Alachua Conservation Trust to host Freshwater Fish and Critters of North Central Florida Event

June 6, 2023

Alachua, Florida – Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is hosting an educational event at Santa Fe River Preserve Saturday, June 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Come and join ACT at Santa Fe River Preserve to learn about the freshwater fish and critters of North Central Florida! Tour the river banks and discover the unique wildlife that lives along the preserve. Don’t forget to bring: water, sun protection, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure! You may get your feet wet exploring, so waterproof, close-toed footwear is advisable. The event is free but reservation is required.

Santa Fe River Preserve protects 1,067 acres on the banks of the Santa Fe River near Worthington Springs. The preserve includes high bluffs along the river and an interesting tangle of floodplain forest where the New River converges with the Santa Fe. The preserve has an interesting mix of flora which in turn support a wide diversity of wildlife. There are wild azaleas and rain lilies on the banks; large birch trees, cypresses, and gums in the bottomlands; and a ridge of live oaks and pines in the uplands with lots of sparkleberry and wire grass in the understory. Bears frequent the river corridor, and there is a rare and endangered mussel in this watershed.

“ACT is so excited to have retired U.S. Geological Survey Research Fish Biologist, Howard Jelks, out with us on the 17th to teach the community about the fish and critters in our area, this event is a wonderful way to get out and explore our wild Florida” says ACT’s Conservation Events Coordinator, Ema Olmos.

This event is free. Donations are welcome in support of ACT's conservation efforts.

Santa Fe River Preserve, South (Main) Entrance, is located at 27025 North State Road 121, Alachua, FL 32615.

Contact Alachua Conservation Trust by email at info@alachuaconservationtrust.org to RSVP or for more information. This event is limited to 20 people so email to secure your spot.

Press are invited to attend this event. Members of the press, please contact Ema Olmos at info@AlachuaConservationTrust.org or (352) 373-1078 if you plan to attend.