"Wakulla Springs, A Watery Treasure"
Illustration of a short nosed bear and saber tooth tiger at the "Shell Station" on the Wakulla River.
OVERVIEW
The film Wakulla Springs, A Watery Treasure, is a 30-minute documentary that uses narration, interviews and a mix of new
and archival materials to give viewers a sense of the areas remarkable history — and its equally interesting present.
Painting by Linda Hall
Critical review:
“It’s one of the most hauntingly beautiful natural places in America. This film does great
justice to Wakulla Springs and its story,” said George Butler, director of “Pumping Iron,”
“The Endurance” and “Roving Mars.”
SPRING AND RIVER BOAT TOURS
For 90 years, boat tours of the spring and river were led by charismatic guides, many of whom grew up in Wakulla County, Fla.
Today, the traditional, yet always unique delivery styles of the guides continue to educate and entertain more than one-million
visitors a year. Each driver has their own style of describing the spring and its many creatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Despite being protected in the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, the springs' water and wildlife are being impacted by environmental
threats that originate from beyond its boundaries. These include invasive plant species, increased
nitrate levels and “dark water” that prevents the famous glass bottom boat tours from running for much of the year.
Photo: Bob Thompson
FEATURING INTERVIEWS WITH: Ret. Park Director Sandy Cook, Florida Park Rangers
Don Gavin, Luke Smith, and Bob Thompson, Springs Ambassador Cal Jamison, Woodville Karst
Plain Project Director Casey McKinlay, Hydrogeologist Todd Kincaid and 1940s park employee
Enwood Ashmore. Directed by Bayard Stern. Narrated by Amy Hinson.
Underwater video and special thanks to Casey McKinlay, Todd Kincaid and Jarrod Jablonski of the:
Woodville Karst Plain Project and Global Underwater Explorers
Information: vidbay@gmail.com