The Springs and Seeps of Tennessee

What are Springs and Seeps? between the point where the 3 percent of the Earth's fresh water Below the Earth's surface, enters the ground and the point is found in , lakes, and sometimes just inches, sometime where it comes to the surface. These reservoirs. The remaining miles, deep, lies 97 percent of our reentry points are usually through 97 percent is underground. Ground freshwater. This water may have porous layers of sand or gravel water is the safest and most reliable come from the last rain- or snowfall, sandwiched between harder, less source of available freshwater. It is or it could have been hidden deep in permeable, layers of or rock or the primary water source for the earth for a million years. through cracks and fissures in the 50 percent of the American Occasionally, rock formations underlying rock. Seep and population. In rural areas, intersect this vast underground water may remain underground for 95 percent of the people depend on network of reservoirs, permitting many years, or even centuries, before ground water for their water supply. these hidden pools of water to once it resurfaces. During this time again see the light of day. The spots underground it reaches a Rare and Unique Plants and where water flows back to the temperature much cooler than typical Springs vary by their rate of flow, surface are typically known as seeps surface in the summer and whether the water is acidic or basic, or springs. much warmer in the winter. This is a whether it is hard or soft, and the significant characteristic of springs surface factors into which they Springs usually emerge from a single and seeps that is important to the emerge. One of the major factors point, while seeps emerge over a plants and animals that depend influencing plants and animals at larger area, having no -defined on them. these sites is the amount of sunlight origin. Whether the surface water that reaches the springs. Shaded flow is a seep or a spring is Why Are Springs and Seeps springs are relatively unproductive, determined by the geology of the site Important? and the food chain in them is based on and the water pressure below the Springs are vital headwaters of many detritus. Open, sunny springs, on the surface. Seeps generally have a lower of our rivers. They provide important other hand, can be very productive, flow rate than springs and only rarely habitat for and plants. Their supporting a variety of algae and have a volume large enough to form a protection and maintenance ensure aquatic plants; many snails, . Springs, on the other hand, clean water for wildlife, plants, and us. crustaceans, fishes, turtles, and frogs; can be the source of a small trickle, a Springs are important to wildlife and a plethora of invertebrates. stream, or even a sizable river. The during the winter because their point where a spring's water meets movement often keeps the water from Seeps also are quite variable, the surface is called an emergence, a freezing. Springs often may provide primarily with respect to slope, soil rise, or a boil. The flow directly below the only available source of drinkable type, and volume of flow. AB with this point is called a run. Just as on water. Seeps are an important springs, the amount of sunlight the surface, underground water flows wetland type in Tennessee. They reaching the seeps has a major effect downhill. The force of this flow provide habitat for many wetland on the plant and communities depends on the elevation difference plant and animal species. Only that live there. Shaded seep communities are also mostly detritus- to impoundments, like farm , based, with the primary energy input which alter the flow ofwater. The coming from the leaves and other introduction or invasion of exotic organic matter that falls into the pests, such as the noxious weed seeps. The typically permeable and Hydrilla and the zebra mussel, also saturated can support some threatens spring and seeps and their plant life and often support some distinctive inhabitants. crustaceans, such as crayfishes, and occasionally a frog or salamander. Often the water source itself is in jeopardy. Excessive water Open seeps support a greater variety withdrawal can lower the water table of plant life, including grasses, sedges, to a point where seeps and springs and club moss. Given the proper no longer flow. We are increasingly conditions, they can also support seeing our ground water, which carnivorous plants, such as pitcher includes springs and seeps, degraded plants and sundews. The greater the by toxic pesticides, fertilizers, and diversity of plant life in the seep, the other waste to the point where the greater the diversity of animal species water is no longer safe to drink and that can be supported by the is lethal to many plants and animals. seep . Often the pollutant sources are many miles away from where the Several rare, threatened, and problem "surfaces." endangered species are found only in seeps and springs. Species like the What is Being Done to Protect federally endangered royal snail, These Rare Places? which is found in only two spring runs Federal, state, and private agencies in the entire world, are dependant on are working together to protect and the water quality and constant flow conserve these rare places. The and temperature of the springs that Nature Conservancy is working to support them. The federally protect the headwaters of Kelley endangered Tennessee yellow-eyed Creek in Williamson County, grass and the State's rare large- Tennessee. This pristine Highland leaved grass-of-Parnassus both Rim stream harbors a number of depend on limestone-rich seepage sensitive species and natural water from the calcareous rocks and communities, including a highly basic soil particular to this seep type. imperiled calcareous seep; Other rare species, such as the its limestone-rich ground water blackwater darter, Barren's provides habitat for rare species like topminnow, flame chub, and trispot the large-leaved grass-of-Parnassus. darter, are all similarly dependent on the unique conditions of the seeps, springs, and spring runs they inhabit. You Can Help Protect and Restore In addition, many species of Springs and Seeps salamanders are found in springs and Protect springs and seeps from seeps; some of them, like the spring chemical pollution, erosion from salamander, are not found in any roads and other construction, and other type of habitat. dredging and filling. Support the organizations that are working to Threats to Springs and Seeps protect and restore them. Tell your There are many threats to these rare friends and family about the Tennessee . Spreading importance of springs and seeps. urbanization has left many springs and seeps buried below housing and Seeing is Believing! industrial development. Logging and Springs and seeps are found across road construction, without the proper the state. An excellent example of control of erosion, have led the once springs exist within the Short productive springs and seeps to Springs State Natural Area in Coffee become choked with sediment. County. You can also visit the Great Clearing vegetation from around a Smoky Mountains National Park or spring not only increases the the Big South Fork National River sediment but also can result in the and Recreation Area. temperature of the water going up to the point where the unique creatures it supports can no longer live there. Many seeps and springs are also lost Royal Snail (Pyrgulopsis ogmorhaphe)

