Manatee Springs

Welcome to another Tuesdays with Dori. I'm yoor hostess, Dori. *wavy paws*

I hope yoo all enjoyed a beautiful Easter. Spwing is in the air, with flower blooming and sun puddles popping up in some of my favorite places both inside my home, and outside in my Catio.

Today I want to share wif yoo a special place here in Flory-Da reserved for Manatees. 

Blue Spring State Park is 2,643 acres protecting 21 natural communities, including two lagoons, a first-magnitude spring (that discharges over 102 million gallons of water daily into the St Johns River) and a north-flowing river. The spring runs through a shady hardwood hammock, and in winter more than 600 manatees gather in the 72-degree waters. In order to provide a safe warm water refuge for the manatees, the spring is closed to all water-related activities from mid-November through March.

This past February my pawrents visited the park to see the manatees, and they were delighted to see a baby right under their place on the boardwalk.

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge and provides habitat for at least 15 threatened or endangered plants and animals. More than 150 bird species have been identified at the park, including eagles and kingfishers. Swimming turtles and the flashing scales of gar and sunfish can also be seen in the clear spring. You can also hear frogs calling each other, and spy an alligator basking on the spring banks.

During the summertime, hoomons are allowed to swim, snorkel, or go diving and tubing in the waters. There is picnic areas with three pavillions available. There is also a campground nearby, and a four-mile-long trail to hike. The park also offers paddling tours for those who like to canoe or kayak.

Hope yoo enjoyed seeing the manatees. 

Until next time...