Wekiwa Springs Nature Center

The Nature Center gives an overview of the natural history of the Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Wekiva River Basin. We encourage you to learn more about the rich diversity of flora and fauna, some of which is threatened and endangered.

We hope that the exhibits will give you some idea of the wealth of wildlife to be seen within the park's boundaries. Enjoy the park and all that it has to offer and help us to protect it for all future generations.

Did you know?
That when a black bear rears up on its hind legs, it isn't being threatening. It just wants to get a better look at you.

Alligators continue to grow teeth throughout their lives.

Gopher tortoises can live up to 60 years.

That many grasshoppers and crickets have their ears on their front legs.

A good way to determine the length of a submerged 'gator is to estimate the distance in inches between the eyes and the tip of the nose and multiply this by feet. If you estimate the distance is 10 inches, then you are looking at a ten-foot gator.

Alligators can outswim you in the water and outrun you on land - achieving speeds of 35 mph over short distances. Large gators can also jump four to five feet out of the water.

Florida black bears do not usually hibernate, but some Florida spiders do.

Dragonflies are sometimes referred to as Florida Mosquito Hawks because their favorite food is the pesky mosquito.

An osprey can be traveling at 50 mph when it hits the water in its feet first dive for prey.

The rhinoceros beetle can carry 850 times its own weight on its back.

Visit us at the Nature Center and see what else you can learn about our wonderful park.