Rainbow Springs and Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve

Both the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve and the Ocklawaha River Aquatic Preserve are located in
North Central Florida's Marion County. The Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve encompasses the entire length of the Rainbow River, covering 150
acres of sovereign submerged lands
The river begins at Rainbow Springs and empties into the Withlacoochee River 5.7 miles to the south. The 72 degree F clear

water is home to 23 species of 15 genera and 7 families of fishes. This area is rich in cultural resources dating back to 7000-3000 BC. The Ocklawaha River Aquatic Preserve covers 4600 acres of sovereign submerged lands. Because of its location in the Central Highlands and it’s protection from geological fluctuations in sea level,
the Oklawaha River is one of the oldest rivers in Florida and one of only three rivers in Florida that flow south to north. The dark-water Oklawaha, spring-run Silver River
and their flood plain swamp support a diverse natural system of flora and fauna. The preserve is home to 110 species and 12 families of fishes. This area is rich in cultural resources; human habitation dates back to 7500 B.C.
43% of the federally listed threatened or endangered species rely directly or indirectly on wetlands
for their survival.