We invite you to come observe and enjoy the unique ecosystem of this spring-fed river. Springs, and their corresponding rivers, have been widely used as important recreational and educational locations throughout Florida history. The spring leads to the underground waterways, flowing through limestone caverns below the surface. The clear water flows directly from the Florida aquifer, and the surrounding wetlands and uplands have adapted to host a diverse variety of plants and animals, including many protected species. The River is named one of only two Wild & Scenic Rivers* in Florida.

As you visit Wekiva Island and travel along the river, you have the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife. Often spotted by kayakers, paddleboarders, canoers and boaters are turtles, alligators, otters, bears, deer and even the occasional monkey in addition to a large range of bird species.

Wekiva Island was historically located along a riparian floodplain wetland that appeared similar to the adjacent banks of the Wekiva River and surrounding mixed hardwood and coniferous wetlands. Over the years, the previous landowners removed nearly all of the native vegetation and replaced it with a minimal degree of “traditional” landscaping that was not properly adapted to the soils and hydrological characteristics of the site.

The new owners of Wekiva Island have subsequently removed 95% of the traditional landscaping materials which primarily consisted of: non-native Viburnums, Ligustrum, Boston Fern, Crepe Myrtle, King Sago, and some Southern Magnolia that are not able to withstand the high water of the river during floods. These were replaced with sustainable Florida natives primarily found in the adjacent riverbank and nearby buffer zone, designed to improve both the ecological and aesthetic value of the site and provide interest and educational opportunities throughout the property. These more desirable natives include: Bald Cypress, Black Gum, Red Maple, American Elm , Sabal Palm, Wax Myrtle, Blue Beech, Loblolly Bay, Sweetgum, Red Bay, Saw Palmetto, Live Oak, Pop Ash, Cordgrass, Yellow Anise, Coontie, Cinnamon Fern , Walter’s Viburnum, and Fackshattee Grass.Bald Cypress, Black Gum, Red Maple, American Elm , Sabal Palm, Wax Myrtle, Blue Beech, Loblolly Bay, Sweetgum, Red Bay, Saw Palmetto, Live Oak, Pop Ash, Cordgrass, Yellow Anise, Coontie, Cinnamon Fern , Walter’s Viburnum, Fackshattee Grass.

In addition, exotic and nuisance vegetation was identified growing on the property that has an adverse impact on the Wekiva River and surrounding floodplains by spreading without constraint and displacing the more desirable Florida natives. That problematic vegetation was also removed to make room for the desirable natives listed above to grow and flourish. These plants identified and removed include: Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebofolia), Torpedo Grass (Hemitomon repens), and Primrose Willow (Ludwhigia peruvianna).