The Apalachicola River has been called “the Lifeblood of the Bay.” Freshwater from the river mixes with salty gulf creating Apalachicola Bay, one of the most pristine and productive estuaries in the country. The river has always played an important role in Apalachicola’s history and it is vital to our lives today. It is also a significant resource for the state of Florida, and its freshwater flow is critical to the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico. Participants…

Robert Meyer, a biologist with Tall Timbers will join us to discuss his ongoing research into the relationship between fire and the frosted elfin butterfly. The frosted elfin butterfly (Callophrys iris) is in decline across its range. Luckily, we have the best known population in our own backyard (the Apalachicola National Forest). This presentation will cover some of the novel efforts taken to understand the ecology of the frosted elfin. It will also look into how fire affects that ecology…

This class will teach you all about the role that oysters play in the health of Apalachicola Bay. Discover what makes the bay so ideal for growing oysters, what gives our oysters their distinct flavor, and how oyster bars benefit the ecosystem. After spending some time in the classroom, participants will get the chance look at its these creatures under a microscope. This class is full of opportunities to learn more about the animals that live in our bay and…

Do you know what an estuary is and why it is so vital our economy and way of life? Join the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve this Fall as we explore the estuary we depend on. Participants will learn about the habitats and creatures that make up our estuary and how the river and bay are intricately connected. We will see these habitats up close aboard the Reserve’s research vessel the Henry Lee. The class cost is free to attend…

Jeff Dutrow, from the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, will give a presentation about great spots to fish from the shoreline around the Apalachicola Bay.