The NFF, the Ocala National Forest, and local residents and organizations joined together on April 11, 2015 to hold a day-long celebration of Florida’s Silver Glen Springs and the collaborative process that resulted in a long-term stewardship plan benefiting wildlife, recreationists and the Springs themselves. The event brought together people who love this special place for an afternoon of learning, swimming and good food.

Informational tables were staffed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida’s Department of Anthropology, the Florida Black Bear Festival, Sea to Shore, the National Forest Foundation and the Silver Glen Springs Working Group. Eric Hutcheson, renowned underwater cave explorer, shared his amazing photographs and gave presentations about the interconnectedness between the Florida aquifer and Silver Glen Springs. Watch the video below of Eric explaining the special attributes of Silver Glen.