Status in the spring runs may be impacted The royal snail was listed as by siltation, poor land-use practices, Remember, what we put on endangered on May 18, 1994. increased development, logging, stream alteration, contamination from the land may eventually Description coal mines and septic systems, road enter the streams! Tell The royal snail is a tiny creature, and bridge construction, other forms afriend about the royal smaller than a pea, usually less than of nonpoint source pollution, and the snail. Protect water quality. 5 millimeters long. Its thin, pale shell lowering of the water table. Because is whorled and cone-shaped and the snail inhabits such a limited area, Participate in a local stream blends in well with the a toxic spill or vandalism could easily cleanup. Use biodegradable surrounding environment. cause its extinction. The invasion of soaps. Plant or maintain nonnative species into either of the native vegetation alongside Habitat spring runs it inhabits is also a threat, The royal snail is dependent on spring as nonnative weeds and zebra mussels springs and streams. ecosystems; it is known from only two could reduce suitable habitat and Conserve water. Take pride spring runs on public land in Marion disrupt the natural in Tennessee's wildlife! County, Tennessee. Both springs food chain. flow out of caves and are part of the Sequatchie River system. Royal Recovery snails are usually found in moist Recovery goals include protecting and calcium-rich ooze and on leaves and maintaining populations of the royal twigs in quiet pools downstream from snail and its habitat. the spring source.

Role in the Ecosystem Very little is known about this rare snail; its reproductive behavior and food requirements are a mystery. Snails are used as food by other animals, including rodents and other snails.

Life History Royal snails are believed to have a 1- year, or annual, life cycle, meaning that an individual snail reaches maturity, reproduces, and dies all in 1 year.

