IRAS Learns About the St. Johns River

By Charlie Venuto

Environmental author and filmmaker Bill Belleville was the guest speaker at the October 17 IRAS general meeting. A capacity crowd of 85 members and friends listened to his description of his journey down the entire length of the St. Johns River. Using slides to punctuate his points, Mr. Belleville explained how starting in a marsh in Indian River County the river grows to a major water way. In his journey, the author uses a kayak, an air boat, and a house boat to transverse this complex aquatic system.

The river is unique as it supports marine life far from the ocean. The southern stingray is found as far south as Lake Washington. This life can be supported in part due to the ancient salt water deposits from when the St. Johns was an estuarine system like the Indian River Lagoon is today. The river has been frequented by man for thousands of years, beginning with the Timucua Indians and later a major thoroughfare where over 400 steamships once sailed. William Bartram, John James Audubon, Harriet Beacher, and Winslow Homer all explored the St. Johns.

The St. Johns defines the western border of Brevard County, yet it is much more than a line of demarcation on a map. It provides a sense of place. Much of the river in our area is surrounded by state lands allowing the river to be observed much the same as the Native Americans saw it. Exploring the river helps us to connect to our past and gives us hope for the future.

Mr. Belleville’s book, River of Lakes: A Journey on Florida’s St. Johns River, does a wonderful job of explaining the zoology, botany, geology, and sociology of the river. He quickly sold all the copies he brought to the meeting. I highly recommend this book. After reading it you will long for your own journey on the St. Johns.