Howard T Odum Florida Springs Institute

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: FSI continues data collection and analysis on the lower and middle Suwannee River and Springs, the Ichetucknee River and Springs, Rainbow River and Springs, Silver Springs, Volusia Blue Spring, Lower Santa Fe River and Springs, and Homosassa Springs. Findings were distributed through the website. A restoration action plan and executive summary for the middle Suwannee River and Springs has been completed and published for distrubution to the public, local and state leaders, and key staff of the environmental agencies. A restoration action plan and executive summary for Volusia Blue Spring has been completed and published. Restoration action plans address the current health of the water bodies and provide recommendations moving forward to improve the health of the ecosystem.

EDUCATION : FSI Conducts presentations to school children and adults on ecology, hydroecology, geology, springs problems and solutions, and state and federal water law. FSI also works with local organizations to educate local government and state leaders on issues affecting the springs so they may make informed decisions to protect the States water ressources. FSIs executive director publishes columns and op-eds in local newspapers on spring issues and conducts TV, radio, and newspaper interviews as one of the states leading experts on Springs and current trends in Springs health. FSI conducts short courses on Springs for environment professionals, students and the public. FSI published a childrens activity and coloring book entitled Aquatic Adventures: Florida Springs and Aquafer. Over 400 copies have been distributed.