“Florida Society, Children of the American
Revolution
"S.O.S. Save Our Springs"

The 2010-11 Florida Society, C.A.R. State Program is “S.O.S.--Save Our Springs.” Florida’s freshwater springs are a natural resource unique in the world. Florida has one of the greatest concentrations of freshwater springs anywhere on Earth, with accounts ranging to over 700. This includes approximately 30 first-magnitude springs that each produce over 45,000 gallons of water per minute. Springs span the whole history and pre-history of Florida, as they served as watering holes for prehistoric animals and were favored gathering places of Florida’s earliest inhabitants, the Paleo-Indians. The written history of the United States begins with Ponce de Leon’s search for the “Fountain of Youth,” easily recognized as an exaggerated account of a Florida spring. Colonial naturalist William Bartram reported on the spectacular beauty of Florida’s springs during his travels in Florida in the 1770s and, not surprisingly, springs became some of Florida’s first attractions in the age of tourism. Members will learn about the history and science of Florida’s springs and join efforts to preserve these unique natural resources in their local areas.

The 2010-11 State Project is to raise funds for interpretive signage at the Florida Friendly Butterfly Garden in Florida’s 160th and newest state park, Weeki Wachee Springs. The goal of the garden is to inspire and inform the public about native landscaping and how it helps our springs and rivers, and to teach visitors more about Florida’s unique wildlife and the niches they fill in our ecosystems. The “S.O.S.--Save Our Springs” Florida State Seminar will be held Labor Day weekend 2010 at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Members will enjoy fun and educational experiences at the park attraction, including the historic mermaid show, animal encounters, and a boat ride down the Weeki Wachee River. In addition, we will also enjoy first-hand the beauty and fun of a Florida spring by picnicking and swimming at Buccaneer Bay, Weeki Wachee’s swimming facility, located at the headwaters of the spring.