Christopher Meets John
A snake in the leaves
The Saint Johns River is a beautiful and much needed natural resource. It is used for
recreational activities such as boating, swimming, skiing, fishing, tubing and/or just looking
at its beauty. All this is being threatened by runoff of pollution (petroleum products,
fertilizers, cow waste, etc.).
Looking east down Christopher creek
The river’s approximate length is 310 miles. The river starts in Indian River County as a
huge series of marshes. It becomes a north flowing river near Sanford. Jacksonville,
formerly Cowford is one the narrowest spots of the river. Along the way to the Atlantic
ocean local creeks like Christopher Creek flow into the river. The St. Johns River enters the
Atlantic after flowing through the heart of the city of Jacksonville. As it enters the Atlantic
there is a critical area of estuaries. In these fish nurseries at least 27 different species use the
marsh and the inlet. Clean water is imperative for this habitat to survive. The vegetation is
the base of the food pyramid. The Atlantic ocean is a global resource. Wildlife, birds, fish,
and the natural habitat without protection would disappear.
Looking west down Christopher Creek
Organizations like the St. John’s River Water Management District (SJRWMD) help the
river by buying development rights of undeveloped lands along the river from land owners
so they get the financial benefit without developing the land.
They also partner with the city of Jacksonville to identify areas where ponds are needed.
SJRWMD acquires the land or share funds with the city to buy the land where the ponds are
needed. Ponds are very beneficial by capturing pollutants within the runoff. The water
percolates through the soil and the pond’s still environment allows sediment and petroleum
products to settle out. Within 30 days biological activity will work on the pollutants to lessen
their impact. Vegetation around the pond can grab the nitrogen into its roots to produce
growth.
Looking west down Christopher Creek
Pollution by fertilizer runoff causes algae blooms which affect fish and wildlife by clouding
the water. Vegetation, which is the food for fish is affected. This can affect the entire food
chain, from osprey’s prey; manatees which eat bottom grasses to baby fish.
Looking west down Christopher Creek
What humans do adjacent to the river can end up in it. Trash, yard waste and fertilizers flow
into the river. As the river flows into the ocean, every little bit everyone does (for good or
ill) can affect the river and in turn the oceans and the world.
Christopher Creek flowing into the St. Johns River
Individuals can help by limiting the use of fertilizer and planting native plants! Select a
fertilizer with the highest percentage of slow-release or water-insoluble nitrogen available
(50% or more is recommended).
Christopher Creek flowing into the St. Johns River
Ingredients in many common cleaning products can be toxic. When buying cleaners, read
the labels, products labeled "Poison" or "Danger" are extremely toxic, flammable, or
corrosive. Don’t allow these products to runoff into the gutters, ever. When washing cars
use biodegradable, phosphate-free, non-toxic cleaners. Park on your lawn, this avoids the
runoff into the storm drain and into the river. Plant-based, non-petroleum ingredients are
most desirable.
The broad St Johns River
Rachel Wolf, 15yo, Duval Charter High School, USA