St. Johns River Water Management District

🦅 Meet the Peregrine Falcon — one of the fastest animals on Earth!

Did you know these incredible raptors can reach speeds of over 200 mph during a hunting dive? 💨 Their sharp eyesight can spot prey from long distances, and their powerful wings make them masters of the sky.

Florida’s wetlands, rivers, and open landscapes can provide important habitat and stopover areas for peregrine falcons during migration — another reason protecting natural spaces matters. That’s where the St. Johns River Water Management District comes in. By managing conservation lands and helping protect water resources, we also help support the habitats that wildlife depend on. 💧🌿

👀 Have you ever seen a Peregrine Falcon on SJRWMD lands? Tell us where in the comments!

🎉 ICYMI, nature lovers! The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 🚗 will be OPEN tomorrow, June 19th in honor of Juneteenth, a federal holiday.
🦆 This FREE 11-mile drive winds through breathtaking natural habitats, with tons of chances to spot birds, gators, and other wildlife 🐊🦅
👉 Just 25 minutes from Orlando — it's the perfect mid-week adventure!
📍2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
🕛 Open for vehicular traffic between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
📸 Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!

📬 Postcard from Old Florida (circa 1905) 🚤

This vintage postcard captures the steamer “Fred’k De Bary” traveling along the St. Johns River—a time when Florida’s waterways were the primary way to move people and goods across the state.

Before roads and railways took over, steamboats like this connected communities and helped shape Florida’s early growth—all powered by the same rivers we manage today.

💡 Then vs. Now:
These historic waterways once carried passengers and cargo—today, they support water supply, flood protection, and thriving ecosystems.

A glimpse into the past… on a river that still tells Florida’s story.

💼 Ready for your next role?
✨ SJRWMD is hiring now
💧 Protect Florida’s future
📍 Multiple openings
🌱 Meaningful careers
👉 Apply: https://bit.ly/SJRWMD-JOBS

🌧️ How much rain did the District receive over the last 12 months?

From June 2025 through May 2026, the St. Johns River Water Management District received an average of 43.65 inches of rainfall — 7.36 inches below normal for the period.

While recent rain has helped in some areas, much of the District continues to experience rainfall deficits, especially across portions of Central and North Florida.

Rainfall plays a critical role in replenishing lakes, rivers, springs, and groundwater supplies that support our communities, economy, and natural resources.

💧 Explore current water conditions and learn more about water conservation here:
https://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/

Saddle up and explore natural Florida!

The St. Johns River Water Management District manages 400,000+ acres of land — and many of these beautiful conservation areas are perfect for a trail ride with your favorite four-legged friend. 🌿

Here are a few favorites for horseback riding:
🌾 Black Creek Ravines – Quiet, nature-rich ride
🌳 Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve – variety of pine flatwoods, cypress swamp, sandhill upland, and wetlands
💧 Every property is free to explore and helps protect Florida’s water and wildlife.
🗺️ Check out our recreation map and plan your ride: https://bit.ly/DistrictLandsMap

🌾 Meet the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow!

One of North America’s most endangered birds, the Florida grasshopper sparrow is a rare Florida native found only in the state’s dry prairie habitats. Small in size, but an important part of Florida’s natural heritage.

✨ About 5 inches long with an 8-inch wingspan
✨ Pale stripe on the head and light brown breast
✨ Named for its insect-like song
✨ Found only in south-central Florida prairies
✨ Both parents help raise their young
✨ May nest multiple times each season

At SJRWMD, our mission is to protect water resources and the natural systems connected to them. Through conservation land management, habitat stewardship, and restoration, we help protect the landscapes wildlife depend on.

Protecting Florida water means protecting Florida wildlife, too. 💧💚🐦