Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

Named for Howard T. Odum, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit uses science and education to protect Florida's springs. Its goal is to document the state's springs and inform the public about the threats they face, so that future generations can still enjoy them. The mission centers on caring for, conserving, and restoring the state's freshwater springs and aquifers.

Since 2010 the institute has been building a quantitative baseline for springs by monitoring water quality and quantity, running ecological studies, and documenting ecosystem health. It uses that data to prepare restoration action plans and shares its recommendations with people, businesses, and government agencies. It became an incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2013.

Its Florida Springs Welcome Center in High Springs is open to the public and can host tours, presentations, or events for groups and classes. Its citizen science program, SpringsWatch, has completed 235 sampling trips, and the institute counts more than 16,000 volunteer hours. The institute has also published ecological assessments of waterways such as the Silver River.