Howard T Odum Florida Springs Institute Inc

Programs: Scientific research: fsi conducted ongoing data collection and anlysis on the lower and middle suwannee river and springs, ichetucknee river and springs, rainbow river and springs, silver springs, volusia blue spring, lower santa fe river and springs, and homosassa springs in 2017. Findings were distributed through the website. A restoration action plan and executive summary for the middle suwannee river and springs has been completed and published for distribution to the public, local and state leaders, and key staff of the environmental agencies. A restoration action plan and executive summary for volusia blue spring is ongoing, and putlication is expected in early 2018. Restoration action plans address the state of the current health of the water bodies and provide recommendations moving forward to improve the health of the ecosystem. A springswatch program was established on the rainbow river and springswatch programs at silver springs, homosassa springs, and the ichnetucknee river were ongoing in 2017.

education: fsi conducted presentations to school children and adults on ecology, hydroecology, geology, springs problems and solutions, and state and federal water law. Fsi also worked with local organizations to educate local government and state leaders on the issues affecting springs so that they can make informed decisions to protect the state's water resources. Fsi's executive director published a monthly column and other op-eds in local newspapers on springs issues and regularly conducted tv, radio, and newspaper interviews as one of the state's leading experts on springs and the current treands in springs health. Fsi conducted two short courses on springs: give springs a break for undergraduate and graduate college students and springs field school for environmental professionals, students, and the public. Fsi also published a children's activity and coloring book entitled, "aquatic adventures: florida springs and aquafer". Over 4000 copies of "aquatic adventures" have been distributed to thr public.

north florida springs environmental center: fsi manages and staffs the north florida springs environmental center (nfsec) in high springs, florida. The nfsec is an educational and outreach center on springs science and conservation that is open to the public and features colorful and interactive exhibits about our springs. Volunteers interact with guests and provide them with resources produced by fsi on springs. The nfsec is utilized by fsi for monthly lectures and presentations to students, environmental professionals, and the public on springs science. Over 750 people visited the nfsec in 2017.