Soldiers Creek

A part of the Lake Jesup Watershed

Soldier's Creek flows southeasterly from Greenwood Lakes (near Lake Mary Boulevard and Interstate 4) to the western shores of Lake Jesup, a distance of a little over 4.5 miles. It is characterized by extensive undeveloped woodlands, rangeland, and wetlands with scattered rural and low to medium density residential development in the upper reaches. Hardwood swamps are found in the broad, shallow valleys of the upperhalf and in a narrow band along the outlet of the stream as it approaches Lake Jesup. Bayhead and hydric hammock wetlands lie predominantly in the lower half, although scattered areas of bayheads exist throughout.

The macroinvertebrate community found in Soldier's Creek reflects a healthy environment. The bioassessment tool employed to reveal this condition was FDEP's BioRecon. Although this waterbody is exposed to some residential development, it is predominantly natural. There are many variables such as habitat, flow, and excess sand or silt smothering that contribute to the health of the macroinvertebrates here. Soldier's Creek provides the much needed habitats; aquatic vegetation, fallen tree branches, slightly undercut banks with delicate hair-like roots, and partially decayed leaf debris. These diverse substrates aid in protective cover and help supply food sources to these small organisms. Almost 25% of the stream contains these desirable habitats. Another important factor aiding in food supply is water velocity. Soldier's Creek provides excellent flow rates for these small invertebrates. This group of crustaceans, worms, mollusks, juvenile and adult insects thrives in this waterbody that contains shallow pools and some silt and sand smothering. Overall, the ecosystem in Soldier's Creek grants these macroinvertebrates, or water quality indicators, a favorable place to call home.