Events
Event details are subject to change.
Events
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Apalachicola Estuary Exploration
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesEstuaries are some of the most productive and complex ecosystems on the planet, serving as critical habitats for diverse species and acting as natural filters for water quality. In this course, you'll explore the unique characteristics that make estuaries such vital environments. We'll examine the rich biodiversity they support and discuss their importance to both the environment and human communities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply curious about these dynamic ecosystems, this course will provide you with a deeper appreciation for estuaries and the crucial role they play in our world.
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Celebrate Earth Day
Riverfront Park 175199 Water St, Apalachicola, FL, United StatesJoin Keep Florida Beautiful and our environmental partners for a day of education and action.
Bring a glass bottle to be recycled, get a free plant!
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Celebrate Earth Day
Riverfront Park 175199 Water St, Apalachicola, FL, United StatesEarth Day Celebration – Turn the Tide on Waste
April 22, 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Riverfront Park, ApalachicolaCelebrate Earth Day April 22nd from 10am-2pm on beautiful Apalachicola waterfront and discover simple ways you can help turn the tide on waste. Join friends, neighbors, and local organizations at Riverfront Park for a fun and informative community event focused on reuse, recycling, and caring for our coast.
Meet local experts and volunteers who are working every day to protect the Apalachicola River and Bay. Learn practical ways to reduce waste at home, recycle more effectively, and give new life to everyday items.
Bring a glass bottle to recycle and receive a free plant while supplies last!
Discover how oyster shell recycling and Vertical Oyster Gardening can help restore Apalachicola Bay.
Learn how to recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, and cardboard in Franklin County.
Recycle worn or stained clothing with the City Recycling Group.
Discover native plants and sustainable landscaping ideas.
Connect with local groups working to protect our environment.This community event is hosted in partnership with Keep Florida Beautiful, Keep Franklin County Beautiful, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, Franklin County Solid Waste, Florida DEP Waste Reduction and Recycling Education, Florida Corps, City of Apalachicola, Florida Native Plant Society – Sarracenia Chapter, Florida State Parks, Apalachicola Riverkeeper, City Recycling Group, and the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring a bottle to recycle. Together we can make a difference in the places we love!
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Bay Friendly Landscaping
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesYard design and maintenance can have a big effect on adjacent water bodies. Participants in this workshop will learn about resources to help them transform their yard into a luscious bay conscious landscape. The class will feature resources on landscaping in Florida's unique soil conditions, where to buy plants and seeds, innovative Green Infrastructure techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs, and bio-swales. Come find out how to be good to the bay and reduce the time you spend on maintenance!
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Estuaries Day
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesThe Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve will celebrate Estuaries Day on Friday, May 1st, from 1:30-5:30 pm E.T. in Eastpoint. The event is free and will include fun educational activities for kids and adults, and estuary-themed games. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
New activities will be debuting this year such as ink block art printing, Be Bay Aware, the junior water quality lab, and living shoreline demonstrations. Old favorites will also be returning, including the cast net game, the wacky waterfront race, aquatic animal touch tanks, live oyster microscope viewing, glass grinding and sand art, Be-A-Bear, and more!
Attendees can also tour ANERR’s 5,400 square-foot Nature Center with its three large aquariums filled with local estuarine and marine life, an 80-foot-long mural depicting the area ecosystems, and a hands-on Bay Discovery Room.
The first 600 visitors will receive a free T-shirt (for ages three and up). For more information contact the Apalachicola National Research Reserve at 850-670-7700.
Date and Time: 1:30-5:30 pm E.T.
WHERE: Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
108 Island Drive (Public entrance and parking)
Eastpoint, FloridaHOW: Free public event.
For more information, call ANERR’s main number: (850) 670-7700. -
Birding 101
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesCurious about birds and bird watching? This workshop is a great place to start and will give you the basic knowledge to turn that curiosity into confidence!
Join us for Birding 101
Have you ever wanted to learn more about birdwatching but weren’t sure where to begin? This introductory class is the perfect starting point.Local expert Paul Wharton, a longtime birder and recent retiree from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will guide participants through the fundamentals of birding. The session will cover bird identification, basic bird biology, recommended field guides, and the species commonly found in our area—along with plenty of time for questions.
After the classroom portion, we’ll head outdoors to a nearby location to practice what you’ve learned and start building your birding skills in real time.
Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will help you see—and hear—the natural world in a whole new way.Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-101-tickets-1988176474355?aff=oddtdtcreator
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NOAA/NWS Marine Workshop
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesAttention Boaters! Interested in safely navigating the waters and being prepared for hazardous weather?
Join us for a free educational workshop, in partnership with: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Some of the topics covered include precision navigation, nautical charts, marine forecasts, and weather warnings.
Monday May 18th - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM ET
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Multipurpose Room
108 Island Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328Register at https://weather.gov/tae/workshop
Questions? Contact Lance.Franck@noaa.gov
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Sci-Cafe Matt Davis Monitoring Apalachicola’s Oyster Populations
Microsoft TeamsOyster populations in Apalachicola Bay experienced a substantial decline beginning in the mid-2000s, and a Federal Fisheries Disaster was declared in 2013. Harvest was permitted until the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) placed a moratorium on the harvest of wild oysters from 2020 through 2025. During that time, FWC biologists monitored historic and restoration oyster reefs to inform future restoration efforts and develop recommendations for reopening of the fishery in 2026. Matt will share an update on the most recent monitoring protocols, data used to develop harvest limits, and subtidal restoration efforts.
To register go to https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/842801b1-2103-45f3-91e5-c90c4e844aef@679d4c83-aea2-4635-b4f1-9f5012551b6a
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Turtle Talk Tuesdays at Apalachicola NERR
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesLearn all about our nesting sea turtles. After a presentation on sea turtle biology, our conservation and monitoring program, and ways local residents and visitors can make the beaches welcoming to nesting turtles.
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Turtle Talk Tuesdays at Apalachicola NERR
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, United StatesLearn all about our nesting sea turtles. After a presentation on sea turtle biology, our conservation and monitoring program, and ways local residents and visitors can make the beaches welcoming to nesting turtles.
Free