The Santa Fe River can be defined as having two distinct sections divided by the ‘sink’ at O’Leno; the upper and the lower Santa Fe. The upper Santa Fe, above O’Leno begins at the Lakes Santa Fe and Alto and trickles through a couple of swamps, and transforms into a proper river with the addition of the New River above Worthington Springs. Worthington Springs is no longer an active spring, so the Olustee Creek and Santa Fe Spring contribute to the flow before the Upper Santa Fe plunges through the escarpment into the sink at O’Leno. Here is a little footage of the Santa Fe, above O’Leno.
Paddling this section is documented in PaddleFlorida.net where descriptions of the conditions and launch sites are supported with maps and images. As always, be respectful of the river, its banks, plants and wildlife. Keep in mind that though the water appears clean, there are sources upstream that pollute which is why placing the lands that are adjacent and upriver into conservation is so important. Water is life ; is nourishes and sustains us. Protecting our waters is a sacred trust to protect ourselves and all living things.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
