The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (Buffer Preserve) is a hidden gem along Florida’s Gulf Coast that recently expanded by 606 acres. The Buffer Preserve serves as a natural buffer against pollution and provides a haven for wildlife and rare plant species.
One of the most ironic things for me as an aquatic preserve manager is that I didn’t even know aquatic preserves existed until I started working for one. I was born and raised in Northeast Florida, where I spent as much time as I could outside, on or near the water. Yet I still didn’t know about Fort Clinch or the Nassau River-St. Johns River Marshes Aquatic Preserves.
St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve is a truly special place, with beautiful habitats like seagrass beds, mangrove islands and salt marshes that support a wide range of wildlife. Just a quick boat ride through the area might reveal dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and migratory birds, all showing the preserve’s incredible biodiversity.
It was a truly wonderful day at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary, Alexis Lambert came to visit last week! We were absolutely thrilled to host her and some of her family as she generously spent her time touring our nature center, enjoying our award-winning film, exploring the beautiful estuary walk and climbing the lighthouse on St.
Welcome to Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve — Miami’s blue heart. Step away from the busy city and immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer. Dive into this aquatic preserve and meet some of Miami’s favorite locals: manatees, bottlenose dolphins, turtles and the lovely Florida sea hare. Explore mangrove islands with magnificent frigatebirds or relax on the shore of one of the many spoil islands.
Welcome to the Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve. I am very proud to be able to oversee the intrinsic natural resources that our community gets to enjoy each and every day. We have a vast diversity of plants and animals that call this aquatic preserve their home. While it is important to have recreational opportunities in the estuary, it is also crucial to preserve and educate the public how important and fragile these ecosystems are.
The clear waters, white sands and expansive seagrass beds of St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve make this area a water lover’s playground. From fishing and kayaking, to snorkeling and scalloping, St. Joe Bay provides a unique opportunity to enjoy activities often reserved for Aquatic Preserves further south. A collection of managed lands surrounding the St.
The Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve is the most recently designated aquatic preserve. It is home to the northernmost section of Florida’s Coral Reef and part of the only barrier reef system in the continental United States. This aquatic preserve supports more than 6,000 uniquely stunning species of marine life, including fish, stony corals, gorgonians, sponges and other marine invertebrates.
Each of the aquatic preserves within the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves offers a unique visit of protected submerged state lands. The Indian River Lagoon is a lagoonal estuary with several small freshwater tributaries and a limited connection to the ocean through broadly spaced inlets.