Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Cancelled: Apalachicola River & Floodplain Class
2020-05-01 12:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
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 will learn about the ecology, culture, and history of the Apalachicola River and floodplain, as well as come to appreciate the impact interstate relationships play in the control of the river. After the in-class portion, participants will embark on a journey up the river aboard the ANERR research vessel Henry Lee to get an up-close look at some of the floodplain ecosystems and distributaries of the river.
Tickets for the class are free but must be claimed in advance on our eventbrite page. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 or by email at anita.grove@dep.state.fl.us – or with Josh Eaton at (850) 670-7701 or email him here

Apalachicola River & Floodplain Class
2020-03-20 12:30 - 16:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States

Reserve Wednesday: Seagrass Beds
2020-03-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Jon Brucker will talk about the diverse and fragile ecosystems that surround seagrasses in the Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves.

Bay Friendly Landscaping
2020-03-12 13:00 - 15:30, 2020-01-29 13:00 - 15:30 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Yard 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 also feature 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 your water bills.
The class is free but please register in advance on our Eventbrite page found here. We look forward to seeing you!
Any questions can be addressed to Anita Grove through email at anita.grove@dep.state.fl.us or phone at (850)670-7708 or contact Josh Eaton through email at joshua.eaton@floridadep.gov or phone at (850)670-7710.

Sci-Cafe: Art + Science | The Hidden World of Apalachicola Bay
2020-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | JOBA Gallery, 230 Water St., Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
(Presented at JOBA Gallery at High Cotton – 230 Water St. Apalachicola, FL)
Consuming vast amounts of carbon dioxide, diatoms are masters at photosynthesis, taking energy from the sun and transforming it into the air we breathe. Their beautiful and diverse patterns and shapes form sturdy glass-like houses that are so responsive to the dynamics of the world that surrounds them they are used to help monitor and maintain the health of Florida’s waters.
“Mysteriously beautiful, I have learned that diatoms are so much more; they are vital to our health, the waters surrounding us and the world beyond,” said Beth Appleton. “This exploration has led me to the creative bridge between art and science.”
This exhibition showcases Appleton’s discoveries expressed as microphotography, cut paper works, videos and digital assemblages, as well as a talk from Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Megan Lamb on the importance of these fascinating organisms.
Registration is not required but seating is limited.

Living Shorelines for Residents
2020-02-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Coastal erosion is a natural process caused by currents, wave action, wind, storms and even boat wakes. The traditional methods used to harden the shoreline like seawalls and rip rap can actually often increase the rate of coastal erosion as well as remove the ability of the shoreline to carry out natural processes.
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) will host a workshop on using Living Shorelines to combat erosion on Thursday, Feruary 20, 2020, 2:00-4:00 pm for local residents and homeowners. The workshop will discuss living shorelines vs. hardened shorelines as well as how to evaluate a shoreline by considering the physical factors such as wave energy, prevailing wind and wave direction, vegetation, and soil type, in addition to presenting living shoreline methods, materials, permitting, and success stories of local living shorelines. We will also look at which types of plants are the most beneficial and visit a local living shoreline.
The lecture is free but please register beforehand on our Eventbrite page. For more information, please contact Anita Grove at 850-670-7708 or Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us, or Josh Eaton at (850) 670-7710 or joshua.eaton@floridadep.gov.

Reserve Wednesday: Oyster Farming in North Florida
2020-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Shellfish aquaculture in Florida consists primarily of clam farming. However, along the Panhandle primarily in Apalachicola, there are several operations culturing the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Erik Lovestrand, UF/IFAS Franklin County Extension Director, will talk about this emerging industry of oyster farming here in North Florida.

Winter Birds of Franklin County
2020-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Presented by James Hargrove. Come learn about the feathered winter residents of habitats like Tate’s Hell, East Bay, and St. George Island. James will also show you some bird ID tricks and highlight some upcoming opportunities to practice your birding skills in the coming months.
Photos by Jim Mott.

Oyster Ecology 101
2020-02-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
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 along the tidal flats.
Registration is free, but registering before hand is required. Please visit our Eventbrite page for more information and to register. The class will meet at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, in the upstairs classroom at 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint FL 32328.
Any further questions can be addressed to either Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 or emailed here – or contact Josh Eaton at (850) 670-7710 or emailed here.
(Class is currently being rewritten and some details are subject to change.)

Sci-Cafe: Living Shorelines in Action
2020-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Eastpoint Beer Company, 374 US 98, Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
(Presented at Eastpoint Beer Company – 374 US 98 Eastpoint, FL)
Living shorelines represent a sea change in the way that people are looking to best protect their waterfront property from the destructive forces of erosion. Instead of using “hard” armored surfaces of concrete or rip-rap this more natural method is taking over. This method uses the same principles as wetland marsh by using seagrass roots to anchor soils and to provide a habitat for living creatures. Come find out about this relatively low cost alternative to concrete that is taking over!
No registration required but seating is limited. Show up early to enjoy the fantastic views.

Reserve Wednesday: Wildlife Rehabilitation
2020-01-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
The Florida Wild Mammal Association has operated as a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation facility since 1994. Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in the North Florida region of the panhandle, FWMA provides care for all types of native wildlife including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Between 700 and 1000 animals are brought to the facility annually for treatment and rehabilitation. Come to the Apalachicola NERR Nature Center on Wednesday, January 15 to hear Jess Beatty, wildlife rehabilitator, talk about their mission and practice, and have a chance to meet some of the FWMA wildlife ambassadors.

Turtle Talk
2019-07-16 14:00 - 15:00, 2019-07-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2019-07-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2019-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | FL
Come learn all about our nesting sea turtles and find out how you can help them! Members of the St. George Island Turtle Patrol team will be on hand to answer questions and give an update about sea turtle nests on the island. Get the chance to touch a sea turtle carapace, or look close-up at loggerhead sea turtle eggs. This air-conditioned event is a wonderful chance to learn more about sea turtles and is great for anyone visiting the area alone or with family.

Oyster Ecology
2019-05-31 13:00 - 16:00 | FL
Learn about Apalachicola Bay’s famous bivalves! 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 to walk along an oyster bar and look at its inhabitants under a microscope.
Advance registration is required and is $25 per person. Please register at Eventbrite. For more information, contact Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 / email.

Apalachicola River and Floodplain Class
2019-05-17 12:30 - 16:00 | FL
The Apalachicola River has been called “the Lifeblood of the Bay”. Participants will learn all about the ecology, culture, and history surrounding the Apalachicola River, as well as come to appreciate its importance in modern Florida. After the lecture portion of the class we will embark on a river journey aboard the Reserve research vessel Henry Lee to get an up-close look at some of the fantastic floodplain ecosystems and historic Apalachicola River distributaries. The class will be held at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Drive in Eastpoint.
Advance registration is required and is $25 per person. Please register at Eventbrite. For more information, contact Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 / email.

Seagrass Exploration
2019-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | FL
Cool off this summer and learn about the important role seagrass plays in our environment and the creatures that thrive in this dynamic habitat. We will start at the St Joseph Buffer Preserve for a quick overview, then head out to Cape San Blas. Here you can immerse yourself in the vibrant seagrass ecosystem with a guided snorkeling tour of the crystal-clear seagrass beds in St. Joseph Bay. Find out what you can do at home and on vacation to help further seagrass conservation. This adult-level class covers the basics of life in a seagrass bed, as well as the intricate ties between organisms, and important conservation and protection efforts in our area. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snorkeling gear, water bottle, towel and change of clothes.
Advance registration is required and is $25 per person. Please register at Eventbrite. For more information, contact Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 / email.
