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Florida's Freshwater Stewardship

Protecting and restoring Florida's freshwater sources.

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Florida's increasing development pressure has led TNC Florida to an ambitious vision for water conservation dedicated to ensuring an adequate supply of clean water for both people and nature. To achieve this vision, we focus on the protection, restoration, and connection of lands and wetlands crucial for recharging the state's aquifers that supply groundwater to rivers and estuaries.

Manatee at Play Endangered Florida manatees frolic at the Three Sisters Spring wintering site in Crystal River, Florida. © Carol Grant
Curious Manatee In 2017 the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service downlisted manatees from endangered to threatened. But they're not out of danger yet. © Amy Vu
Big Cypress Swamp, FL Big Cypress Swamp in the Everglades, Florida © Jeff Ripple
Ravensworth, FL Freshwater forested wetland corridor of Palmetto Creek. © Wendy Matthews
Everglades, FL Big Cypress National Park in the Everglades, Florida © Luis Garcia
× Manatee at Play Endangered Florida manatees frolic at the Three Sisters Spring wintering site in Crystal River, Florida. © Carol Grant
× Curious Manatee In 2017 the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service downlisted manatees from endangered to threatened. But they're not out of danger yet. © Amy Vu
× Big Cypress Swamp, FL Big Cypress Swamp in the Everglades, Florida © Jeff Ripple
× Ravensworth, FL Freshwater forested wetland corridor of Palmetto Creek. © Wendy Matthews
× Everglades, FL Big Cypress National Park in the Everglades, Florida © Luis Garcia

Tools

  • Green Stormwater Infrastructure

    Green Stormwater Infrastructure

    Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) involves sustainable practices and systems that provide environmental benefits, one being groundwater conservation. The GSI Photo Library tool features photos of functional and aesthetic GSI sites throughout FL. Access the tool here

  • Bluffs of St. Teresa, FL

    Florida Freshwater Network Mapping Tool

    This GIS tool brought to us by the Freshwater Network will take you through Florida's thousands of lakes, scenic rivers, and springs, and allows you to explore data relevant to those resources. Access the tool here

Literature

  • Warm Mineral Springs Restoration Project

    Warm Mineral Springs Restoration Project

    TNC is a partner in this Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) lead project at Warm Mineral Springs. To be completed by the end of 2023, this project will restore the degraded springs being affected by erosion, sedimentation, invasives, and improper land use.

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Resources

  • Florida Freshwater Fact Sheet

    Florida Freshwater Fact Sheet

    Protecting our life-sustaining waters is among The Nature Conservancy’s top priorities. Guided by science, we pursue non-confrontational, pragmatic solutions to challenges like conserving clean water in Florida.

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  • Florida Freshwater Stewardship Infographic

    Florida Freshwater Stewardship Infographic

    We're working to achieve healthy and sustainable waters across the Sunshine State. This infographic describes our work, including strengthening the health of springs.

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  • "Irrigation-Free" Residential Landscapes

    Final Research Report (December 2021) for "irrigation-free" residential landscapes in Florida's Springs Region.

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Websites

  • Florida's Freshwater Springs

    Freshwater Springs

    Protecting this cherished resource for people and nature is a priority. Click here

  • Florida Freshwater

    Florida Freshwater

    We're working to ensure clean water for Florida's people and nature. Click here

  • Everglades, FL

    Protecting the Everglades

    Though contained entirely in Florida, the Florida Everglades have vital importance that resonates beyond the Sunshine State. See what we're doing to protect one of the United States' last great grasslands. Click here

If you have questions or comments about anything you see here on the Groundwater Resource Hub, please send an email to gwrhubcontactus@tnc.org, or contact any of our staff listed below.

To connect with TNC Florida, please reach out to:

Beth Lewis
Resilient Lands and Waters Strategy Director
beth.lewis@tnc.org

Lesley Bertolotti
Sustainable Communities Strategy Manager
lesley.bertolotti@tnc.org