Since 1994, the Rainbow River Conservation, Inc. and Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve staff have been maintaining over 50 wood duck boxes on the Rainbow River. Old wood shavings, down feathers, unhatched eggs, insects and other squatters are removed each December. The boxes are refreshed with cedar wood shavings, and Irish Spring bar soap is applied to the inside of the lid and the bottom of the box to deter predators.

The cooler temperatures brought in small herds of manatees to the warm waters of the Silver River. Staff, volunteers and visitors all enjoy seeing these friendly, curious giants! The cooler temperatures also pushed the invasive tilapia to the headsprings. Staff focused on the ones in the emergent vegetation this week and any that were showing early signs of spawning, which include pairing up, turning white, and clearing vegetation for beds.

The 5.7 miles of Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve offers spectacular crystal-clear spring water, thick and diverse vegetation below the water's surface and fish, turtles and otters, oh my! Visitors can enjoy the Rainbow River via motorboat, kayak, canoe or tubing, but may I recommend an elevated view atop a stand-up paddleboard!