starts next week. It’s easy for ordinary citizens to feel powerless around this issue with so many people moving into Florida, so many users competing for a limited water supply and so many problems with pollution. But the truth is that we citizens do have power.
Lisa Rinaman: St. Johns River faces major threats
You’ve probably heard a lot about Florida’s water future in the news lately, especially since the Florida Legislature is considering a major water policy bill for the legislative session that starts next week. It’s easy for ordinary citizens to feel powerless around this issue with so many people moving into Florida, so many users competing for a limited water supply and so many problems with pollution. But the truth is that we citizens do have power.
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