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Aquatic Preserves

Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve is in Central Florida in the city of Dunnellon in Marion County. The Rainbow River flows 5.7 miles before it connects to the Withlacoochee River, which in turn empties into the Gulf of America at Withlacoochee Bay near Yankeetown. 

History

Human activity in the Rainbow Springs dates back almost 10,000 years, with Native Americans finding the environment attractive due to its abundance of fish, vegetation and wildlife. The Rainbow River was designated a Registered Natural Landmark in 1972, an aquatic preserve in 1986 and an Outstanding Florida Water in 1987. In 1989, the Southwest Florida Water Management District adopted the Rainbow River into the Surface Water Improvement and Management program and subsequently created a SWIM plan. The purpose of the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve is to maintain the springs and river in an essentially natural state. 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Events

  • An annual cleanup is hosted each spring by the Rainbow River Conservation, Inc.

Educational Opportunities

There is an informational exhibit representing Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve at the Rainbow Springs State Park Visitor Center and campground, KP Hole County Park and Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. Staff of Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve can be found at local events and schools providing educational opportunities.

Scientific Information

Archaeological evidence found along the Rainbow River indicates humans have been using the area and resources for more than 10,000 years. A 1980 archaeological survey of the 455 acres surrounding the headwaters identified three prehistoric sites including a large prehistoric Native American archaic village dated between 8,000 and 1,000 BC. The site has been assessed as a significant cultural resource. Collecting artifacts is illegal without a permit.

The elevations of the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve range from 30 feet above sea level in the interior portions of the preserve and up to 100 feet above sea level in the surrounding areas. Most of the preserve is in the Dunnellon Gap physiographic province, while the upper portion extends into the Western Valley and borders the Brooksville Ridge in the north. Immediately east of the aquatic preserve is an Eocene series consisting of Ocala Limestone Group. The aquatic preserve ventures into this series at its very eastern, northern and southern tips. Immediately to the northwest of the aquatic preserve is a Miocene series, consisting of Hawthorn group geological formations.

The majority of the aquatic preserve consists of two natural communities: spring-run stream and blackwater stream. The spring-run stream is fed by groundwater through artesian openings in the underground aquifer. The water from the springheads generally runs clear and maintains an average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. In the lower portion of the Rainbow River, a small segment of blackwater stream stretches for the final quarter mile of the aquatic preserve, forming the transition zone between the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. The aquatic preserve also includes communities of hydric hammock, mesic flatwoods and floodplain swamps.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types
Spring-run stream, blackwater stream, Outstanding Florida Water

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Swallow-tailed kite, wood stork, white ibis, tricolored heron, limpkin, bald eagle, wood duck, great blue heron, little blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron

Mammals
River otter, bobcat, white-tailed deer, raccoon

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

Fish
Yellow bullhead catfish, brown bullhead catfish, bowfin, bluegill, gizzard shad, Florida bass, mullet, Florida gar, longnose gar, Seminole killifish, American eel

Other Species
Cardinal flower

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts at Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve focus on water quality, native plant communities and invasive species. The preserve partners with the Southwest Florida Water Management District with water quality monitoring and partners with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to chemically treat and/or manually remove invasive plant and animal species. The preserve has also replanted native aquatic vegetation to restore areas damaged by human activities. These efforts are important to maintain the ecological balance of the spring-run stream and its surrounding ecosystems. Invasive species can outcompete native plants, disrupt habitats for fish and wildlife and negatively impact water quality. Maintaining the health of the native plant community helps protect the aquatic preserve for future generations.

Ongoing Research

Ongoing research in the preserve includes water quality monitoring and aquatic vegetation mapping. In partnership with Southwest Florida Water Management District's Surface Water Improvement and Management Program, the preserve collects water quality data every month and has archived more than eight years of data. The preserve also partners with Southwest Florida Water Management District to conduct a plant survey and mapping project. The project helps to identify changes in plant communities and guide management decisions. Long-term monitoring of these factors is critical to understanding the health of the aquatic preserve and its ability to support diverse plant and animal life. This data is also important when reviewing the Basin Management Action Plan, minimum flows and levels, total maximum daily loads and other water quality and quantity restoration goals among partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

The aquatic preserve is popular during the summer months; for a more relaxing experience, visit on weekdays or during non-summer months.

The aquatic preserve does not offer guided tours. Please visit other vendors in the area for guided tours. Staff of Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve can be found at local events and schools providing educational opportunities.

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.

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times for your safety and the safety of others due to the narrow and shallow nature of the river and the many user groups that use it.  
  • It is required you display a diver down flag when diving or swimming.  
  • The entirety of the Rainbow River is idle speed.  
  • Boating and fishing at the main headsprings are prohibited to protect the natural resources and for the safety of the park visitors.  
  • Disposable containers and alcohol are prohibited.
  • Please be mindful of the homeowners and their personal property as you recreate along the 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).

The boat ramps connecting you with the aquatic preserve are ADA accessible.

There are no fees required by the preserve, but if you enter it through the state park, county park boat ramp or another vendor, there will be associated fees. 

Community cleanups occur each year. Check local listings for the advertisement each spring. Volunteering can be done at Rainbow Springs State Park through the Florida Park Service.

Partner Groups

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD): Partners in water quality monitoring and aquatic vegetation mapping.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Partners in invasive species control.
  • Eckerd College: Conducts ongoing research on turtle populations in the river.
  • Rainbow Springs State Park: Provides public access to the preserve and collaborates on shoreline restoration projects.
  • Rainbow River Conservation, Inc.: A non-profit organization that coordinates resource management projects and sponsors an annual river cleanup.
  • Marion County and the City of Dunnellon: Collaborates on shoreline restoration projects and provides public access to the preserve.

These partnerships leverage the expertise and resources of various organizations to achieve common goals for the protection and management of the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve.