PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 17, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting two controlled burns today in northeast Florida: a 635-acre prescribed burn at the Bayard Conservation Area in Clay County and a 133-acre prescribed burn on the Redshirt Tract at the Thomas Creek Conservation Area in Nassau County. Both fires were set by aerial ignition. The purpose of the burns is wildfire hazard reduction.

PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 17, 2016 -- Prescribed fires at Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area in Alachua County will temporarily close all or part of the properties to public use on Thursday, Feb. 18.

MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 18, 2016 -- Staff from the St. Johns River Water Management District recently met with residents in Brevard County to talk about wildfire safety and how they can work together to reduce the risk of fire damage to their homes through prescribed fire. The event is part of the residents' ongoing participation in the national Firewise Communities fire prevention program for homeowners.

MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 18, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 250-acre prescribed burn today at Lake Apopka North Shore in Orange County. The burn's purpose is wildfire fuel reduction and maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems.

PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 19-acre prescribed burn today at the Lake George Conservation Area, near the west end of Middle Road, in Putnam County. The burn is a continuation of Friday's prescribed fire at the property. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuels and to prepare the property for a future aerial burn.

PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2016 -- Observe National Invasive Species Awareness Week this Saturday, Feb. 27, by helping St. Johns River Water Management District staff hunt for a new invasive species on the Palatka to St. Augustine Trail.

MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 23, 2016 -- Native plants continue to expand in Lake Apopka thanks to a variety of restoration projects aimed at improving the health of Florida's fourth-largest lake. An analysis conducted by the St. Johns River Water Management District reveals native submersed aquatic vegetation is expanding, an indication of improving water quality.

PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 23, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 46-acre prescribed burn today at the Lake George Conservation Area along Troy Road in Volusia County. The burn is a continuation of yesterday's prescribed fire at the property. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuels and to prepare the property for a future aerial burn.

MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 26, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is excited to announce the launch of an Instagram account to further engage the community in conversations about sustainable use of Florida's water and natural systems. The district's Instagram username is @SJRWMD and will focus on visual storytelling related to the water supply and water resources that encompass the district's 18-county service area.

PALM BAY, Fla., Feb. 26, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 40-acre prescribed burn today at Fort Drum Conservation Area in Indian River County. The burn's purpose is wildfire fuel reduction and maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems.

PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 26, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 2,606-acre prescribed burn today at the Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area in Marion County. The fire was set by aerial ignition.

MAITLAND, Fla., Feb .26, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 1,260-acre prescribed burn today at Lake Apopka North Shore in Orange County. The burn's purpose is wildfire fuel reduction, control of exotic vegetation and maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems. Fires were set by aerial ignition.

PALM BAY, Fla., March 1, 2016 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 180-acre prescribed burn today at Buck Lake Conservation Area in Brevard County. The burn's purpose is wildfire fuel reduction and maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems.

PALATKA, Fla., March 2, 2016 -- Updates on land management activities and a presentation on the draft management plan for Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest are among the items to be discussed March 16 during the St. Johns River Water Management District's northern recreational public meeting.

MAITLAND, Fla., March 3, 2016 -- Visitors to the popular Lake Apopka Loop Trail should expect larger-than-usual crowds this weekend. Portions of the St. Johns River Water Management District property are part of the mapped route for the Florida Sea to Sea, a 72-hour race that involves trekking, biking, paddling and orienteering across Florida.