Smithsonian Institute Museum on Main Street Water/Ways
"Tell Our Stories"
"Tell Our Stories"
Debut of “Giving Our River a Voice” Speaker Series, With Jim Gross
August 16, 2016
Events - OSFR, Giving Our River a Voice, News, Water Quality, Water Withdrawals
The new speaker series from OSFR, “Giving Our River a Voice,” began this evening August 16, 2016, with geologist Jim Gross, who spoke on “The Floridan aquifer system, It’s not rocket science…really.”
Jim Gross, who is on the Advisory Board of OSFR, gave a totally thorough explanation and description of the aquifer in terms anyone can understand. So much information was presented that we will not attempt to reproduce it here. Our best suggestion, try to catch Jim at his next presentation.
A few things did stand out to us, however, one being that among options we have of non-traditional water sources, recycling wastewater is much, much cheaper than desalination. Another disconnected stat: of ground water, public supply uses about 48 % and agriculture about 35 %. Agriculture use has declined recently, not because of good water management, but because of plant diseases. Also, since 2012 overall water use has dropped, again, objective scientists believe that is not caused by better management but because of f the downswing in the economy.
An Observation: our officials who make water decisions are not water experts, but instead of listening to water experts and taking their advice, they pretend to become water experts overnight, and thus their decisions reflect incompetency and their foolishness.
Another observation: during a water crisis the stages go from drought > awareness > concern > panic. Our officials who make water decisions take no action until stage four–panic. Again, that might be because they pay no attention to the water experts.
The bottom line and message we should take home from this session is that yes, we are having water problems, and the answer is -as the sub title says, it’s not rocket science: withdraw less water.
Jim Gross is a professional geologist with 38 years of experience in water resources. He is a native of California and earned his bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. For the first 10 years of his career Jim worked in geothermal energy exploration and development throughout the western United States. After several years of professional work he returned to academia and earned a master’s in geology at New Mexico State University. He then moved into water supply planning and development work, both in the public and private sectors. Jim has more than 20 years of experience in long-term regional water supply planning, including 18 years in Florida. Jim is a licensed professional geologist in California and Florida, and is certified as a Professional Geologist by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. On April 1, 2016, he was named Executive Director of the Florida Defenders of the Environment.
Our thanks go to Doug Jipson and Digitel Productions of Fort White for filming the session and to New Century Woman’s Club of High Springs for the use of their facilities.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
http://oursantaferiver.org/debut-giving-river-voice-speaker-series-jim-gross/
August 16, 2016
Events - OSFR, Giving Our River a Voice, News, Water Quality, Water Withdrawals
The new speaker series from OSFR, “Giving Our River a Voice,” began this evening August 16, 2016, with geologist Jim Gross, who spoke on “The Floridan aquifer system, It’s not rocket science…really.”
Jim Gross, who is on the Advisory Board of OSFR, gave a totally thorough explanation and description of the aquifer in terms anyone can understand. So much information was presented that we will not attempt to reproduce it here. Our best suggestion, try to catch Jim at his next presentation.
A few things did stand out to us, however, one being that among options we have of non-traditional water sources, recycling wastewater is much, much cheaper than desalination. Another disconnected stat: of ground water, public supply uses about 48 % and agriculture about 35 %. Agriculture use has declined recently, not because of good water management, but because of plant diseases. Also, since 2012 overall water use has dropped, again, objective scientists believe that is not caused by better management but because of f the downswing in the economy.
An Observation: our officials who make water decisions are not water experts, but instead of listening to water experts and taking their advice, they pretend to become water experts overnight, and thus their decisions reflect incompetency and their foolishness.
Another observation: during a water crisis the stages go from drought > awareness > concern > panic. Our officials who make water decisions take no action until stage four–panic. Again, that might be because they pay no attention to the water experts.
The bottom line and message we should take home from this session is that yes, we are having water problems, and the answer is -as the sub title says, it’s not rocket science: withdraw less water.
