SciGirls I 2016 - Day Nine

Shhhhhhh! Do you hear that? That is the sound of water flowing from Big Dismal Sink, the deepest sinkhole in the Woodville Karst Plain at 130 feet. SciGirls I, Day Nine, started with a 3.1 mile trek through the Leon Sinks Geological Area. Joined by hydrogeologist Greg Hitz, we conducted water testing at Turner Sink and Hammock Sink. The natural beauty of the sinkholes have been affected by leaching from septic tanks and lawn fertilizer; however, the landscape that is referred to as karst lead to stunning sights of traces of water that have flowed into, out of, and through the holes. Karst occurs as a result of deep erosion of a the limestone that is so prevalent in Florida. These girls were true troopers as we walked over the rugged terrain, even having to find our way over a few trees that had been cut down. It was all worth it though, as we then jumped in the vans and made a quick trip over to Jackson County for a refreshing dip at the Blue Springs Recreational Area. Blue Springs is a first magnitude spring noted for its crystal clear water and underwater caves. Here the spring flows at an average rate of 76 million gallons of water a day. After overcoming the initial chilly temperature, the girls launched themselves from the slide and somersaulted themselves from the springboard into the magnificence of the natural spring. Boy did they hate to leave, but we had one more appointment to keep - a light and refreshing treat from the hometown favorite, Milk and Honey! Then it was back to Tallahassee. Is it true that there is only one day left for SciGirls I 2016? Sadly, the answer is yes...we'll be expecting you.