🦅 Bald eagles are soaring across SJRWMD lands — and Florida is one of the BEST places to see them!

✨ Bald eagles mate for life and return to the same nest year after year.
✨ Their nests can weigh over 1,000 pounds — some of the largest of any bird in North America!
✨ Eagle eyesight is 4–5 times stronger than ours.
✨ Florida has one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the entire U.S. (outside Alaska!)

And many of them can be seen right on SJRWMD conservation lands, especially around Lake George, the Ocklawaha Basin, and large wetland systems where fish and waterbirds are plentiful.

By protecting wetlands, lakes, and natural shorelines, we’re protecting the habitats bald eagles rely on to nest, hunt, and raise their young. 💙🌿

📍 Explore District lands for FREE and keep your eyes on the sky!
👉 bit.ly/DistrictLandsMap

#SJRWMD #BaldEagles #FloridaWildlife #Birding #ExploreFlorida #ConservationLands #Raptors #NativeFlorida ... See MoreSee Less

🚨 We’re Hiring! Join our mission to protect Florida’s water and natural resources. 💧

At the St. Johns River Water Management District, our team makes a real difference — from restoring wetlands to protecting springs and ensuring sustainable water use across 18 counties. 🌎

If you’re passionate about science, the environment, and meaningful work that impacts Florida’s future — this is the place for you. 🌿

👉 Explore open positions and apply today: bit.ly/SJRWMD-JOBS

#WereHiring #SJRWMD #FloridaJobs #EnvironmentalCareers #WaterMatters #JoinOurTeam ... See MoreSee Less

Office Closure Notice ✨

In observance of George Washington’s Birthday, St. Johns River Water Management District offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16. 🗓️

We will reopen and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17. ✅

Thank you for your understanding! 💧 ... See MoreSee Less

⚠️ UPDATE: Burrell Lock Opening Delayed

Burrell Lock will not reopen tomorrow, Feb. 16, as previously announced and will remain closed until further notice.
We appreciate your patience and will share updates when available. ... See MoreSee Less

🦅 Northern Harrier Spotlight

The Northern Harrier is a truly unique hawk — in fact, it’s the only harrier species found in North America. With long wings and a long tail, these birds are often seen flying low over open fields, marshes, and wetlands in search of prey.

One of the coolest features? Their face looks surprisingly owl-like. That’s because Northern Harriers use their excellent hearing, along with sharp eyesight, to locate prey as they glide just above the ground.

Healthy wetlands and open landscapes provide essential habitat for birds like the Northern Harrier. Protecting these water resources is central to the mission of the St. Johns River Water Management District.

🪶 Keep an eye out — you never know when one might pass by!

#SJRWMD #NorthernHarrier #FloridaBirds #WildlifeWednesday #WetlandsMatter #WaterResources ... See MoreSee Less

🌾 Meet the Sherman’s Fox Squirrel!
If you’ve ever spotted an extra-large, colorful squirrel on District lands, you might have seen the Sherman’s fox squirrel — a unique, charismatic species found in Florida’s pine flatwoods and sandhills.

Here’s what sets them apart from the common eastern gray squirrel:

✨ They’re much larger — up to twice the size of a gray squirrel
✨ Long, bushy tails (almost as long as their body!)
✨ Distinct coloring — black masks, orange tones, silver backs, or mixed patterns
✨ They love open pine forests, unlike gray squirrels that prefer urban and hardwood areas
✨ They’re more solitary and slow-moving, often seen on the ground foraging

Sherman’s fox squirrels rely on healthy longleaf pine ecosystems, which SJRWMD helps protect through conservation land management, prescribed burning, and habitat restoration.

Next time you’re exploring District lands, keep an eye out — spotting one of these beauties is always a treat! 🐿️💚

#ShermansFoxSquirrel #SJRWMD #FloridaWildlife #Conservation #ExploreFlorida #NativeSpecies ... See MoreSee Less

🥾🌿 Florida Hiking Trails Month – Trail of the Week

February is the perfect time to step outside and experience Florida’s wild side.

✨ This Week’s Trail:
Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve is a showcase of Florida’s natural diversity. Trails here pass through wet and mesic flatwoods, sandhill habitats, and scenic wetlands. In just a short hike, you might spot unique pitcher plant wetlands and beautiful longleaf pine wiregrass savannas — true Florida landscapes.

Protecting special places like this helps preserve water resources and maintain healthy habitats for native plants and wildlife.

With so many SJRWMD trails to explore, your next adventure is never far away. Grab your hiking shoes and celebrate Florida Hiking Trails Month with us!

🔗 Plan your visit at the link and start exploring.
sjrwmd.info/Longleaf-Flatwoods

💧 Florida water — it’s worth saving.

#FloridaHikingTrailsMonth #TrailOfTheWeek #SJRWMD #HikingFlorida #LongleafPine #ExploreFlorida ... See MoreSee Less