Jim Gross is a professional geologist with 38 years of experience in water resources. He is a native of California and earned his bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. For the first 10 years of his career Jim worked in geothermal energy exploration and development throughout the western United States. After several years of professional work he returned to academia and earned a master’s in geology at New Mexico State University. He then moved into water supply planning and development work, both in the public and private sectors. Jim has more than 20 years of experience in long-term regional water supply planning, including 18 years in Florida. Jim is a licensed professional geologist in California and Florida, and is certified as a Professional Geologist by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. On April 1, 2016, he was named Executive Director of the Florida Defenders of the Environment.
Our thanks go to Doug Jipson and Digitel Productions of Fort White for filming the session and to New Century Woman’s Club of High Springs for the use of their facilities.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
http://oursantaferiver.org/debut-giving-river-voice-speaker-series-jim-gross/
Water/Ways Stacie Greco – “Water Conservation/Springs ProtectionMuseum On Main Street, Water Conservation August 3, 2016
Pausing only one short day, the Water/Ways series continued this evening, August 3, 2016, with the presentation by Stacie Greco, Water Conservation Coordinator for the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.
Her topic was ways to conserve water, and the audience soon found there are many ways, and a need also. Comparisons of average water use per person makes us look wasteful and bad: the number in gallons per day: Mozambique 2; Germany 72; Canada 114; USA 150; and Florida 176.
Helping us understand a little better the reason we use so much more water in Florida than elsewhere is the fact that the average price Floridians pay for water is about one cent for five gallons.
Thinking about this for a bit, this confirms our previous conviction that the only solution to our increasing water problems in Florida caused by over-consumption is for the consumer to pay for what he uses. This will be for all users, whether it be domestic, public, agriculture or whatever. All wells will be monitored.
We believe this day will come, and with it a difficult period of political problems that will have to be worked out. New adjustments and attitudes will be required, but will, by necessity, take place.
Pausing only one short day, the Water/Ways series continued this evening, August 3, 2016, with the presentation by Stacie Greco, Water Conservation Coordinator for the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.
Her topic was ways to conserve water, and the audience soon found there are many ways, and a need also. Comparisons of average water use per person makes us look wasteful and bad: the number in gallons per day: Mozambique 2; Germany 72; Canada 114; USA 150; and Florida 176.
Helping us understand a little better the reason we use so much more water in Florida than elsewhere is the fact that the average price Floridians pay for water is about one cent for five gallons.
Thinking about this for a bit, this confirms our previous conviction that the only solution to our increasing water problems in Florida caused by over-consumption is for the consumer to pay for what he uses. This will be for all users, whether it be domestic, public, agriculture or whatever. All wells will be monitored.
We believe this day will come, and with it a difficult period of political problems that will have to be worked out. New adjustments and attitudes will be required, but will, by necessity, take place.
Stacie with Kristina Young, who put the series together and made it work
Stacie continued her informative talk and outlined many ways, both outdoors
and inside the household, where water can be saved using extremely simple
and inexpensive procedures.
Next up: Tom Morris “Troglodytes, the Animals Below,” on August 9.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
http://oursantaferiver.org/wp/waterways-stacie-greco-water-conservationsprings-protection/
Stacie continued her informative talk and outlined many ways, both outdoors
and inside the household, where water can be saved using extremely simple
and inexpensive procedures.
Next up: Tom Morris “Troglodytes, the Animals Below,” on August 9.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
http://oursantaferiver.org/wp/waterways-stacie-greco-water-conservationsprings-protection/
Through the eyes of an artist! Santa Fe Plein Air Paint Out artist's inaugural event captured the beauty of our local rivers and springs: Ginnie, Blue, Ichetucknee, Rum Island, and more, using water and its environment as its muse!
Stop in now to see these beautiful pieces of art work at Lanza Gallery OR at the High Springs Museum alongside the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Water Ways Exhibit July 16 - August 27, 2016.
You are only getting a glimpse of a few...you must stop in to experience the rest of the artists amazing artwork!
Stop in now to see these beautiful pieces of art work at Lanza Gallery OR at the High Springs Museum alongside the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Water Ways Exhibit July 16 - August 27, 2016.
You are only getting a glimpse of a few...you must stop in to experience the rest of the artists amazing artwork!
