La Rue Bijou - Go with the Flow. Really?

 

 

 Rainbow Springs 

In the late 18^th century, naturalist William Bartram described limpid waters rushing upward to the surface, making it “impossible to keep the boat or any other floating vessel over the fountain.” (Bartram, Chapter VII). More than a century later, many of the springs became road-side attractions that lured tourists to the state--Weeki Wachee (1947), Silver Springs and its glass-bottom boats (late 1870s) and films (1930s). Rainbow Springs (1950s) and Wakulla Springs (popularized with films in the 1950s).

 

                                                       

                                                         Fanning Springs 

Given Bartram’s description, the development of roadside attractions and the fact that Florida has more than 1,100 natural springs, it’s easy to assume we’ve always had a bountiful supply of fresh water. The Floridan Aquifer, which runs under Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina is the source of drinking water for more than 10 million people in the Southeast and water for 90 percent of Florida residents (Meindl). It’s described as “one of the most productive aquifers in the world.” (Springs 101).

 

                                                Turtles in background to left of kayak

But the springs face numerous threats that impact not only the flora and fauna of these unique ecosystems but the aquifer and drinking water of Floridians.

 

The presence of rising nitrate levels and the damage caused by over pumping and even human activities seem to be the main contributors to the decline in the health of these ecosystems.  But more recently, scientists have looked for other explanations.

 

Swimmer and algae (courtesy of MR Tolbert) 

Enter Matthew Cohen, Ph.D., an ecohydrologist and director of the Water Institute at the University of Florida. He describes his research focus as on “interface of ecosystems and water resources,” which has led him to examine the special challenges of a “flowing aquatic ecosystem.”

 

                Gilchrist Blue Springs, before the diving platform was removed 

Although a common assumption has been that nitrates are the cause of the decline in health and growth of algae, Cohen describes the oxygen variability as a “predictor.”  Slow-moving water from the springs yields less dissolved oxygen. A certain velocity is needed to remove algae on plant blades. Oxygen is also critical to grazers like snails in the removal of   algae.

Cohen also stresses the importance of remaining optimistic. After all, 1995 signaled the peak in water consumption in Florida. (Cohen)

“In spite of the fact that we’ve recruited millions of new Floridians, the per capita consumption rate has been dropping faster than the population growth rate. . . .But it is not to discount the water challenges in the State,” Cohen says.(Cohen)

 But important work remains with the challenges of these flowing aquatic ecosystem. Educating the public so residents become better stewards of this resource. Rethinking urban landscapes to be more “compatible with rainfall rather than with irrigation,” Cohen says. 

Remaining cognizant of recreational activities that could damage the ecosystem--diving, kayaking, trampling vegetation and littering. . . .We can preserve these sites for present and future generations. 

 

Florida artist Margaret Ross Tolbert painting Cannon Springs (courtesy of Lynn Polke)

                                                

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Works Cited

Bartram, William. The Travels of William Bartram. The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Travels of William Bartram, by William Bartram. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/63678/63678-h/63678-h.htm. Accessed 24 October 2025.

Cohen, Matthew. “An Oral History with Dr. Matthew Cohen Interviewed by Vasilios Kosmakos,” Florida Naturalists History, part of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program. 14 April 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7oC696_slE.

Meindl, Christopher. “Florida’s 1,100 Natural Springs are Under Threat—A Geographer Explains How to Restore Them.” The Invading Sea. 8 October 2025. https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2025/10/08/florida-natural-springs-groundwater-pollution-pumping-bottled-water-algae-restoration-projects/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNnJ61leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZYVM1RnJwWllBbDdsWW45AR5L2nknH4MgeuRg_NbG6mxXPd6PzJFRNm0Xo-yKV_BCDH65YKa5iLKW88Bm0g_aem_BDAqnr1i3HlEa8rPlqKnog. Accessed 23 October 2025.

