Awesomeness within the Siphon Creek Cave System

In 2021, Alachua Conservation Trust purchased a 195 acre tract of land on the Santa Fe River and called it Little Awesome Preserve. The name ‘Little Awesome’ refers to a feature on this property that is only accessible by boat and not always visible. Recently it has been covered by a large tree trunk and hidden from view. Other times it is covered in vegetation, swirling around. When the river is high enough to submerge this circular ‘portal,’ it generates the rushing sound of water swirling down a drain. When I first encountered Little Awesome, I feared the force of the water rushing down this chimney appeared would pull me and my canoe down into it’s vortex. After a time I realized it was safe to park my canoe over it, finally allowing myself to submerge into it and allowing the siphon to spin me around. Unfortunately I do not have any images of Little Awesome taken during this time. The image you see here was provided by the 2014 Santa Fe River Field Trip during low river levels.

Big Awesome preceds its smaller counterpart, and “is the most upstream of the Siphon Creek Cave System.” Its on the right side of the river heading downstream, after the shoals. A large cypress tree marks the entry into a large canopied space dominated by a big oval pool with a shallow submerged ledge outlining the backside. The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) estimated that Big Awesome swallet takes in about 150 cf.

Myrtle’s Fissure is downstream of both these swallets and is accessible by land through ACT’s  Little Awesome Preserve or by water. The fissure runs parallel to the river, is about 120′ from the river, is around 75′ long, 4′ wide and and cannot be seen from the water’s edge. The shallow run of sharp karst is slippery. During high water, water gushes like a waterfall from the fissure and down the run to the river. One hears it before seeing it. When the river is low, water stagnates in the crack and the run is coated with algae.

You can help by:

Reducing water usage in home and on your landscape

Minimize fertilizer use: don’t apply during rainy periods.

Maintain Septic tank: pump out every 10 yrs or upgrade

For a deeper dive, be sure to read:

Blueprint For Restoring Springs On The Santa Fe River, Florida Springs Institute, 2021, https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Santa-Fe-River-and-Springs-Restoration-Blueprint-01_27_21.pdf, accessed online 5/25/25

Florida Springs Conservation Plan, Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Springs-Conservation-Plan-final-draft-FINAL.pdf accessed online 7/15/25

Interactive Florida Springs Map, Howard T Odum Florida Springs Institute, https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/springs-map-2-0/accessed online 5/25/25.

Santa Fe River Field Trip, Alachua, Columbia, and Gilchrist Counties, Florida, June 2014, Guidebook Number 61, The Southeastern Geological Society (SEGS), Edited by: Peter Butt, Samantha Andrews, P.G., Greg Mudd, P.G. https://segs.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Microsoft_Word__Sante_Fe_SEGS_Guidebook_No_61_FINAL.pdf, accessed online 5/25/25.

Springs of Florida (FGS : Bulletin 66), USGS, 2004, https://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00094032/00001/images/493, accessed online 5/25/25.

Springs 101, Howard T Odum Florida Springs Institute, 2024, https://floridasprings.org/springs-101/, accessed online 5/25/25.

Springsheds of the Santa Fe River Basin,  by S.B. Upchurch, 2008, https://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/EPD/Documents/WaterResources/Springsheds%20presentation.pdf, accessed online 7/14/25

Water Conservation and Best Management Practices,  SRWMD, https://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/294/Water-Conservation. It’s an inside look at the springs and karst landscape like you’ve never seen it before. Refreshments provided.