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Grants for Growing enables clean up of School Land Lab Property
Thanks to a $1500 grant from Tractor Supply Company of Gainesville, Florida, the High Springs Community School FFA chapter will clean up a local springs and conduct a study of the effects of fertilizer and plantings on the aquifers of our area. |
On April 16th the FFA held a cleanup of the school’s land lab property that abuts the original springs in High Springs. The land has been a dumping site for trash for several years; the students teamed up to remove trash from the area. Debris and trash create runoff, so the students goal is to prevent it from entering our aquifer when it washes into the spring.
The FFA plans to investigate the importance of agriculture in soil and water conservation and to evaluate Best Management Practices (BMP) by researching and implementing different BMPs wherever possible. The group also plans to share the information they gather with other interested groups and their fellow students.
To accomplish this, students will measure BMP setbacks from water resources and use the data to relocate livestock out of the storm water retention areas to a more suitable location. The ongoing project includes planting cover crops that will amend the soil, retain moisture, and require less fertilizer in the future.
Reduction of future fertilizer needs will help prevent eutrophication in the water system. The project also spotlights local agriculture operations already participating in the Florida Farm Bureaus’ “This Farm CARES” environmental stewardship recognition program.
Once the project is complete, the students will educate others with a display at High Springs Museum in conjunction with the Smithsonian exhibit “Water Ways” from July 16th to August 27th. Check the website for date of presentation!
Costs for the project include a waste removal fee, cover crop seeds, fencing materials and garden hand tools.
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O’Leno Chili Cook-Off And Springs Celebration
April 2, 2016
While some of the area’s most fantastic cooks were preparing their lip smacking chili for the chili tasting contest, a little over five hundred people took in some activities, sights and sounds of the Springs Celebration at O’Leno State Park. In lieu of an entrance fee, patrons arriving for the celebration demonstrated their support by donating ten cases of food for the High Springs Catholic Charities food bank.
Entertainment under the huge pillars at the pavilion was “The Weeds of Eden” band! They were rocking, while in a nearby recreation hall local artists showcased their talent of art, photography and jewelry.
As you walked along the banks of the Santa Fe River, numerous tents were set up under the canopy of the forest trees. THINK WATER. All the exhibits had something to do with water.
The High Springs Historical Society was on hand to give everyone firsthand knowledge of the upcoming arrival of the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Water/Ways exhibition to be hosted by the museum July16 through August 27, 2016.
The University of Florida IFAS Extension office provided booklets and pamphlets on Florida’s native gardening. Also at the days event you could learn how to build a Tower Garden using PVC and water. The Native Plant Society along with native plant vendors were available to answer questions and you could purchase Florida friendly plants.
Friends of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Four Rivers Audubon Society and the Florida Wildlife Care gave information on the importance of protecting our local wildlife.
Did you know boaters have been seriously injured by Sturgeons during the summer months? If you every wanted to know more about Sturgeons, the U.S. Geological Survey was there to answer your questions. Or maybe you decided to take the spring water challenge. The Northeast District of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had a display of nine different ways people use water; household uses, paper products, meat and dairy, electricity, mining materials, drinking water, outdoor recreation, local produce and lawns. What four would be most important to you?
On display was “The Aquifer” a see through display of the Floridian aquifer system, the source of our clean drinking water. You could see how water from the surface filters through the earths layers to produce clean water. The young people learned water conservation or water protection strategies by playing the water bean toss game or you could watch them "Fish for Trash.”
The event concluded and the suspense was over with the announcement of the winners of the Chili Cook-off:
CASI Winner – Amy Harder from High Springs, FL
Jane Woodward of High Springs Historical Society & Museum
April 2, 2016
While some of the area’s most fantastic cooks were preparing their lip smacking chili for the chili tasting contest, a little over five hundred people took in some activities, sights and sounds of the Springs Celebration at O’Leno State Park. In lieu of an entrance fee, patrons arriving for the celebration demonstrated their support by donating ten cases of food for the High Springs Catholic Charities food bank.
