We are a coalition of over 50 conservation organizations.
In 2014 representatives of a handful of springs groups gathered together to combine their efforts, skills, and expertise for the good of ALL springs.
The result was the Florida Springs Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit coalition designed for collective advocacy.
Since then we have grown to over 50 organizations. FSC represents this coalition of groups when we lobby in Tallahassee for better laws, coordinate legal challenges, and speak out when we see a threat to our waterways. In return, each organization brings their specific expertise and local knowledge to the Council.
We focus on advocacy and legal action for
Florida's world-class springs and rivers.
 Mobilizing citizens to head to Tallahassee to speak against harmful policies |  Keeping our followers and members informed about springs protection news |  Guiding new advocates on how to speak to state legislators in Tallahassee |
|---|---|---|
 Gathering springs organizations together to discuss conservation strategy |  Getting out there to discuss the top issues facing our springs |  Ensuring that our springs member groups are able to afford to legally defend their springs |
 Going to court to force the state to uphold springs protection law with sound science |  Lobbying lawmakers to make sure that Florida's springs receive the protection they need |
Staff
RYAN SMART
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BRENDA WELLS
Communications
Specialist
Ryan Smart lives in Jacksonville Beach and holds a Master's in Water Policy & Public Administration from the University of Florida, where he was honored for his environmental advocacy work as the 2017 University of Florida – Bob Graham Center Young Floridian of the Year.
He took the helm as FSC's first Executive Director in 2018, after having served as the Director of the Florida Conservation Coalition and President of 1000 Friends of Florida.
“My goal as the Florida Springs Council’s first executive director is to build the power, influence and resources of springs advocates across our state. We are putting those who pollute and abuse our springs on notice. No more. We are going to do whatever is necessary – through science, local governments, the Legislature, and the courts - to reverse the destruction of North Florida’s springs and waters.”
Brenda resides in Gainesville and holds an M.Ed. from the University of Florida with a focus on volunteerism. She comes from a background in environmental education and communications, which includes developing conservation training programs for Disney's Animal Kingdom's opening team and producing a springs fish field guide with the Council's science-based member organization, the Springs Institute.
Brenda helps to keep springs advocates and concerned citizens informed and ensures that the Council's operations run smoothly.
Board of
Directors
Every member of our board represents a springs or conservation organization.
KATIE TRIPP, PHD
PRESIDENT
Blue Springs Alliance
BRAD RIMBEY
VICE PRESIDENT
Homosasssa River Alliance
ROBERT PALMER, PHD
TREASURER
Florida Springs Institute
MIKE CLIBURN
SECRETARY
Friends of the Wekiva
Communications
Advisory Board
Our Communications Advisory Board is a team of volunteers who take on special projects. Each is a springs enthusiast, each brings a special skill, like writing, fundraising, public speaking, photography, local knowledge, social media, or design, that allows the Springs Council and our smaller member groups to better communicate the needs of our springs.
We sure are grateful for this team!
KIMBER GREENWOOD
KIMBER
GREENWOOD
Kimber is a travel and adventure photographer who specializes in stunning underwater portraiture. She's also a certified cave diver.
CHELSEY & CHRIS STEVENS
Chelsey and Chris, through their website "Sunshine State Seekers," gather and share information about how to fully experience the natural side of Florida.
COMING SOON
