Upon arrival at Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Cambrian Foundation team was greeted by the excited and supportive park personnel. Two microbial ecologists, Aaron Mills, Ph.D., and Rima Franklin, Ph.D., joined us from the Kennedy Space Center for the day of sampling. After carefully reviewing microbial collection protocols, the dive team began to stage their gear near the spring vent. As the dive team was suiting up, Paul, Lee, Artie, James, Josh, Kate, and Tim were busy using the HydroLab to analyze surface water quality data and staging their video and photography equipment. Amy, Rima, and Aaron fielded questions from curious bathers. Terrence and Renee entered the cave each with a no-mount configuration, and began the journey back into the constrictive passages that feed the Wekiwa Spring system. At several points along the sampling transect, bacterial colonies were collected, and their respective depths and locations were noted. After 32 minutes of bottom time, the divers emerged with all samples in tact. Everything went smoothly for the dive team, and the samples were safely brought to the surface. Upon arrival at the surface, the water samples were analyzed for pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential, specific conductance, turbidity, and temperature. Nutrient analyses were performed to examine the relative concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia both in the groundwater and in the surface waters of the system. Drs. Mills and Franklin were intrigued by the various microbes extracted, and they were excited to move on to our next destination!

Having surveyed most of the existing line in Rock Springs, we turned our attention to the remainder, which consisted of a section of line that had been laid some time before and led into a low bedding plane to the left of the main line. The main line itself stopped at a major restriction straight ahead through which a great deal of flow was coming, making even approaching that restriction difficult.

Terrence, Artie and Renee gathered at 0730 this morning to begin a busy day. As part of the Central Florida Karst Project we gather water samples weekly at several local springs to include Rock Springs, Witherington Springs, Wekiva Springs and Sulfur Springs. The sampling went without a hitch as usual. We had an additional mission to accomplish while at Witherington Springs. After a several minute hike through the densely forested area and taking water samples, Terrence and Artie donned their wetsuits. We wanted to have a look in the spring to see if there was a possibility of a cave entrance. They entered the water very cautiously at it is a precarious entrance. The water seemed to be fairly clear at this point. Terrence and Artie snorkeled around for a bit while Renee scanned the area continuously for Alligators from the bank. Only one gator was seen and it was a small one. Further investigation may be required at this site due to the slight stirring up of the fine bottom composition.

The target of dive operations today was DeLeon Springs. This spring is located in the town of DeLeon Springs, Florida about seven miles north of DeLand in the central part of the state. On site is a 170-foot semicircular pool surrounded by rolling sandy hills. Several walkways help gain access to the pool. From the pool is a short run that leads westward to a chain of three lakes –Spring Garden, Woodruff and Dexter, to the St. John’s River. The water flow comes from a spring located in the north central portion of the pool. A low boil is present above the chimney opening leading to the cave. A bathhouse and snack bar make spending the day here even more enjoyable. The current store and pancake house used to serve as a sugar mill in the 1920’s.

At 0900 we (Andrew, Terrence and Renee) gathered our dive gear ready to go to Rock Springs, in Kelly Park. On arrival we spoke to the rangers to inform them of our plan for the day. They waved and smiled as we drove down to the spring.

Wednesday, March 3, 2004

We were very grateful to have Jared Sholk of Selznick Middle School in Maitland, Florida, join us in the field today! Jared won a ‘day out in the field’ by being voted most valuable teammember in a recent Cambrian Foundation Ocean Legacy Program held at Hontoon Island.

Monday, January 19, 2004