St. Johns Riverkeeper

What happened to the SAV in the St. Johns River?

Stressors to SAV include:

🌱 Lack of light penetration

🌱 Increased salinity

🌱 Water quality degradation

🌱 Extreme climatic events

🌱 Grazing pressure

Learn More: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/take-action/...

Here's a #TBT for you... I think these kids are on to something! We are hosting a similar video contest now - the River Reels: Trash Talk Video Contest is open to all 6th-12th graders in #DuvalCounty. And yes, there is a $500 prize!

Learn More: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/education/ri...

Living Shoreline at Riverview Park | St. Johns Riverkeeper stjohnsriverkeeper.org

Check out our very own Trey Ford on First Coast Living, talking about the POSH Module (oyster reef) installation at Riverview Park yesterday: www.firstcoastnews.com/video/entert...

We 🩵 teachers!

In July, we hosted a professional development day for local educators. We, along with other local experts, offered tools to help them provide hands-on environmental programs for their students.

We plan to make this an annual offering.

Good luck with back to school, everyone! 🍎

“We had a huge discussion about the daunting task of trying to (protect) a 310-mile river,” said Dr. Quinton White, founding board member of the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Read the feature about our 25th anniversary in Resident News: residentnews.net/the-voice-of...

Florida must find better ways to manage sewage sludge| Column Too much of the runoff is polluting rivers, lakes and streams.

The safe, sustainable management of sewage sludge is an urgent objective in Florida’s essential efforts to improve water quality and to protect Floridians. It’s past time for action.

Looking for fun things to do this weekend, Aug. 1-3? Top 5 events in Jacksonville area Fans might hear cries of "Khaaaaaaaan!" in two places this weekend: The Jaguars scrimmage in Jacksonville and William Shatner's show in Orange Park.

According to the Times Union, you should join us for the 25 Taps for the St. Johns Celebration this Sunday, August 3 from 2-5 p.m. at Intuition Ale Works: www.jacksonville.com/story/entert...

Cheers to 25 Years of SJRK! 🍻

Celebrate the end of our 25 Taps for the St. Johns campaign with us THIS SUNDAY from 2-5 p.m. at Intuition Ale Works.

🍻 Beer samples 🎟️ Grand Prize drawing 👕 Prize pickup

Raise your glass to a healthy river!

🎫 Get Your Tickets: secure.qgiv.com/for/stjohnsr... 🎫

Community Gatekeepers Roundtable to Evaluate Urban Environmental and Sustainable Resources - Free Press of Jacksonville By B. McNair | St. Johns Riverkeeper and LISC Jacksonville Resilient Ribault 3rd quarter meeting was recently held to update the community on Resilient Ribault northside environmental activities,…

We recently held our 3rd quarter Resilient Ribault stakeholder meeting with LISC Jacksonville and our local partners:

Toxic sludge is tainting Florida’s longest river, with no solution in sight - The Bradenton Times What is it about Florida’s rivers that makes us humans want to spoil them? …

Lisa Rinaman, your St. Johns Riverkeeper, spoke to reporter Craig Pittman about the toxic sewage sludge getting dumped near the headwaters of our St. Johns. “We’re seeing evidence of significant pollution being transferred here from South Florida."

Read more:

5 Things to Know About Blue-Green Algae - St. Johns Riverkeeper St. Johns Riverkeeper lays out 5 things the public should know about blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. How to identify it, and what to do.

❓ Many of you want to know, once you're informed about blue-green algae blooms - what else can you do?

☎️ Contact Elected Leaders: We need to enact stronger fertilizer ordinances and enforce the ones we have.

💧 Be River Friendly at home.

🗣️ Spread the Word!

Resilient Ribault: Environmental Quality Assessment Underway - St. Johns Riverkeeper St. Johns Riverkeeper is conducting a two-year Environmental Quality Assessment of the Ribault River and Moncrief Creek watersheds.

We are conducting a two-year Environmental Quality Assessment of the #RibaultRiver and #MoncriefCreek watersheds to:

💧 Evaluate environmental and water quality problems,
💧 Identify sources of pollution,
💧 Implement solutions.

Learn more:

What is the purpose of the enclosures?

The initiative is designed to temporarily reduce grazing pressure on the native grasses we are working to protect, and to enable SAV that is currently surviving, but struggling, to grow & spread.

Learn more: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/take-action/...

Volunteer For the River tomorrow! We'll be cleaning up Moncrief Creek at Eartha's Farm & Market tomorrow, (Saturday, July 26) from 9-11 a.m.

Watershed Address: Moncrief Creek > Trout River > St. Johns River

Sign up: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/event/2025-0...

25 Taps for the St. Johns ends in one week!

We're celebrating the end of the challenge, and more importantly raising our glasses to clean water & a healthy river, at Intuition Ale Works on Sunday, August 3 from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are available now: secure.qgiv.com/for/stjohnsr...

❓ How do I report an algae bloom?

📸 Take photos and note the time, date and location.

☎️ Report blooms to FDEP using their online form: www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3444948/A...

