Apalachicola Reserve, Florida
State
Florida
State Partner
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Acres
246,000
Est. Date
1979
Located in one of the most productive estuarine systems in the northern hemisphere, Florida’s Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve spans three barrier islands and a large part of the Apalachicola River, the bay and its tributaries. The Reserve’s 246,000 acres provide a forage area for migratory birds and support a local fishing industry worth $16 million annually. After the 2012 collapse of a local oyster fishery, the reserve has prioritized oyster restoration and worked extensively with partners to conduct research, training, and educational programs.
Explore the impact of Apalachicola Reserve’s educational programs in 2019, including their restored aquaria and their watershed walk exhibit.
Did You Know…
One of six biodiversity hotspots in the country, the Reserve is home to 109 plant and 54 animal species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern, including the bald eagle and loggerhead sea turtle.
Latest News from the Apalachicola Reserve
Reserves Benefit Local Economies
National Estuarine Research Reserves are a positive influence on local economies, according to a new study which calculated the direct and indirect economic contribution of Reserves in Florida, Oregon, and New Hampshire.
Conservation Corps Champion
Congratulations to Kim Wren of Florida’s Apalachicola Reserve, recipient of a 2020 Champion of the Year award from the 21st Century Conservation Corps for her work founding two conservation corps for Florida youth and veterans.
Citizens Team Up to Protect Turtle Nests
When two loggerhead nests were unexpectedly discovered on a Florida beach, the Apalachicola Reserve was there to support the local citizens who got involved with protecting the valuable nests.