For 30 years the Friends of the Wekiva River has been safeguarding it. Russ and Katie Moncrief operated Katie’s Landing on the Wekiva. At an April 2012 celebration of the FOWR anniversary, Katie’s Landing became part of the Wekiva River Basin state park. Hear Katie Moncrief and experts on the river discuss the river’s history. Length - 11:45

The original 19 members of the Friends of the Wekiva River chartered the organization in 1982. Initially their goal was to prevent wastewater from Altamonte Springs from being dumped in the Wekiva. But in the decades since then they have safeguarded the river from development and pollution. In addition they successfully helped pass the Wekiva River Protection Act, encouraged the state of Florida to acquire additional land around the river and in 2000, Congress declared the Wekiva a National Wild and Scenic River. The Friends of the Wekiva River stands as the watchdog and patron for the river and its fragile ecosystem.

Among the founders of the Friends of the Wekiva River were Russ and Katie Moncrief. For 27 years they operated Katie’s Landing an iconic destination for local and foreign visitors alike. Offering canoeing and kayaking from Wekiva Springs to the St. Johns and providing cabins and camping, Katie’s Landing became the place to go if you wanted to experience the real wild and scenic Florida.

When Russ and Katie decided to retire they sold their 6 acre business site to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection so that it could become part of the Wekiva River Basin State Parks. The grand opening of the new state facility of Katie’s Landing was marked on April 21, 2012 at a ceremony honoring Russ and Katie Moncrief for their dedication to the Wekiva River.

The Department of Environmental Protection urges residents within this spring shed to practice careful use of fertilizer, pesticides/herbicides, service septic tanks, plant drought tolerant plants and support government protection of the basin.

Katie Moncrief Retired owner of Katie’s Landing

Warren Poplin Park manager, Wekiva River Basin State Parks

Deborah Shelley Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, Wekiva- Middle St. Johns aquatic preserve

Pictures