The Latest on Crystal River
CONSERVE PROTECT
RESTORE ADVOCATE
Crystal River’s Invasive Aquatic Plants
Florida is known for its beautiful waterways and marshlands, so invasive aquatic plants are particularly threatening to Florida’s environment. In Crystal River, there are four main invasive aquatic plants: water hyacinth, water lettuce, hydrilla, and lyngbya.
Venomous Snakes in Crystal River
Crystal River is known for its unique wildlife and picturesque sawgrass prairies. Some wildlife, like the manatees, can be safely observed up close, but other wildlife, like gators or snakes, should be observed from a safe distance. Many snakes inhabit the sawgrasses and can swim through water. Some are harmless, but some are deadly. In this post I’ll give you a rundown of the most common venomous snakes in Crystal River and how to avoid getting bitten.
Restoration Work Resumes April, 2021
We are excited to announce that work will be resuming as Manatee Season comes to an end on April 1st, 2021!
Why has Crystal River Become Saltier?
Crystal River has become saltier because of saltwater intrusion. As developments pump freshwater out of the aquifer for drinking or irrigation, the saltwater aquifers under the freshwater aquifers begin to seep into the freshwater and contaminate it. Draining the aquifer not only leads to contaminated waters, but it also decreases spring venting and causes devastating sinkholes.
Riverbed Scars
You’ve probably seen those sandy lines along the river floor, running through the eelgrass (see picture above). These scars are caused by boat propellers. Scars can also be formed by using hooked anchors that uproot native eelgrass and leave sandy patches in the riverbed. While many boaters believe scraping the bottom is no problem, it takes time for eelgrass to grow back. Often, Save Crystal River will intervene and patch the scars before they fill with gunk and detritus.
Growing and Planting Eelgrass
The ability to transform an algae-based aquatic ecosystem into a plant-based system is the key to making Crystal River crystal clear. Eelgrass is vital to the health of our river. Interested in how it's done?
Scalloping in Crystal River
In the summer, tourists flood to Crystal River to spend their days scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico, but due to over-catching and degrading water quality, the number of bay scallops has greatly decreased over the past ten years.
EELGRASS EFFECT: Then & Now
Long gone are the days spent driving around the Bay to find a manatee. Now we are looking for ones in clear water WITHOUT other boats near them. We can’t remember the last time that a tour struck out finding manatees to swim with. We’ve become spoiled.
UPCOMING IN SEPTEMBER
Save our Waters Week is an annual activity where the waters of Citrus County receive love and attention. We remove debris and restore the condition of the ecosystem. Join in!
Information on this years activities coming soon! We’ll see you on the waterfront!
Have a question?
Contact us!
Because Save Crystal River is a grass roots organization working to restore our waters, we want to hear from others who support efforts to restore our waters. So please reach out in whatever way is best for you. Call us, send and email, and then like us on Facebook.
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