 “Springs 101 – A Comprehensive Educational Resource for Understanding Florida Springs.” Howard T. Odum Springs Institute. https://floridasprings.org/springs-101/. Accessed 23 October 2025.

 

 

 

La Rue Bijou - Lagoon Day!

 

         

A fishing clinic, popular with families 

The day started early for participants at Melbourne’s Lagoon Day. They arrived at dawn, pulling wagons and pushing hand carts laden with tents, tables, fishing rods, rain barrels, coloring books, educational documentation, stickers and souvenirs to distribute to attendees and educate them about this estuary, recognized as the most diverse in North America. 

 

 

  

The Indian River lagoon stretches 156 miles along Florida’s East Coast from Ponce de Leon Inlet on the north to St. Lucie Inlet on the south. The estuary, significant for its biodiversity, has  2,200 animal species, 685 fish and 370 bird species and 2,100 plant species (“Ecology).  This lagoon, described by environmental historian Nathaniel Osborn as “neither wholly fresh nor wholly salt, it is neither land nor open water.” (Osborn 158) supports the economy with fishing and leisure activities—wind surfing and rowing, kayaking and birding. It’s a place where public school students get involved in science projects, and where Florida Tech graduate students conduct research and where many of us go for nature walks or paddles. 

 

 Organizers and participants of Lagoon Day agree about the importance of having such a place of natural beauty in our community and of our responsibility to ensure its health. Each person can make a difference. 

 

Rather than focus on one species or issue, organizations have begun to emphasize an ecosystem approach to the lagoon management—a strategy that takes into account the impact of our activities on natural resources—development, fertilizers, runoff and nonpoint source pollution that may start with tributaries then lead to a decline in water quality as well as disappearance of native flora and fauna in the lagoon area. 

These days we talk about the need for a dark skies program to benefit nesting turtles and migrating birds as well as star gazers. With each storm, we recognize the true cost of over development and look toward mangrove restoration as a means of protecting coastlines. At one time, Florida’s coastlines were protected from erosion by a border of mangroves so thick they were described by early travelers as floating islands. Audubon and avian conservation organizations provide information on native birds as well as the importance of native plants. As one volunteer explained to me, native plants attract native insects that attract native birds.

 

The importance of a native habitat has been explained by entomologist Doug Tallamy. In his book Nature’s Best Hope, he addresses the carrying capacity of a habitat—“the number of a species that can be supported indefinitely without degrading the local resources.” (Tallamy 84-85).

 

One of the upcoming issues facing the IRL is the vote to renew a half-penny sales tax in 2026 to continue to fund projects that have benefited the lagoon since 2017. These projects have led to reduction of historic and on-going sources of pollution and restoration of ecosystems and public education. 

 

View of the IRL from Front Street. The Melbourne Causeway is in the background. 

 

Postscript - Takeaways

Although Lagoon Day attendance was not as high as seen in previous years, it offered an opportunity to network with organizations, all dedicated to the protection of the IRL for present and future generations. These types of events are important given recent funding cuts to numerous projects that focus on the protection of water quality and native habitat and sustainable development. After all, Florida’s main attraction is its natural beauty.

Nearby, peaceful No Kings Protests brought thousands to the area (an estimated 3,000 at Cocoa and numerous other Florida cities).

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

“Ecology of the Indian River Lagoon.” Florida State Parks. https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/ecology-indian-river-lagoon. Accessed 18 October 2025.

 Indian River Lagoon—Introduction to a National Treasure. Indian River National Estuary Program. St. Johns River Water Management District. 2007.

 “Ecology of the Indian River Lagoon.” Florida State Parks. https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/ecology-indian-river-lagoon. Accessed 18 October 2025.

 “100 Projects Completed.” Brevard County’s Save our Lagoon. 2025.

Tallamy, Doug. Nature’s Best Hope—A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Backyard, 2020.

“What is the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program?” Brevard County’s Save Our Lagoon, 2025.