Celebrating World Rivers Day in The River City
- Kasey
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Every year on the fourth Sunday in September, communities around the globe come together to celebrate World Rivers Day. Here in DeBary, it’s only fitting that we take this day to honor the St. Johns River, the waterway that inspired our title as The River City.
At 310 miles long, the St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river, stretching from the marshes of Indian River County all the way north to the Atlantic Ocean in Duval County. Along the way, it sustains wildlife, connects communities, and enriches daily life for millions of Floridians. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, fishing, or simply admiring the sunset from its banks, the St. Johns is a lifeline that makes DeBary special.
But with all that the river gives us, it also asks for our care. Here are some simple ways residents can help protect the St. Johns River for generations to come:
Tips for Caring for the St. Johns River
Be mindful of Wildlife while
enjoying the River:Â Slow down in manatee zones and watch for wildlife while boating or jet skiing.
Leave no trace:Â Always take trash with you, including fishing line, bait containers, and plastics.
Respect wildlife:Â Observe from a distance and never feed or taunt wild animals.
Join a cleanup:Â Whether you are joining an organized clean-up event like the Annual St. Johns River Clean Up, or if you are just picking up a few pieces of litter along the way, everything helps the River!
Make Your Yard River-Friendly
Storm run-off can end up in the springs and St. Johns River, so what we do at home makes a difference for our waterways!
Follow the Be Floridian Now Yard Guide. Learn how to create a beautiful Florida-friendly landscape that protects water quality.
Skip summer fertilizer. Fertilizer bans are in effect during the rainy season, when excess nutrients easily wash into rivers and harm wildlife. Here's a list of rules and approved products that comply with Volusia County laws.
Check out the Homeowner Toolkit. Includes a fertilizer calculator and tips for designing a river-friendly garden.
Plant native species. Native plants need less water and fertilizer while supporting pollinators. Check out this native plant guide for ideas.
Water Wisely💦
Water conservation is another way to protect our river and save resources. Volusia County has designated lawn watering days:
Odd-numbered or no addresses: Wednesday & Saturday (Daylight Savings Time) | Saturday (Eastern Standard Time)
Even-numbered addresses: Thursday & Sunday (Daylight Savings Time) | Sunday (Eastern Standard Time)
Enjoying the St. John's River in DeBary
The St. Johns River is one of DeBary’s greatest treasures, and there are plenty of ways for residents and visitors to enjoy it right here in our community:
Go fishing from the riverbanks or by boat 🎣
Cast a line from one of DeBary’s riverfront parks or head out on the water by boat. Popular shoreline fishing spots include:
Gemini Springs Park (37 Dirksen Drive)
Highbanks Marina (488 W. Highbanks Road)
Lake Monroe Park (975 U.S. HWY 17/92)
The St. Johns River is home to a wide variety of fish, making it a favorite among anglers. Click here to learn more about the fish and diverse wildlife of the St. Johns River
Kayaking on the St. Johns
For a more up-close adventure, launch a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters of the St. Johns. Launch areas are available at the same locations as fishing: Gemini Springs, Highbanks Marina, and Lake Monroe Park. Just don’t forget—the St. Johns flows north!
Book a River Tour
Want to learn more about the history, ecology, and wildlife of the St. Johns? Take a guided trip with a local company like St. Johns River Eco Tours. Tours depart from Highbanks Marina in DeBary and are a great way to see the river from a whole new perspective.
St. Johns River Eco-Tours offers several boat tours daily, exploring the river, observing the wildlife, and experiencing a section of the St. Johns that is little changed from the days when early explorers visited these enchanting waters. Â
Visit a Park with Water Views
Sometimes the best way to enjoy the river is simply to relax and take in the view. Both Gemini Springs Park and Lake Monroe Park offer scenic riverfront areas perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or birdwatching. And exciting news, construction is about to begin on Alexander Island Park’s entrance, which will provide even more opportunities to experience the river in the years ahead!
The St. Johns River is more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s part of our history, culture, economy, and everyday lives. On this World Rivers Day, let’s celebrate all the ways it enriches our community while also committing to protecting it. Together, we can ensure that The River City continues to thrive along the river we call home!