Events

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…

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.

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.

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…

(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…

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…

Jon Brucker will talk about the diverse and fragile ecosystems that surround seagrasses in the Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves.

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…