Message From The Manager

Hello to All, 

As manager of the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve, I welcome you and encourage you to visit this special place. It’s well known that spending time outside is good for your health. After a long day indoors, stepping into and exploring the uplands of the preserve is a refreshing change. Whether you walk one of the trails, climb the observation tower or sit on the deck and watch the bay, you’re sure to enjoy the slower pace.

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve is located within several watersheds, including St. Joseph Bay, Depot Creek and Money Bayou. Its proximity to the Apalachicola River and Bay Basin makes the preserve a biodiversity hotspot, home to several state and federally listed plants endemic to the region. In fact, the preserve and surrounding area contain one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in the Southeast, with some species found nowhere else on public lands.

Don’t forget your camera and lunch as you explore the natural beauty of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Be sure to stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear and bring insect repellent to protect against biting insects.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider volunteering and living in the heart of the Forgotten Coast. Volunteer host sites with RV pads and hookups are available near the preserve’s visitor center.

For more information, visit the Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserve.

Sincerely,

Dylan Shoemaker