A Peacock with a Spring In Its Step
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Welcome to Peacock Springs State Park!
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
This park has two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes-all in near pristine condition. One of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States, about 28,000 feet of underwater passages have been explored and surveyed by cave divers. Only divers who have proof of their scuba certification are allowed to explore the underwater caverns. Mature forest stands around the springs represent four major natural plant communities. A nature trail leads visitors on a path tracing the twisting tunnels of the caves far below their feet. Swimming in Peacock Spring and Orange Grove Sink are popular activities during the summer. Grills and pavilions are available for picnicking. Located 16 miles southwest of Live Oak on State Road 51, two miles east of Luraville on Peacock Springs Road.
Peacock Springs State Park History
About 1,000 years ago this land was pushed up from the Gulf floor to rest on a limestone platform.
When seepage and the flow of subsurface streams causes the roof of underground caverns to dissolve and collapse, springs and sinks are formed. The thin mantle of sandy sediments covering the caverns are then eroded and carried off by the subsurface streams, forming a diverse landscape of sinks and depressions. The sinkholes and springs found here are in nearly pristine condition and are part of the most extensive underwater cave system known in Florida. It is also one of the longest underwater cave systems in the entire continental United States, with about 33,000 feet of passages having been explored and surveyed by cave divers.
The two major springs, Peacock and Bonnet, are third magnitude springs and are tributaries of the Suwannee River via Peacock Slough. In addition to the two major springs certified cave divers also use Orange Grove sink to enter the vast interconnected underwater cave system.
Its geologic growth hasn't stopped. Recent research has documented a 30 percent increase in the size of this platform since 1957. Peacock Springs State Recreation Area is an outstanding natural ecosystem containing elements of statewide and national significance.
Excellent examples of surface and subsurface karst limestone features, including two major springs, a major spring run, six sinkholes and numerous small sinks and depressions, can be found in the 288-acre recreation area.
Plant Life
In addition to the outstanding quality of the aquatic cave system, the upland area contains mature forest stands representing four major natural plant communities: xerotic hammock, upland hardwood forest, bottomland forest and floodplain swamp. A canopy of sand live oak, laurel oak, pignut hickory and southern magnolia can also be found in the hammock. The upland forest is dominated by Florida maple, American holly and dogwood in addition to laurel oak and pignut hickory. The bottomland forest is known for mature second growth and old growth characterized by oak, water hickory, red maple, sweetgum, loblolly pine and cedar elm, a state endangered species. An open canopy of bald cypress over a dense sub-canopy of pop ash, swamp privet and button ash characterizes the swamp.
Wildlife
Deer, bobcats, raccoon, squirrels, beaver and otters are widely observed. Along with turkey, blue heron and barred owls commonly seen in the park, the red-shouldered hawks are seen nesting each spring. The gopher tortoise and indigo snake have been documented within the park and the Sherman's fox squirrel has been sighted just outside the park boundaries. The Suwannee cooter inhabits the spring run as well as alligator, large mouth bass, spotted sunfish and blue gill.
Source: Florida Park Service, DEP website, www.floridastateparks.org.
To Log this cache you must do the following things, but PLEASE email the answers to us using the contact feature on our Groundspeak profile:
First, fill in the blank: In 1886 the town of Luraville had the booming population of ______?
Second, Visit the Orange sink area at N 30 07.631 W 083 07.841 and answer what is the "Total Surveyed-Passage" and at what grade.
Third, this is optional, Go to N 30 07.352 W 083 07.943 and take a picture of you (or a member of your cache team) holding up your GPR with the water clearly visible in the background. Post this picture on your log posting.
For super extra credit, post a picture of you diving in the caves.
Additional Hints
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