St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is an ancient intracoastal lagoon system, which gets its tea color from tannins, a natural color caused by decaying plant material. As sea levels dropped, barrier islands became an obstacle that prevented water from flowing east to the ocean. The water collected in the flat valley and slowly meandered northward, forming the St. Johns River.

Wildlife is abundant in and around the St. Johns River. For hundreds of years, the river has been home to many plant species and marine animals — manatees, largemouth bass and many other types of fish, crabs, shrimp and other shellfish, river otters, waterfowl, blue herons and bald eagles, and alligators and other reptiles.

The St. Johns River is rich in history and culture, holds environmental and aesthetic value, plays an important role in the economy and serves as a place to call home for people and wildlife alike.