Flora and fauna
Typical for central Florida. A combination of pines, palmetto scrub, some hardwoods especially along outlet and spring. A variety of birds incl. endangered Scrub Jay, squirrels, fish live here.
History
The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home mid-November through March to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.
For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, and was settled by Louis Thursby and his family in 1856. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Canoes and Kayaks cam navigate the outlet's swift-flowing waters when Manatees are not present.