Contributed by Jackson County Parks Department

The Jackson County Parks Department is pleased to announce that Blue Springs Recreational Area will open for the 2012 season on Saturday, May 5. The park will be open weekends only through Memorial Day; after Memorial Day, it will be begin its full season, seven days a week schedule. The extended 2012 hours of operation are 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $2 per person, and season passes are $20 for Jackson County residents ($30 for out of county residents). For more information call 850-482-2114 or 850-718-0437.

“Grass Wars” At the Mill Pond 

 Florida Wildlife and Game Commission Releases 1000 Grass Carp into the Mill Pond

Those of us that grew up remember the pristine waters of Blue Springs and the Mill Pond before hydrilla and eel grass was inadvertently introduced in to the water system. The water was clear and easy to navigate. Now the hydrilla is so thick in places it is impossible to navigate a boat through it. Hydrilla is a very invasive aquatic plant that was introduced to lakes and rivers by people dumping aquarium plants in to the water, and by boaters launching with hydrilla from other lakes clinging to their trailers. Hydrilla has become the kudzu of the water. Over the past thirty years this plant has wreaked havoc on water systems throughout the U. S. If left unchecked, hydrilla will eventually overtake a lake and kill of most the fish.