Recreation | Wekiva

Since the designation of the Wekiva two decades ago, more users have been coming to the river to enjoy its natural wonders. The river offers spectacular kayaking, tubing, paddle boarding, photography, bird-watching, and hiking areas. Even with increased use, Wekiva recreationists are still very satisfied with their experiences on the river based on a recent survey.

Wilson’s Landing Point, an area along the Wekiva, was restored to prevent stormwater runoff into the river. Photo by Jaime Doubek-Racine.

There are still some direct and indirect impacts on the river from recreation, however. This is an increasing issue in many public places, particularly this year. As many people rediscover local natural areas, these areas are experiencing higher levels of users and crowding. The Wekiva takes extensive measures in monitoring recreation experience, including a comprehensive user survey every five years.

One major indicator used in these surveys are desired future conditions, which describe objectives and outcomes and reflect aspirational conditions for the River related to conservation and recreation. While many of these desired conditions are currently met, the Wekiva does aim to improve erosion in high use areas, water quality, sign consistency, and invasive species management. It will be a collective effort to continue working towards these goals.

Kayaking down the Wekiva. Photo by Ashley Konon.

The Friends of the Wekiva River is a citizen action group that promotes and protects the aesthetic and recreational values of the Wekiva River System. Cooperating with government officials and agencies, other environmental groups, and artists and educators, Friends of the Wekiva River hopes to promote an understanding of the legacy the river represents for central Florida and beyond. Their organization boosts volunteer events that aid in this mission.

One unique conservation event that occurs on the Wekiva each year is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. The Wekiva is home to over 130 different bird species, making it a prime location for birders and conservation enthusiasts alike. Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count has been an annual event for over 100 years and an annual tradition sponsored by Friends of the Wekiva River in the Wekiva basin since 1991.

A pileated woodpecker is one of the many bird species you can find along the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River. Photo by Ashley Konon.

All are welcome at these birding events, from beginners to seasoned birding professionals. Each area is divided into different zones within the Wekiva Basin, and each zone is managed by someone proficient in bird identification. During each count day, the total number of birds observed are tabulated and compiled for the entire area. This community science work is of great importance to groups like the National Audubon Society who measure and track birds for conservation purposes.

For their 20th Anniversary, the Wekiva River had many exciting events going on, such as talks on Florida native plants, macroinvertebrates, and Florida turtles, an art contest, a river clean-up, and more! To look at all past and future Wekiva events, check out their Facebook and Instagram.

No matter how you get out on the water and shores, make sure you #recreate-responsibly. You can visit Friends of the Wekiva website to learn more.

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