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Aquatic Preserves

Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve, also know as the Wekiva-Middle St. Johns Aquatic Preserve, is located in central Florida — 20 miles north of downtown Orlando — within Volusia, Seminole and Lake counties. This protected area is situated primarily along the Wekiva River and the St. Johns River, two major waterways in the region. The preserve is located to the north of the city of Sanford, and it lies within the larger Wekiva River Basin, which is an important ecological area.

History

Native American communities thrived in the region for thousands of years, utilizing the abundant natural resources provided by the Wekiva and St. Johns River basins. Citizen concerns about water quality and quantity in the early 1980s led to the formation of the Friends of the Wekiva River, a group that advocated for research and regulations to protect the area. Subsequent legislation, such as the Wekiva River Protection Act of 1988 and the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act of 2004, further strengthened conservation measures and land acquisition efforts within the preserve and its surrounding areas.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer opportunities include river cleanups to remove debris, bird surveys to monitor avian populations and exotic plant removal to control the spread of invasive species. Volunteers also play a vital role in educational outreach programs, helping to spread awareness about the preserve's resources and the importance of conservation.

Events

Educational Opportunities

Interpretive signs and kiosks located at access points provide information about the preserve's ecosystem, wildlife and conservation efforts. Educational programs, workshops and symposiums are also offered, covering topics such as resource management, exotic plant control and the watershed and springshed. The Wekiva Promise Initiative, a public education and awareness program, encourages stewardship of the Wekiva River Basin through its magazine, DVD and educational presentations. The Wekiva River Ambassador program, funded by the National Park Service, also conducts educational outreach on the significance of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River.

Scientific Information

The area served as a vital resource for prehistoric communities, offering food, water and shelter. Ancient mounds and middens, often composed primarily of snail shells, mark former home sites, burial grounds and food processing areas. These archaeological features, concentrated near waterways, provide insights into the lives and practices of early inhabitants who relied on the basin's abundant resources. While some sites are publicly accessible for cultural and educational purposes, many remain hidden within the preserve's landscape.

The underlying bedrock is primarily composed of limestone, formed from ancient marine sediments that have been uplifted over millions of years. The dominant soil types in the preserve are shelly sand and clay, while the surrounding watersheds include clayey sand, medium fine sand and silt. The presence of numerous springs, including first magnitude Volusia Blue Spring and second magnitude Rock and Wekiwa Springs, highlights the region's connection to the Floridan Aquifer. These springs emerge from the Hawthorn Coosawhatchie karst formations, offering a glimpse into Florida's geological past. The area's karst landscape, with its sinkholes and solution lakes, further emphasizes the role of limestone dissolution in shaping the region's topography.

The clear, cool waters of spring runs provide ideal conditions for submerged aquatic vegetation such as eelgrass and various arrowhead species. These plants, in turn, provide shelter and sustenance for fish, turtles and other aquatic creatures. Floodplains and swamps, characterized by dense forests and wetlands, support a variety of birds, including wading birds like herons and egrets, as well as mammals such as black bears and otters. This complex web of interconnected habitats contributes to the overall health and resilience of the preserve's ecosystem.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is a riverain system.

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Wood stork, Limpkin, Sandhill crane, Bald eagle

Mammals
West Indian manatee and Florida black bear

Reptiles
Peninsula cooter, Loggerhead musk turtle, Rainbow snake, Brown water snake, American alligator and Florida water snake

Fish
Bluenose shiner, White mullet

Other Species
Orlando cave crayfish, Wekiwa Springs hydrobe, Wekiwa siltsnail, Blue Springs hydrobe, Blue Springs siltsnail, Okeechobee gourd

Conservation Efforts

The establishment of the preserve itself, along with subsequent legislation such as the Wekiva River Protection Act and the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act, has played a crucial role in these efforts. Key conservation strategies have included land acquisition to protect sensitive areas, implementation of total maximum daily loads to reduce nutrient pollution and the establishment of minimum flows and levels to ensure adequate water flow for ecological health. These measures have contributed to the overall health of the preserve's ecosystem by safeguarding water resources, preserving wildlife habitat and mitigating the impacts of human activities.

Ongoing Research

Studies on water quality, including monitoring of nutrient levels and the effects of human activities, are crucial for informing management decisions and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Biological research focuses on understanding the dynamics of key species and habitats, including bird populations, submerged aquatic vegetation and endemic spring species. Research on the impacts of exotic species on native flora and fauna is also crucial for developing effective management strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve plays host to thousands of manatees, wading foul and migratory birds during the cooler months of the winter. The fishing and boating activities remain very active all yearlong.

Interpretive signs and kiosks located at access points provide information about the preserve's ecosystem, wildlife and conservation efforts. Educational programs, workshops and symposiums are also offered, covering topics such as resource management, exotic plant control and the watershed and springshed. The Wekiva Promise Initiative, a public education and awareness program, encourages stewardship of the Wekiva River Basin through its magazine, DVD and educational presentations. The Wekiva River Ambassador program, funded by the National Park Service, also conducts educational outreach on the significance of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River.

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. 

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.

No Fees. Donations are accepted through the Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida.

Contact the office staff and request a volunteer packet.

Partner Groups

  • St. Johns River Water Management District
  • Local governments (Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties)
  • Friends of the Wekiva River
  • Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida, Inc.
  • National Park Service