Threats The royal snail is threatened by the potential degradation and alteration of the water and/or habitat of the Actual spring runs it inhabits. Water quality • Size Tennessee Yellow-eyed Grass (Xyris tennesseensis)

Status Recovery Tennessee yellow-eyed grass Most populations of Tennessee Remember, what we put on was listed as endangered on yellow-eyed grass are found on .July26, 1991. privately owned land. The Tennessee the land may eventually Department of Environment and enter the streams! Tell a Description Conservation and The Nature friend about Tennessee Tennessee yellow-eyed grass grows Conservancy work with landowners yellow-eyed grass. Protect from 2 to 3 feet in height. Twisted, to help them protect and manage this water quality. Participate in deep green leaves grow from the rare plant. The National Park Service base of the plant and range from 5 to protects a small population on federal a local stream cleanup. Use 17inches long. Long, slender stalks property with assistance from the biodegradable soaps. Plant or grow from the middle of these leaves Tennessee Department of maintain native vegetation and support conelike clusters of Environment and Conservation. alongside springs and small, pale yellow flowers. The flowers unfold in the morning and streams. Conserve water. wither away by the afternoon. Take pride in Tennessee's Flowering occurs from August through September.

Habitat Tennessee yellow-eyed grass depends on the spring and seep ecosystems along Tennessee's western highland rim in Lewis County. The plant occurs in seep- slopes, springy meadows, or on the banks of gravelly shallows of small streams. It requires soils that are moist year-round, where calcium-rich rocks are at or near the surface. Tennessee yellow-eyed grass is found living alongside ferns, grasses, and sedges. The surrounding include oak, pine, willow,alder, and hickory trees.

Role in the Ecosystem It is an important component of the biodiversity of the spring and seep ecosystem. The greater the diversity of species in an ecosystem the healthier the ecosystem.

Threats Tennessee yellow-eyed grass is threatened by habitat destruction, competition with other plants, diversion of seeps or , development, road construction, and road improvement measures. This rare plant is also threatened by poor water quality caused by increased erosion and nonpoint source pollution (pollution that comes from a variety of sources). Slackwater Darter ( boschungi)

Status Life History The slackwater darter was listed as Adult slackwater darters move into Remember, wlwt we put on threatened on September 9, 1977. breeding habitat from early February through mid-March. In March, the land rrwy eventually Description females will have as many as 1,000 enter the streams! Tell a The slackwater darter is a small fish eggs, which become attached to the friend about the slackwater that grows to be about 3 inches long. spring and seep vegetation. Male darter. Protect water quality. It has a large head and a blunt snout. slackwater darters guard the eggs Its back and sides are brown with until they hatch; the adults and their Participate in a local stream many dark specks, and three dark young return to nonbreeding habitat cleanup. Use biodegradable saddlelike markings run across its in May. Slackwater darters feed on soaps. Plant or rrwintain back. The undersides of female small insects and crustaceans. native vegetation alongside slackwater darters are white, while males have yellow undersides. A blue- Role in the Ecosystem springs and streams. black stirps runs downward from Nongame fish species like the Conserve water. Take pride each eye. The fins are dusky yellow. slackwater darter are a critical in Tennessee's wildlife. Males become bright orange during ecological link in the food chain. They the breeding season, and their dorsal feed on insects and serve as prey for (or top) fin becomes bright blue. sport fishes, birds, and other wildlife. They are also important indicators of Habitat water quality and ecosystem health. The slackwater darter is dependent on the spring and seep and riverine Threats ecosystems. It is currently known Slackwater darters once likely existed from only five streams that feed into in many streams that flow into the the southern bend of the Tennessee . Extensive clearing River in Lawrence and Wayne of forests for agriculture and other Counties, Tennessee. It is also found purposes has drastically altered the in several counties. The quality of the streams in this region. slackwater darter requires two types Pollution affects many stream of habitat to survive. Nonbreeding reaches, and silt levels in the water habitat consists of streams from 2 to have increased. Silt can smother fish 40 feet wide. Here, the fish is found in eggs and kill the insects that are an areas of slow current near the stream important food source for the fish. bank over decaying leaves, twigs, or Because these fish occur in only a few silty gravel, silt or mud. Ideal streams, they can be easily lost to breeding habitat consists of small pollution. Habitat destruction has also seepage streams where shallow water affected the slackwater darter, as flows gently through open fields or many small seepage streams that woods near the nonbreeding habitats. once served as breeding habitat for this tiny fish have been ditched, drained or buried.

Recovery Protection of the slackwater darter's breeding habitat is critical to recovery. The National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency have joined forces to protect important breeding sites.