Entertainment under the huge pillars at the pavilion was “The Weeds of Eden” band! They were rocking, while in a nearby recreation hall local artists showcased their talent of art, photography and jewelry.
As you walked along the banks of the Santa Fe River, numerous tents were set up under the canopy of the forest trees. THINK WATER. All the exhibits had something to do with water.
The High Springs Historical Society was on hand to give everyone firsthand knowledge of the upcoming arrival of the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Water/Ways exhibition to be hosted by the museum July16 through August 27, 2016.
The University of Florida IFAS Extension office provided booklets and pamphlets on Florida’s native gardening. Also at the days event you could learn how to build a Tower Garden using PVC and water. The Native Plant Society along with native plant vendors were available to answer questions and you could purchase Florida friendly plants.
Friends of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Four Rivers Audubon Society and the Florida Wildlife Care gave information on the importance of protecting our local wildlife.
Did you know boaters have been seriously injured by Sturgeons during the summer months? If you every wanted to know more about Sturgeons, the U.S. Geological Survey was there to answer your questions. Or maybe you decided to take the spring water challenge. The Northeast District of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had a display of nine different ways people use water; household uses, paper products, meat and dairy, electricity, mining materials, drinking water, outdoor recreation, local produce and lawns. What four would be most important to you?
On display was “The Aquifer” a see through display of the Floridian aquifer system, the source of our clean drinking water. You could see how water from the surface filters through the earths layers to produce clean water. The young people learned water conservation or water protection strategies by playing the water bean toss game or you could watch them "Fish for Trash.”
The event concluded and the suspense was over with the announcement of the winners of the Chili Cook-off:
CASI Winner – Amy Harder from High Springs, FL
Jane Woodward of High Springs Historical Society & Museum
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Ichetucknee Environmental Showcase - Florida State Park
March 12, 2016 On the morning of March 12th 2016, the gates of Ichetucknee Springs State Park opened bright and early for a day full of education and good times all around. Park rangers were the first attraction with their interactive wildlife display where visitors were able to view corn snakes, gopher tortoises, and various other wildlife species which can all be found within the park. Watching the faces of children light up with curiosity while having a staring contest with a snake is priceless. Students from the local area were displaying interactive environmental science projects informing viewers how to tell the difference between the venomous snakes of Florida, the difference between prescribed burns and uncontrolled fires, as well as how much water is used in creating various daily items. Pete Butt of Karst Environmental Services, Inc. a hydrogeological consulting firm specializing in support services that provide scientific investigations of surface and subterranean hydrogeologic and biologic properties of karst terrains, including springs, sinkholes, rivers and associated ecosystems presented research showing the connections between springs and sinks through dye testing as well as other impressive means. All afternoon adults and children alike learned about the beauty and wonder to be found in Ichetucknee Springs State Park as well as how to make a difference in protecting these precious environments. To see the community come together and raise awareness for our local water ways is a truly refreshing feeling. We are happy to be but a helping hand in such a profound effort for springs protection and are thankful to be surrounded by such an inspirational community like High Springs, FL..Japa Magyer of Outdoor FL Creations |
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“Taking The Waters” by Liz Coursen
January 29, 2016 We, as well as a full house of visitors attended the "Taking the Waters: A History of Florida's Most Famous Springs" talk at the High Springs Library on 1/24/16. Guest speaker Liz Coursen began the conversation by going back in time and looking at Florida's springs from the 1500's and showing visitors what life was like in past times. She continued by sharing slides containing images, historic post cards, vintage advertisements, and more. Liz shared many of the creative ways people were implementing to explore and view the wonders of Florida's Springs in the 1930's, 40's, and 50's such as the first version of the famous glass-bottom boats of Silver Springs, "Free Air Station's" at Wakulla Springs, and even View-Master packets of the Weeki Wachee mermaids. We really enjoyed learning about the history of these places we visit now but have changed so much over time. Thank you to Liz Coursen for visiting High Springs and sharing this history with our community. - Japa Magyer of Outdoor FL Creations |
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. http://www.floridaconsumerhelp.com/ Toll-free number 1-800-435-7352