Chili Cook-Off/Springs Celebration

Experience the beauty of our State Parks and treat your taste buds at the O'Leno Ole' Chili Cook-Off (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) and Springs Celebration (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) on Saturday March 26 at O'Leno State Park. An Old Time Contra Dance with the Flying Turtles String Band will also be happening at the park from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

Highlights will include a chili cook off, live music, a juggling unicycle act, puppets, interactive water education displays, and children's activities. This event is designed to teach the importance of Florida's springs. Admission to the park is FREE with the donation of one can of food per person to benefit a local food back. Click HERE to see the event flyer!

Santa Fe Springs Poster

The Santa Fe Springshed poster has been finished and is currently being distributed to businesses and offices within the springshed. The poster has pictures of some of our local springs, shows the springshed, and has tips on how people can protect the springs. Click HERE to view the poster. If you would like a copy of the poster email Stacie at sgreco@alachuacounty.us.

Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute was founded earlier this year to provide a focal point for springs science, restoration, and protection. Current projects include an assessment of springs ecological health in Marion County and a pilot SPRINGSWATCH project at Silver Springs. Please visit their site at http://www.floridaspringsinstitute.org/ to learn what you can do to assist with the wise managment of Florida's unique springs resources.

Springs Celebration and O'Leno Ole Chili Cook Off

Please join the Santa Fe River Springs Working Group as an exhibitor at this fun event at beautiful O'Leno State Park on March 26, 2011 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. This was a great event last year because a lot of folks came out to eat delicious chili and wandered over to the environmental exhibits to learn about topics and issues that were brand new to them.

It is free to exhibit at this growing event, and it is simple to set up and break down. There will be music, children's activities, guided tours, and the chili contest and tastings. Please reserve your spot by clicking on this link and filling out this short form. For information contact Stacie at 352-264-6829.

If you are interested in entering your chili into the contest please email Friendsofoleno@windstream.net.

The City of Alachua Landscaping Rules

The City of Alachua recently adopted tougher rules regarding watering and fertilizin when it opted in to Alachua County's Fertilizer and Irrigation Codes on October 25, 2010. Read the whole article in the North Florida Herald.

Bob Knight Article in the Gainesville Sun

Bob Knight's article in the 10/10/2010 Gainesville Sun really demonstrates how interconnected all of the water users are here in Florida and highlights some great springs related events. Read it HERE.

Suwannee River Water Management District Public Water Supply Assessment Public Meetings

The Suwannee River Water Management District is holding three public meetings to discuss their Water Supply Assessment. All meetings are open to the public. For more information email CDH@srwmd.org or call 386-362-1001.

October 7, 2010 7 PM - 8PM
Andrews Center Auditorium
209 W. Call Street
Starke, FL


October 12, 2010 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
District Headquarters
9225 CR 49
Live Oak, FL 32060

October 12, 2010 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
City Hall
17651 NW 90th Court
Fanning Springs, FL