Santa Fe Spring, formerly Graham Spring, is not a blue water marvel but a tannic spring on the upper Santa Fe. This 83′ deep spring marks the shift onto the Cody Escarpment, where we loose the protection of the Hawthorn clays to the eroded sand and karst limestone. Once rated a first magnitude releasing 64 mil gallons a day, it has diminished to a second magnitude spring with an average of 44 million gallons of water a day. The Alachua Conservation Trust holds this land in conservation with the Suwannee River Water Management District, and is preparing the site for public access. Currently there is no easy access either by road or boat. This video was taken a year ago in April before the debris left over from the old homestead was removed.
What I like about this spring is its’ narrow spring run. Paddling up into it is a challenge. Within the spring, one is enveloped in the high banks . This is a peaceful place of refuge. As I post this I fear for the loss of all these sacred spaces to the crowds of outdoor enthusiasts, like myself. I am grateful that some places still exist that have not become crowded with boats and people.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
Hi. I have kayaked the area and spoke with some local folk. They tell me that it had a Native American fort nearby and the spring was called Indian Spring. Do you have any knowledge on this or any history or the area? Thank you.
It hasn’t been crowded with people until there is access granted then it won’t be peaceful anymore 😥
Its true, so many people love to recreate in the river and springs. People are crowding out our natural areas in droves. We need to find ways to minimize the impact we have so that our natural areas continue to thrive and provide for us all.
Would love to visit this place
Alachua Conservation Trust schedules tours. Keep an eye on their schedule