Silver Springs
The tremendous volume of beautiful blue, life sustaining spring water endlessly pouring forth from mysterious dark caverns holds an allure I find perpetually captivating. Staring down into the constant flow is mesmerizing. Whether this glimpse into the veins of the aquifer is viewed from quaint antique glass bottom boats, or my own craft the feeling is the same. That feeling is a sense of wonder and deep appreciation for the natural systems that provide the gift of life in an abundant and glorious vision.
Silver Springs and Aquifer Replenishment Project Feb 10th, 2015
“Treating and recycling water from the Ocklawaha River through the spring and returning it to the river is a unique approach,” said Fred Roberts, Governing Board member. “We can offset impacts of water withdrawals by creating an underground bubble of water that protects Silver Springs.”
Click on image to read the plan.
Happy Birthday to the new addition to Silver Springs State Park!
The park is celebrating one year of ongoing projects and restoration. In Sept 2013, the private lease of Silver Springs ended. On October 1 the Florida Park Service reopened the attraction as one part of Silver Springs State Park. The new park merged the adjacent Silver River State Park with Florida’s most historic springs and early tourist attraction. The result is that visitors now have access to a nearly 5,000 acre park …that surrounds the Silver River with two entrances and many choices of activities including but not limited to hiking, biking, horseback riding and rental, canoeing and kayak rentals, plus much more.
The park is now one year into long term efforts to restore the natural and cultural resources of Silver Springs. Projects in the past year have included: terrazzo floor restoration, modern sewer service, refurbishing of glass bottom boats and treatment of invasive plant species to name a few. Come and check us out to see all the updates. Be sure to look online at FloridaStateParks.org for all the tours, tram rides, and music being offered throughout the week.
The video below shows underwater footage shot near the spring head of Silver Springs in February of 2014. This video shows filamentous algae growing on aquatic plants in Silver Springs. The growth rate is unprecedented due to high nutrient levels such as nitrates in groundwater and can be detrimental to insects and snails. Decreasing flow levels in Silver (it’s now a second magnitude springs, no longer a first) also contribute to the algae growth by increasing the concentration of pollution. This algae should not be growing here. We need to figure out how to limit the runoff that is ruining this spectacular water!
Filamentous algae is shown growing extensively on aquatic plants in Silver Springs. This type of growth is associated with elevated nutrient levels, including nitrates, in groundwater and can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.
-
The video begins above the water at a forested shoreline near the spring head of Silver Springs. The camera dips below the surface, revealing aquatic plants covered in dense, filamentous algae that appears as web-like strands. As the camera moves forward, a fish swims past, and the algae is visible across the plants and bottom grasses. The camera rises back above the surface, where a person in a kayak is visible.
Here’s another underwater video from February 2014. The Silver River is a wonderous adventure. The wildlife: monkeys, birds, turtles and gators are too numerous to count. The river is still beautiful and clear in spots but it won’t always be that way if we don’t take steps to save it.
Underwater footage of tapegrass in the Silver River, Silver Springs, Fl. Tapegrass, seen in this video is commonly covered with a thin coat of brown algae which contain diatoms. Snails and small fish feed on the diatoms. Filamentous algae can be seen growing on the tapegrass.
Underwater footage shows tapegrass growing along the bottom of a freshwater spring. The grass appears coated with a thin layer of brown algae, with strands of filamentous algae visible among the blades. Small fish move through the vegetation.
Matt Keene and Florida Defenders of the Environment have just produced a terrific website and video, River Be Dammed (2014), which documents the debacle that is the Rodman Dam. Interviews with Karen Chadwick, Karen Ahlers, Robin Lewis, Lars Andersen, Whitely Markle and others discuss how a taxpayer boondoggle negatively impacts the Ocklawaha River and the ecologies it has supported for ten thousand years.
Learn more about Silver Springs
-
![Children swimming in a clear spring with a glass-bottom boat and palm trees in the background]()
Why We Love This Spring
Silver Springs leaves a lasting impression with its luminous waters, swirling fish, and timeless, primal beauty. For generations, its clarity and quiet power have stirred wonder and deep appreciation.
-
![Scuba diver photographing underwater statues covered in algae in a spring]()
Know Your Springshed
Discover how Silver Springs fits into the larger springshed and aquifer system that sustains it. Understanding groundwater withdrawals and nutrient pollution is key to restoring its health.
-
![Historic black-and-white image of an early underwater filming setup in a spring]()
Art, Literature, Film & Culture
Silver Springs has inspired artists, photographers, writers, and filmmakers for generations. Its clarity and drama have shaped visual culture, storytelling, and Florida’s enduring sense of place.
-
![Historic black-and-white view of Silver Springs hotel and waterfront from across the water]()
History
Discover the history of Silver Springs, which was once home to grand hotels and early river travel. Its past reveals both the spectacular beauty people cherished and the changes that followed.
-
![Turtle and alligator resting together on a log above calm spring water]()
Caring for Your Spring
Learn how reducing nutrient pollution and conserving water can help restore Silver Springs to optimal health. Small changes at home and in our communities can protect the springs we love.
-
![People kayaking along a tree-lined river connected to the spring]()
About Your Moderator
Karen Chadwick is a licensed captain and dedicated advocate for Silver Springs. Through river tours and education, she shares her deep connection to the spring and its history.
Silver Springs Map
Map showing the location of Silver Springs State Park location in Silver Springs, Florida
Silver Springs State Park is located at 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, Florida 34488.
It sits within Marion County and is fed by one of the largest artesian springs in the world, flowing into the Silver River.
Known for its legendary glass-bottom boats, diverse wildlife, and crystal-clear water, it is a popular destination for kayaking, swimming, and nature tours.