STATE PARK · 4/8/2019 · summer recreation site, Manatee Springs is an important winter refuge...
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MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK 11650 N.W. 115th Street Chiefland, FL 32626 352-493-6072 A first magnitude spring and haven for wintering manatees FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media #FLStateParks PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and be well-behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and campfires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. • To become a volunteer, please inquire at the ranger station. • For camping information, contact ReserveAmerica at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. • Florida state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the Ranger Station at 352-493-6072. HISTORY AND NATURE For many thousands of years, Manatee Springs and the surrounding area have provided a home site and livelihood for humans. Artifacts found in the spring and adjacent areas indicate that people have been living and raising their families here for at least 9,000 years. The arrival of Spaniards during the 1500s brought an end to a series of cultures that lived in harmony with the earth for many millennia. In 1774, William Bartram, a naturalist, botanist and artist, traveled through the area while exploring the Southeast. Later, he wrote a book about his travels, in which he described Manatee Springs in detail and noted the presence of manatees. Between 35 and 150 million gallons of crystal-clear water flow from this first magnitude spring every day. The water percolates through lime rock to underground caves that feed the spring. This aquatic cave system is one of the longest in North America and harbors rare species of crayfish. The spring water flows through the quarter-mile long spring run to join the tannin-stained waters of the Suwannee River flowing toward the Gulf of Mexico. This brings fresh water to Suwannee Sound, an estuary about twenty-five miles down river. Water and fire are the two greatest influences shaping the ecology of this park. Water-loving trees grow in the swamps and bottomland forests surrounding the spring and bordering the Suwannee River and spring run. Upland areas of the park host drier habitats such as sandhill communities and upland pine forests. Here, fire is a naturally occurring event that these habitats depend upon for their survival. To assist in restoring and maintaining these natural communities, the park conducts prescribed burns.
Transcript of STATE PARK · 4/8/2019 · summer recreation site, Manatee Springs is an important winter refuge...
MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
Visit us online atFloridaStateParks.org
MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
11650 N.W. 115th StreetChiefland, FL 32626
352-493-6072A first magnitude spring
and haven for wintering manatees
FloridaStateParks.orgFollow us on social media
#FLStateParks
PARK GUIDELINES• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are
protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited.
• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and be well-behaved at all times.
• Fishing, boating, swimming and campfires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required.
• Fireworks and hunting are prohibited.• Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in
designated areas only.• To become a volunteer, please inquire at the
ranger station.• For camping information, contact
ReserveAmerica at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
• Florida state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the Ranger Station at 352-493-6072.
HISTORY AND NATUREFor many thousands of years, Manatee Springs and the surrounding area have provided a home site and livelihood for humans. Artifacts found in the spring and adjacent areas indicate that people have been living and raising their families here for at least 9,000 years. The arrival of Spaniards during the 1500s brought an end to a series of cultures that lived in harmony with the earth for many millennia.
In 1774, William Bartram, a naturalist, botanist and artist, traveled through the area while exploring the Southeast. Later, he wrote a book about his travels, in which he described Manatee Springs in detail and noted the presence of manatees.
Between 35 and 150 million gallons of crystal-clear water flow from this first magnitude spring every day. The water percolates through lime rock to underground caves that feed the spring. This aquatic cave system is one of the longest in North America and harbors rare species of crayfish.
The spring water flows through the quarter-mile long spring run to join the tannin-stained waters of the Suwannee River flowing toward the Gulf of Mexico. This brings fresh water to Suwannee Sound, an estuary about twenty-five miles down river.
Water and fire are the two greatest influences shaping the ecology of this park. Water-loving trees grow in the swamps and bottomland forests surrounding the spring and bordering the Suwannee River and spring run. Upland areas of the park host drier habitats such as sandhill communities and upland pine forests. Here, fire is a naturally occurring event that these habitats depend upon for their survival. To assist in restoring and maintaining these natural communities, the park conducts prescribed burns.
EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Manatee Springs State Park is home to one of Florida’s largest freshwater springs. A popular summer recreation site, Manatee Springs is an important winter refuge for West Indian manatees. From November through April, these gentle giants are regular visitors to the spring and a favorite attraction for park visitors.The north end trail system has 8.5 miles of trails for walking or bicycling.The spring is ideal for swimming and scuba diving, especially during the warm weather months. The spring run and Suwannee River are well suited for canoeing or kayaking. Rental canoes are available at the park concession, which is open year-round. Boat ramps are located just outside the park. Anglers find the Suwannee River a fine place for reeling in bass, a variety of sunfish species and catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license may be required.The park’s 80 campsites are equipped with picnic tables, grills, water and electricity. Two group campgrounds are available for tent camping. (Some restrictions and fees apply, contact the park for information.) Pavilions located in the picnic area may be reserved for group gatherings.Seasonal interpretive programs and activities are offered on a variety of topics.
INSETSU
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OFFICE
ENTRANCESTATION
PICNICPAVILION
CHIKI HUT
110t
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RESIDENCE
NW 115 CT
SHED
BOAT RAMP
NW 130th AVE
NW 102 PL
FDOT
MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARKFlorida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation and ParksDate of aerial; 2016
0 1,000 2,000500 Feet BASE MAP
LegendPark Boundary
Camping Sites
Hiking Trail
Hiking/Biking Trail
Walkways
County Road
Park Road Paved
Park Road Stabilized
Park Road Unstabilized
Structures
Parking Lots
PETWALK
SINK TRAILLOOP
CANOE/KAYAKLAUNCH
INSET
CONCESSION
BATHHOUSE
STORAGE &SHOP AREA
CAMPSITES
PICNIC PAVILION
RESIDENCEGROUP CAMPS & RESTROOMS
VOLUNTEERSITES
CAMPFIRE CIRCLE
DOCK
PLAYGROUNDS
FDOT
Suw
anne
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NW 130th Ave.
Clay
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Roa
d (1
10th
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nue)
Chickee Hut
RangerStation
Office
Camp Azalea Road
RampRoad
Boardwalk
DirectionsLocated at the end of State Road 320, off U.S. 19/98, six miles west of Chiefland.
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Bicycling
Boat Ramp
Camping
Group Camp
Canoe Launch
Canoeing
Concessions
Fishing
Hiking
Parking
Pavilion
Picnicking
Playground
Restrooms
Scuba Diving
Showers
Snorkeling
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
PETWALK
SINK TRAILLOOP
CANOE/KAYAKLAUNCH
INSET
CONCESSION
BATHHOUSE
STORAGE &SHOP AREA
CAMPSITES
PICNIC PAVILION
RESIDENCEGROUP CAMPS & RESTROOMS
VOLUNTEERSITES
CAMPFIRE CIRCLE
DOCK
PLAYGROUNDS
FDOT
Sink TrailLoop
Amphitheater
Dock
ManateeSpring
Boardwalk
Inset
Manatee Springs State Park
![Disillusioned Manatees [Piano Duet]](https://static.fdocuments.in/doc/165x107/577ccf421a28ab9e788f48e1/disillusioned-manatees-piano-duet.jpg)
