GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Conservationists gathered in Gainesville to hear an expert presentation on Florida’s history as shaped by water as part of the city’s May ‘Perspectives in the Park’ series.
Florida springs expert Lars Anderson discussed North Central Florida’s springs and how they have been affected over time by residents and visitors.
He emphasized that people are not separate from nature, but part of the systems they move through.
“(I) really want people to recognize their connection to the springs, that they’re not just passing through nature,” Anderson said. “They’re part of that system that they’re passing through.”
Anderson also shared what he described as alarming trends, including the fact that Florida’s wetlands have declined by more than 20% over the past 20 years.
He said wetland losses matter because wetlands play a critical ecological role and help support Florida’s waterways.
“One way or another, we here in Florida are depleting the wetlands,” Anderson said. “Wetlands are just critical to a lot of things, so it’s definitely something to be concerned about and to protect.”
He ended the presentation by sharing a list of organizations focused on protecting and restoring wetlands, including the Florida Springs Institute and Our Santa Fe River.
‘Perspectives in the Park’ is a monthly program featuring experts across topics such as science, nature, history, and art.
Anderson is scheduled to return in June to present the same program for those who missed the May event.
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