Student Photo Bank
The images below are for use by students and educators for school-based projects only. Any other use, commercial or non-commercial, is prohibited and considered a violation of the individual photographer's copyright.
* To download an image, click Zoom to enlarge. On Windows PC, right-click on image and save. On Mac, ctrl click and save.
Zoom+ A diver's view of a cavern opening in a sinkhole. © Wes SkilesZoom+ A young manatee nursing. © Wes Skiles
Zoom+ Diver explores the waters of Volusia Blue Spring FDEPZoom+ One of several "karst" windows that comprise Suwannee Blue, a series of sinkholes that lead to the Suwannee River. This karst window is about the size of a refrigerator. © Russell Sparkman
Zoom+ Cave diver and springs explorer Wes Skiles in his element. © Jill HeinerthZoom+ Ichetucknee main spring.
Zoom+ On a hot summer day, nothing takes the heat away better than tubing down one of Florida's cool, clear spring-fed rivers. © Ichetucknee Springs State ParkZoom+ Many unique tours and events, like the famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs, have attracted visitors from around the world for years. © Wes Skiles
Zoom+ Protection of sinkholes like Rose Sink is essential to long-term springs protection initiatives. © Wes SkilesZoom+ Julie Henson, production assistant for the Water's Journey film, climbs out of Vampire Sinkhole in Alachua County. These unique geologic formations connect directly to the aquifer and also provide information about the past. © Russell Sparkman
Zoom+ Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides and extensive irrigation of lawns can harm springs. © Russell SparkmanZoom+ Runoff from parking lots can add pollutants to the springshed © Russell Sparkman © Russell Sparkman
Zoom+ Cavern diving in spring pools and areas with overhead restrictions offer recreational divers an opportunity to see many of the rare plants and animals of the springs up-close. © Wes SkilesZoom+ Glass bottom boat tours at Silver Springs began in the late 1870s to showcase the crystal clear water and the diversity of the aquatic ecosystem found there. © Harley Means / FDEP
Zoom+ Gopher Turtles, such as this juvenile, are residents of the sandhill areas that surround springs. © Russell SparkmanZoom+ Spring Crayfish © Wes Skiles
Zoom+ Florida spring ecosystems are an attractive habitat for the American alligator. © Harley Means / FDEPZoom+ The limpkin forages along the shoreline © Ev Gawenda
Zoom+ River Cooter © John MoranZoom+ Belted Kingfisher © Jim Stevenson