Rainbow Springs
Groups, Organizations & Resources
Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs State Park | 352 465 8555 | Joseph E. Smyth, Park Manager
Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve | 352 465 8565 | Jeff Sowards, Aquatic Preserve Manager
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD | 352 796 7211 | Veronica Craw, Manager Springs Protection
Florida DEP | 850-245-8336 | Drew Bartlett, Manager Springs Protection
Rainbow River Conservation | Burt Eno, President
Friends of Rainbow Springs | Linda Brown, President
Learn more about Rainbow Springs
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![Child reclining and smiling in a red kayak while an adult sits behind them on calm water]()
Why We Love This Spring
Rainbow Springs gathers wildlife and people at its clear, steady headwaters, where 72 degree water flows year round. It is a place of refreshment, magnificent beauty, and quiet recreation.
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![Three people standing at the edge of a clear blue spring, looking into the water beneath a wooden overlook]()
Know Your Springshed
Discover how Rainbow Springs is formed by multiple spring vents rising through Florida’s karst limestone. Its flow depends on a vast recharge area that feeds the aquifer beneath.
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![Limpkin bird wading in shallow water among tall green grasses with its reflection visible]()
Health & Science
Rising nitrate levels and reduced flow have impaired Rainbow Springs. Increased algae and declining native vegetation reflect impacts from development and groundwater use.
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![People loading bags of collected trash onto a small trailer during a community cleanup under trees]()
Caring for Your Spring
Rainbow Springs is protected through state oversight and active local stewardship. Volunteers and nonprofits lead cleanups, habitat restoration, and education to care for the river.
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![Black and white underwater photo of swimmers surrounded by fish in a spring]()
History
Rainbow Springs has drawn people for thousands of years, leaving traces of early settlement along its clear waters. Its history continues to unfold with each generation that gathers at its headwaters.
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![Crowd gathered at a park pavilion during a community event with people serving drinks]()
News, Events & Public Policy
Volunteers unite for the annual Rainbow River Cleanup, collecting trash by boat, kayak, and canoe. The day ends with awards and a community picnic celebrating stewardship.
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![Sandra Marraffino photographing from a blue kayak on the Rainbow River]()
About Your Moderator
Paul and Sandra Marraffino moved to Dunnellon after being inspired by Rainbow Springs and all its splendor. Sandra now focuses on bird research and conservation in the region.
