Welaka National Fish Hatchery

Observation tower at the Beecher Unit

The Welaka National Fish Hatchery, operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a warmwater hatchery. The only national fish hatchery in Florida, it has two units, both of which are near the town of Welaka.^[1]

History

The state of Florida built the hatchery in 1926, running it for over a decade. The facilities were turned over to the U.S. government in 1938, who have been in charge since then.^[1]

The hatchery

The headquarters for the hatchery is called the Welaka Unit. A nearby aquarium is operated by the Unit, with samples of fish that the hatchery raises.^[1]

Approximately three miles to the south is the Beecher Unit, named after the spring that provides water for the fish ponds there. It has an observation tower with interpretive information, as well as a small picnic area and nature trail.^[1]

View of the Beecher Unit from the observation tower

References

1 2 3 4 Welaka National Fish Hatchery

Coordinates: 29°26′30″N 81°39′00″W / 29.44154°N 81.64994°W / 29.44154; -81.64994

Putnam County, Florida points and events of interest

Galleries and museums	Bronson-Mulholland House Browning Railroad Museum Florida School of the Arts Larimer Art Center Palatka Water Works Tilghman House

Parks and nature	Carl Duval Moore State Forest Deep Creek Conservation Area Dunns Creek State Park Etoniah Creek State Forest Ravine Gardens State Park Ocala National Forest Water Works Environmental Education Center Welaka State Forest Welaka National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

Areas of interest	Downtown Palatka & Historic Lemon Street Palatka North Historic District Palatka South Historic District Palatka Heights Newtown Welaka Crescent City Historic District Putnam County Business Park

Other points of interest	Barge Port Central Academy Drayton Island Drayton Island Ferry Florida Trail Fort Gates Ferry Memorial Bridge Mount Royal Palatka Golf Club Palatka Union Depot Rodman Reservoir St. Johns River State College

Events	Blue Crab Festival Bostwick Blueberry Festival Florida Azalea Festival Hog Waller Mug Race Palatka Bluegrass Festival Putnam County Agricultural Fair St. Johns River Catfish Festival

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