Rainbow Springs and Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve

Rainbow Springs and Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve and Ocklawaha River Aquatic Preserve Rainbow Springs is Florida's 4th largest spring. (USFWS)
(300)

Both the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve and the Ocklawaha River Aquatic Preserve are located in
North Central Florida's Marion County. The Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve encompasses the entire length of the Rainbow River, covering 150
acres of sovereign submerged lands
The river begins at Rainbow Springs and empties into the Withlacoochee River 5.7 miles to the south. The 72 degree F clear

water is home to 23 species of 15 genera and 7 families of fishes. This area is rich in cultural resources dating back to 7000-3000 BC. The Ocklawaha River Aquatic Preserve covers 4600 acres of sovereign submerged lands. Because of its location in the Central Highlands and it’s protection from geological fluctuations in sea level,
the Oklawaha River is one of the oldest rivers in Florida and one of only three rivers in Florida that flow south to north. The dark-water Oklawaha, spring-run Silver River
and their flood plain swamp support a diverse natural system of flora and fauna. The preserve is home to 110 species and 12 families of fishes. This area is rich in cultural resources; human habitation dates back to 7500 B.C.
43% of the federally listed threatened or endangered species rely directly or indirectly on wetlands
for their survival.

We’re moving! Follow Department of Environmental Protection to keep receiving updates and information about Rainbow Spr...
03/09/2019

We’re moving! Follow Department of Environmental Protection to keep receiving updates and information about Rainbow Springs/Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve.

03/01/2019

You never know what you will come across under the waters of the aquatic preserve. Crossed paths with this beautiful snapping turtle in the Rainbow River while collecting turtles for this weekends Florida Springs Festival. Come on out this Saturday and Sunday at Silver Springs State Park.

02/10/2019

To keep the manatee theme going, here is a follow up that will make it easy to identify these manatees in the future. Although one of the markings looks alot like a prop scar on the tail and side. Please keep in mind the Silver river is a no wake zone for power boaters.

01/24/2019

AP staff collected water quality data in the Silver and Oklawaha Rivers yesterday. Headspring clarity was respectable at 200 feet but what made the day special was being able to watch the manatee munching on the aquatic grass. Listen closely and you can hear it!!!!

01/04/2019

Happy New Year from the Silver River. Spring flow continues to be elevated from recent rainfall and the fish are curious. Headspring clarity was 248 awesome feet. Check out the end of the video and let us know if you recognize those fish.

12/28/2018

Coolest geyser I have ever seen! Recent rains have have been good for the Rainbow's spring flow. Springs are discharging 560 million gallons per day, which is well above historic average flow. Headspring clarity was awesome at 246 feet. Happy hollidays!

12/09/2018

Even on the coldest of days (for Florida) the underwater world is teeming with life. A day on the Silver River, air temp 38 degrees, water temp 73 degrees.

11/01/2018

While AP staff was collecting water quality data a pair of manatees suddenly appeared out of nowhere. An interesting phenomenon this year a group of manatees have decided to stay throughout the summer in the Silver River.

10/28/2018

Find the cover and you can find the fish. Docks are a great place to locate many critters especially fish. I counted at least five different species. How many do you see?

10/12/2018

After the stress of the week with the hurricane we wanted to offer a little bit of serenity to those who could use it. Please keep the people of the panhandle in your thoughts and prayers.

09/22/2018

Welcome to fall although it might not feel like it yet but in the Rainbow it's always a cool 72. The Longnose Gar like to hang in the warmer water at the surface.

09/19/2018

Thirty seconds of awesome! Summer has been a period of bountiful rain and Rainbow River is showing the results with high flow at an incredible 600 million galons per day. Headspring clarity is 229 feet and the river elevation is the highest since 2004.

Address

19152 SW 81st Place Rd
Dunnellon, FL
34432

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