THE REGION: The area identified as Florida’s Eden

is a thirty county region of north Florida spanning the

area from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Florida/Georgia state line defines the northern

boundary, extending west to the Apalachicola River. 

The southern counties of Florida’s Eden include Citrus,

Marion, Lake and Volusia.  Florida’s Eden is a natural

bioregion and comprises one growing zone.

 

CHECK YOUR LOCAL GEOGRAPHY SCORE!!! 

See how many local bodies of water and other physical features you can identify in Florida's Eden > See the map!

 

FLORIDA'S EDEN COUNTIES

Alachua, Baker**, Bradford**, Citrus, Clay, Columbia**, Dixie**, Duval, Flagler*, Franklin*, Gadsen*, Gilchrist**, Gulf*, Hamilton**, Jefferson**, Lafayette**, Lake, Leon, Levy**, Liberty*, Madison**, Marion, Nassau*, Putnam**, St. Johns, Suwannee**, Taylor**, Union**, Volusia, Wakulla*

 

Counties of Critical Economic Concern, designated REDI by the State of Florida.

** listed 2002 - 2007    *   listing added 2007 - 2008

 

FLORIDA'S EDEN: UNIQUE ECOLOGY

 

• North Florida rests atop the central section of the Floridan Aquifer, the largest, oldest, and deepest aquifer in the southeastern U.S., ranging over 100,000 square miles.  Unlike surficial aquifers, the Floridan developed millions of years ago when Florida was underwater, and is contained under pressure by a confining bed of impermeable sediments.

 

• Florida's Eden is home to the largest concentration of of freshwater springs in the world.

 

• Six Florida rivers originate from springs (Ichetucknee, Rainbow, Silver, Wakulla, Weeki Wachee, and Wekiva) and additional rivers are heavily influenced by springs outflow (Oklawaha, Santa Fe, St. Johns, Suwannee).

 

• The region has been shaped by multiple ocean submersions, and ultimately to Florida’s ancient continental connection to what is now Africa, resulting in a unique geology of karst, sand, and clay layers.

 

• Florida's Eden lies within one growing zone where the northern hardwoods meet the southern tropics, providing a year round growing season, temperate climate, and a rich plant and animal eco-system.

 

FLORIDA'S EDEN: A RICH CULTURAL HISTORY

 

• The human footprint can be traced back over 10,000 years

• Florida’s Eden is contiguous with the ancient Native American Timucuan Nation that had its Provincial Center within the Ichetucknee River Basin

• The Spanish, British, French, Seminole, and US forces struggled for control of the land

• Early naturalists explored this exotic, primal place and described it to a fascinated world

• Cattle ranching, begun with the Spanish and continued by Native tribes, was supplemented by varied agricultural enterprises as settlers populated Florida in the 1800s

• Florida’s first railway crossed Florida’s Eden, from Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key

• Florida tourism began in Florida’s Eden as visitors arrived in the port of Jacksonville and ventured up the St. Johns River by steamboat; Jacksonville and the St. Johns still serve as the Gateway to Florida’s Eden

• For centuries visitors have come to Florida’s Eden for the same three reasons:

    1) to explore the unique natural resources;

    2) to be awed and inspired to create; and

    3) to restore their health. 

• As many of these visitors chose to stay, the area has an unusual concentration of naturalists and culturalists.  The region enjoys a rich heritage of visual art, literature, music, and cuisine shaped by Native American, Spanish, African American, Caribbean and European response to the environment.

 

FLORIDA'S EDEN OFFERS A RICH ARRAY OF EXPERIENCES

 

History:

• From the city of St. Augustine to the tiny town of Micanopy, Florida's Eden holds living experiences of Florida's long history

• Jacksonville served as Florida's original gateway for visitors arriving by steamboat; today the JAX Airport is a pleasant way to arrive for your exploration

 

Cultural Destination:

• Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville and Ocala serve as vibrant urban cultural centers, offering world class venues as well as independent artist studios, musical offerings, and regional dining

• Spirit of the Suwannee, Florida Folklife Center, and small towns renowned as artists colonies offer cultural experiences in our rural counties

 

Recreation:

• Experience outdoor recreation in our wilderness areas, state parks, extensive trail systems, and botanical and heritage parks

• Don't forget sports!  In Florida we play year round at the local, college and professional level

 

Urban / Rural Combo:

• Florida's Eden makes it easy to experience the best of both worlds!  Paddle down a secluded creek with hundreds of endangered sandhill cranes as company, take a stroll for antiques in one of our small towns, and take in big city dining and the symphony in the evening.