Group of people exploring the water
Through citizen involvement and community partnerships, F.O.R. is a valued contributor to the success of the Research Reserve.

Friends of the Reserve

Friends of the Reserve is a non-profit citizen organization established in 1987 to support program funding, environmental education, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and scientific research of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Through citizen involvement and community partnerships, F.O.R. is a valued contributor to the success of the Research Reserve.

The F.O.R. Code of Ethics can be viewed by clicking here.

Become a Friend of the Reserve

The Reserve depends on community and stakeholder participation so your membership will make a difference. By joining Friends of the Reserve you can help spread environmental awareness and appreciation of our valuable coastal and estuarine resources. As a F.O.R. member, you will be regularly informed of Reserve activities through newsletters and special mailings. Be prepared to experience a new perspective of our unique natural environment.

Want to become a Friend of the Reserve? Download, complete and mail a membership form, or join through PayPal:

Become a FOR Member

For convenience, you can also now donate to F.O.R. through PayPal using the button below:

Students investigating oyster reef colonies

FOR makes it possible for every Franklin County student to visit the Reserve in 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th grades

Solicitations of Contributions Act registration No. CH48389: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

Board of Trustees:
Doug Jimerson, President
Erik Lovestrand, Vice President
Shaun Donahoe, Secretary
Tom Dolan, Treasurer
Lynn Wilder, Board Member
Susan Macken, Board Member

2024 Board Meetings:

  • January 3, 2024
  • February 28, 2024
  • May 1, 2024
  • September 4, 2024 - Regular board meeting followed by annual meeting
  • November 6, 2024

Review the recent Annual Meeting:
FOR Annual Meeting 2023 (PDF)

Estuaries Day touch tank

FOR funding supports environmental education and outreach like National Estuaries Day

Loggerhead sea turtle and intern

FOR provides internships for the summer sea turtle program

ANERR Boardwalk Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

FOR also funded the construction of the boardwalks around the Nature Center