Mother manatee and calf photographed by Brad Mullins beneath the clear water of Silver Springs

Field notes from Silver Springs

Notes From
the River

Conservation, education, wildlife and inspirational thoughts shaped by time on the Silver River.

Explore Silver SpringsOne new entry each weekSilver River, Florida

Opening note

Notes From the River

The Silver River never shows you the exact same thing twice. Some mornings begin with mist hanging over the water. Others start with the sound of an anhinga, a manatee passing below the kayak or a small detail along the shoreline that would be easy to miss.

This is a place for the stories that stay with me after the paddle is over.

I created Notes From the River to share first hand observations from the water in a more personal way. Entries will highlight conservation, education, wildlife, photography and the thoughts that come from spending time on the Silver River.

This is not meant to be a wildlife checklist or a promise of what anyone will see. It is a record of moments from a living river. My hope is that these stories help you look a little closer, understand a little more and care deeply about what makes Silver Springs special.

Once you fall in love with a place, protecting it becomes the natural next step.Brad Mullins

Latest entry

From Brad's notebook.

First hand observations about wildlife, conservation and the responsibility that comes with spending time on the Silver River.

American alligator swimming through the Silver River at Silver Springs

Wildlife and responsibility · July 2026

The Alligator Didn't Ask to Go Viral

A wild animal became the center of a viral moment at Silver Springs. The larger question is what we choose to do when attention becomes more important than respect.

Read the full entry →

Coming next

01

Wildlife notebook

Watching without changing the moment

A closer look at giving wildlife enough room to behave naturally and why patience usually leads to a better experience.

Coming to the journal
02

From the river

What clear water can teach us

Thoughts on spring water, changing conditions and the small details that become visible when we slow down.

Coming to the journal
03

Conservation

Protect what you love

Simple choices that help guests enjoy the Silver River while leaving as little evidence of their visit as possible.

Coming to the journal

Journal archive

2026

New entries will be filed here by date, with the newest story appearing first.

July 2026The Alligator Didn't Ask to Go ViralWildlife and responsibility
JulyThe journal begins hereOpening note
August through DecemberWeekly entries will appear as they are published.

Protect what you love

Come experience the river for yourself.

The journal can introduce you to the Silver River. Time on the water is what makes the connection personal.