St. Johns---once descriptively called a “River of Lakes” by the Creeks---has influenced culture for thousands of years. Then, as now, this St. Johns flowed north from near Lake Okeechobee through the valley of an ancient lagoon, puddling up into regional lakes that today we call Puzzle, Harney, Jesup, Monroe and George.  A St. Johns tributary, the Econlockhatchee, a 280 mile watershed located in east Orange county, has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water for its unique natural values. 

Subtle and nuanced, the Econ and the regional mosaic of the St. Johns are ecological treasures. Like much of Florida, their values are not in lofty geology, but in the singular majesty of biology.

WHERE TO GO...

· Thousands of acres of St. Johns River Water Management District conservation land hug the shores of lakes Puzzle, Harney, Jesup, Monroe and George and are open for public use.

· Other public land, such as the 21,000 acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, is prime birding territory. Migratory ducks, as well as wading birds and raptors can be seen by motor boat, canoe or kayak.

· The Econlockhatchee embraces one of the premier state forests in all of Florida along the high paleo dunes of its riverine corridor.

· Like elsewhere along the St. Johns, the best swimming and snorkeling is in its springs---especially Alexander, Salt, and Silver Glen on the western shore of Lake George in the 383,573 acre Ocala National Forest.

· The thermal protection of Blue Spring on the St. Johns lures a regular contingent of the endangered West Indian Manatees into its run every winter. Boardwalks in a state park there allow easy viewing. Scuba diving is allowed into the deep 120-foot spring when the manatees return to the river.

· For information on trails and other access to conservation land, see the "Recreation Guide to District Lands" available free from the SJRWMD (www.sjr.state.fl.us). Background on state parks along the St. Johns, including hiking, paddling, and water sports, can be found at www.floridastateparks.org .