Experiences at Crystal Springs Preserve
Living Laboratory:
Crystal Springs Foundation's Living Laboratory cultivates the understanding of the interdependence of all living things and the importance of water resources.
Nature Center:
Our 4,000-square-foot Nature Center and Learning Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art science equipment designed to enhance our outdoor Living Laboratory. On display in the Nature Center are several species of amphibians and reptiles native to Florida. The Learning Lab is an opportunity for students to combine environmental science with technology.
Spring Fed Pond:
Springs come in all different sizes and shapes! Springs are measured based on the amount of water that is being discharged daily and these categories are known as magnitudes. Springs in Florida range in size from a Magnitude 1 to a Magnitude 8.
Magnitude 1 springs discharge on average >65 million gallons of water per day
Magnitude 2 springs discharge between 6.5-65 million gallons of water per day
Magnitude 3 springs discharge between 0.65-6.5 million gallons of water per day
Magnitude 4-8 springs discharge <.65 million million gallons of water per day
Crystal Springs is the largest magnitude 2 spring in South Central Florida. On average, 30 million gallons of water flows from Crystal Springs Preserve into the Hillsborough River!
Wildlife Viewing:
Wilderness experiences at Crystal Springs Foundation are enhanced by magnificent wildlife viewing opportunities. Look up, look down, look all around, wildlife is everywhere!
Butterfly Gardens:
Crystal Springs Foundation features a beautiful butterfly garden with a wide variety of host plants for many of Florida's native butterfly and moth species.