📧 Email report@sjrk.org to notify St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Learn more: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/5-things-to-...

Harmful algal bloom in Putnam County, tested positive for toxins: www.palatkadailynews.com/local-news/b...

🚫 Avoid any water activities in the area if you see an algae bloom.

🧼 If you or your pet come in contact with a bloom, wash off immediately and thoroughly with clean water and soap.

Health officials issue alert for blue-green algae present in St. Johns River near Shands Bridge The alert issued by the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County will be in effect until Aug. 11.

‼️ Health officials issue alert for blue-green algae present in St. Johns River near Shands Bridge: www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news...

25 Taps For the St. Johns Celebration

📅 Mark your calendar now for the 25 Taps for the St. Johns Celebration at the end of the challenge! Sunday, August 3 | 2-5 p.m. | Intuition Ale Works

🍺 Samples from local breweries 🏆 Prizes 💧 Raise a glass clean water & a healthy river! 🎟️ Get Your Ticket: secure.qgiv.com/for/stjohnsr...

We're in Clay County this weekend! 🥾

We're highlighting Camp Chowenwaw Park with #ClayCounty Parks and Recreation.

Wetlands Walk | Saturday, July 19 from 9-10 a.m. at Camp Chowenwaw Park

Watershed address: Black Creek > St. Johns River

Sign Up: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/event/2025-0...

Report: Miami-area sewage sludge raising cost of St. Johns River cleanup over $1 billion The report is a novel effort to project measurable increases on costs for environmental cleanups that Jacksonville-area communities have to do.

"Communities around the St. Johns River may face expenses topping $1.1 billion to clean phosphorus pollution in the river caused by sludge spread on farmland far upstream, an environmental nonprofit’s report released July 10 said."

Editorial: Lawmakers, stand up to DeSantis and start healing a mangled river Breaching the Kirkpatrick Dam and restoring the Ocklawaha River to its natural course would significantly improve water quality, boost fish and wildlife diversity and help protect Northeast Florida…

"This project should be among those considered: The Kirkpatrick Dam won’t be getting any safer, particularly
if it is repeatedly pounded by storms. The sooner the river’s natural flow is restored, the better." www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/07/11/e...

Volunteer, experience nature, & get out on the water this month!

💧 Riverview Park Service Day: July 12
💧 Clay County Wetlands Walk: July 19
💧 Ribault River Nature Walk: July 19
💧 McCoys Creek Cleanup: July 20
💧 Dragon Boat Paddle to Exchange Island: July 26

Details: stjohnsriverkeeper.org/events/

Happy Prime Days to all who celebrate... While you're shopping, add something to your cart that will make a difference for the St. Johns!

Did you know we have an Amazon Wish List? You can make a tangible gift by donating an item that will help us protect our river. www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...

Earn extra points - and extra chances to be the grand prize winner for #25Taps for the St. Johns! 🍻

Access your passport at 25Taps.com, and go to the activities tab:

🍻5 Points: Submit Your Social Post
🍻4 Points: Riverkeeper Rep
🍻3 Points: Snap a Selfie
🍻1 Point: Submit Your Social Story

Gov. DeSantis vetoes money in budget to break open Putnam County dam The veto halts plans to open the dam to restore the Oklawaha River and push freshwater into the St. Johns River.

"If we want to save the St. Johns River, we need to restore the Ocklawaha River. Sadly, we're seeing significant underwater grass loss in the St. Johns. If you don't have grass, you don't have bass," said St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman. www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news...

5 Things to Know About Blue-Green Algae - St. Johns Riverkeeper St. Johns Riverkeeper lays out 5 things the public should know about blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. How to identify it, and what to do.

What do I do if I see an algae bloom? 🦠 Avoid boating, paddling, fishing, or swimming in the area. Some blooms produce toxins that can make you (and your pets) sick.

We know... you had a fun day planned! But it's not worth the risk.

Learn more:

Regional water steward calls for biosolid testing amid forever chemical concerns Biosolids aren't tested for forever chemicals before being used as fertilizer in Florida. Testing requirements would help reduce risk, according to St. Johns Riverkeeper.

"Our farmers, they believe that they're being protected because the state is permitting the use of this sewage sludge," the St. Johns Riverkeeper, Lisa Rinaman said. "But they're not testing for these harmful, toxic chemicals." www.wusf.org/environment/...

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina - Explore the St. Johns River Paradise awaits in Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina, where nature and photography aficionados will fall in love with the St. Johns River.

Are we all just finalizing our weekend plans to #ExploreTheStJohns today? 👀 How about a riverfront stay at Hontoon Landing in DeLand, FL!

Stay on the river and rent a pontoon boat, bring your own, or book a guided tour!

Check it out: explorethestjohns.com/location/hon...

In the early 2000s, SJRK convinced the City of Jax to post health warning signs on some of the most polluted creeks due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria & called for action to improve water quality in tributaries. Eventually, the state adopted a cleanup plan for 25 polluted tributaries.