Apalachicola Celebrates Big Anniversary

Marsh at Apalachicola Biosphere Region. Photo by Anita Grove.

Florida’s Apalachicola Region had a lot to celebrate in 2019. In addition to its 40th Anniversary as a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), the Biosphere Region celebrated 36 years since its recognition by the international Man and the Biosphere Program in 1983.

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve comprises the core area of the Apalachicola Biosphere Region, one of 11 coastal sites in the U.S. Biosphere Network ranging from Puerto Rico to Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. Altogether the biosphere region encompasses 1,615,000 acres of land and 432,600 acres of water in Florida’s central panhandle. One of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere, Apalachicola Bay hosts more than 54 species of wildlife designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern and has the highest species diversity of reptiles and amphibians in North America, north of Mexico.

On Apalachicola Bay, where many locals depend on tourism and the $16 million annual fishing industry, maintaining a balanced relationship between people and nature is a key focus of the region’s work. “The biosphere region's mission aligns closely with that of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System,” said Jenna Harper, manager of the Apalachicola Region. “Both networks recognize that people play a large role in influencing resources…Locally, we focus on understanding how our natural systems are changing and working with local communities to steward these resources for the future.”

One hundred-thirty guests attended a celebration dinner on September 28, 2019 with fresh local oysters funded by the Friends of the Reserve citizen support organization.

Learn more about the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Contact: Anita Grove, [e-mail]