SSI’s Core Activities

We work to fulfill our mission and vision by collecting critical data on springs ecosystems, as well as providing information, trainings, advisement, tools, and expertise to individuals and organizations with similar goals. Our activities are focused in four main areas: research, information-sharing, stewardship, and collaboration.

Research

With over 40 years of field and research experience, Larry Stevens and Abe Springer developed standardized protocols to further understanding of springs ecology and stewardship. As part of this initiative, SSI developed Springs Online©, a publicly available and ever-growing database relating geological, physical, biological, and socio-cultural information on springs throughout the world.

Information-Sharing

We are reaching our goal of improved springs stewardship through educational outreach, training, and publication of results for the public as well as land managers. Springs Online provides a centralized repository of information about springs for education, research, and effective management. SSI also hosts workshops and webinars to provide guidance to land managers, other researchers, and students.

Stewardship

Effective management of springs ecosystems requires careful inventory, assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring, all of which are best based on rigorous science. As thousands of springs are already managed by various individuals, organizations, and governmental agencies, standardized protocols are essential for promoting communication, discussion, and collaboration about aquifers and springs. SSI’s springs ecosystem inventory, assessment, and management protocols provide this standardization and have proven effective in the management and restoration of springs.

Collaboration

We work with non-profit organizations, foundations, government land managers, universities, and corporations to improve the understanding and stewardship of springs. We also collaborate with researchers and volunteers who contribute analyses, photos, survey data, and their time to our efforts. SSI hopes that our partnerships will continue to grow as we work to further our mission.