Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve

The Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve and its surrounding areas contain more than 2,200 acres of archaeological sites. These sites, which date back to at least the Early Archaic period, include prehistoric campsites, mounds, middens and habitation sites. The archaeological sites found within the preserve boundaries provide insight into the area's indigenous cultures as well as its modern history. Collecting artifacts is illegal without a permit.

The Oklawaha River, located in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province of Florida, is underlain by a thick sequence of varied sedimentary rocks. Major deposits include the Avon Park Limestone, the Ocala Group Limestone, the clayey Hawthorne Formation and a top layer of undifferentiated sands and clay. The karst topography is irregular due to the dissolving action of acidic surface water and groundwater on carbonate rocks, forming cavities and causing surface subsidence. The sediments of the Oklawaha River and Silver River floodplains are mostly organic, such as peats and mucks.

The Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve supports a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. The different sediment types found in the preserve, ranging from muck to sand, support a variety of plant and invertebrate life. The Oklawaha River is a blackwater river, while the Silver River is a clear spring run; both water bodies are lined with swamps. The surrounding forests provide food for animals and attract many species of birds. 

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Riverine system, spring-fed run, blackwater stream, Outstanding Florida Water

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Limpkin, white ibis, tricolored heron, little blue heron, black-crowned night heron, yellow-crowned night heron, wood stork, osprey, bald eagle, swallow-tailed kite, great blue heron, great egret, green heron and wood duck

Mammals
Florida manatee, white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoon, grey squirrel, bobcats, otters

Reptiles
American alligator, Florida softshell turtle, Florida snapping turtle, Florida cooter, Suwannee river cooter, common musk turtle, loggerhead musk turtle

Fish
Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, chain pickerel, longnose gar, bowfin, Florida gar, mullet, gizzard shad, American eel, white catfish, yellow bullhead catfish and brown bullhead catfish  

Other Species
Cardinal flower

Year-round. Manatees are most common November through March.

The aquatic preserve does not offer guided tours. Please visit other vendors in the area for guided tours. 

Yes. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily-disturbed wildlife. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our coastal waters. 

Fishing and swimming are prohibited on the Silver River, and the entire river is idle speed. Follow the speed signs along the Oklawaha River as speed regulations vary. Fishing is permissible on the Oklawaha River. 

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. Eureka West Boat Ramp, Silver Springs State Park and Ray Wayside Park are ADA accessible.

There is no aquatic preserve entry fee, but if you enter the aquatic preserve through the state park, other boat ramps or another vendor, there will be associated fees. Donations can be made to the Aquatic Preserve Society.

Volunteering can be done at Silver Springs State Park through the Florida Park Service.