Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area

About Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area

Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area encompasses 378 acres of wetlands, flatwoods, hydric hammock and bottomland forest near Silver Springs, Florida. Visitors hike, bike, fish, ride horses and hunt across trails throughout the property. The conservation area protects the headwaters of Half Mile Creek and an unnamed tributary flowing into the Silver and Ocklawaha rivers, designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. A 165-acre habitat restoration project is underway, removing dense shrub species and reintroducing longleaf pine to return the landscape to its historic natural communities. Prescribed fire management will reduce invasive vegetation and improve wildlife habitat. The property links Indian Lake State Forest, Silver Springs State Park, the Cross Florida Greenway and District-managed lands to the Ocala National Forest. Most uplands currently consist of pine plantations. The forest captures rainwater to recharge the aquifer and reduces nitrate loading into springs and rivers, improving water quality and creating storage opportunities.