Guest Editorial by Allison King 

When I talk about the Rainbow River, I do so with a deep sense of respect and love — not because I live on its banks, but because I’ve come to understand how vital it is to our community and to the life that depends on it. The clear water that winds through Dunnellon isn’t just beautiful; it’s alive. It connects people, wildlife, and purpose. And through One Rake at a Time, I’ve found a way to be part of that connection.

As the Outreach Coordinator for One Rake at a Time, I’ve seen how this project transforms not only the river but the people who join our mission. What started as one man’s simple act of raking algae by hand has grown into a collaborative effort of volunteers, scientists, students, and neighbors determined to restore balance to one of Florida’s most iconic waterways. Together, we are proving that community-driven restoration works — that ordinary people can heal extraordinary places.

The Rainbow River is more than a recreational treasure; it’s an ecosystem teeming with life. Fish, turtles, otters, and countless species rely on clean water and healthy vegetation to survive. But over decades, the river has been smothered by invasive Hydrilla and Lyngbya algae, which choke out native eelgrass, deplete oxygen, and block sunlight. Beneath it all lies a suffocating layer of muck — decades of organic buildup that traps nutrients and fuels further decline. For years, herbicides were used to control these invasives, but that’s only a temporary fix. Our long-term goal is to make the river healthy enough to never need chemical spraying again. That’s why our next phase — diver-assisted vacuuming — is so important. By carefully removing the accumulated muck from the river bottom, divers can help restore the natural balance without harming wildlife or stirring up pollution. It’s meticulous work that demands patience and precision, but every section of cleaned riverbed is a victory for the ecosystem.

Once the muck is removed, we replant native eelgrass in areas where it’s needed most. These underwater meadows don’t just look beautiful; they provide oxygen, shelter, and food for wildlife while stabilizing sediment and preventing erosion. Over time, strong native growth will naturally outcompete invasive Hydrilla and Lyngbya, creating a sustainable, self-regulating system.

Our method is simple but powerful: REMOVE, REPLANT, MAINTAIN.

•REMOVE: Diver-vacuum invasive plants, algae, and decades of muck from the river bottom.

•REPLANT: Establish healthy native eelgrass in restored areas to anchor the ecosystem.

•MAINTAIN: Periodically monitor and perform light spot-cleaning until the river becomes self-sustaining.

This process mirrors the rhythm of nature — patient, persistent, and restorative. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about long-term healing. We’ve seen this method succeed in other spring systems, and with enough support, the Rainbow River can be next. If we act now, we can reverse years of decline and secure a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.

For me, this work is personal. I’ve witnessed how clear water invites wildlife back, how sunlight through eelgrass feels like hope reborn. When you see otters playing, fish darting through restored meadows, or families paddling over crystal water, you realize what’s at stake — and what’s possible. I love One Rake at a Time because it represents what’s best in all of us: determination, stewardship, and the belief that small, steady acts of care can transform an entire river. We’re not waiting for someone else to fix the problem. We’re doing it — one rake, one dive, one blade of eelgrass at a time.

If we care for the Rainbow River today, the next generation will never know a time when it wasn’t clear, vibrant, and alive. That’s the legacy we’re building.

Thank you,
Allison King