St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve

The lands and waters that make up the State Buffer Preserve have a rich history of human occupation. To adequately assess and interpret the full range of cultural resources, the preserve facilitates and conducts research to serve as a foundation for developing a comprehensive cultural resources management plan starting with a detailed assessment of the location and description of these resources. As the State Buffer Preserve's archaeological surveys and artifact collection inventory progresses, this information is incorporated into its education and outreach programs. St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve contains 20 known archaeological and historical sites, dating from prehistoric times to the 20th century. One of the most significant shell-tool manufacture sites in the region is located on buffer preserve lands. Indigenous Americans have harvested food, manufactured tools and lived, at least seasonally, on sites near the bay for 12,000 years. 

Geological layers directly under the State Buffer Preserve are composed of marine and fluvial sands (some with shelly horizons) as well as silts and muds of the Holocene age. Deeper layers are composed of units from the Pleistocene age. These layers were deposited in a coastal environment much like that of today, with shoreline position fluctuation through time due to changing sea level throughout the late Pleistocene and up until about 5,000 years ago when sea level is thought to have stabilized near its present position. Around that same time, as sea level was rising and becoming stable, the present suite of barrier islands in and around the Buffer Preserve began to form. The State Buffer Preserve lands on Cape San Blas are clearly dune ridges that were parts of either old sand spits or barrier islands that have formed since sea level stabilized. Inland portions of the State Buffer Preserve are also characterized by ancient ridge sets in an upland environment. Recent dating of these ridges indicates they are well over 100,000 years old.

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve showcases a diverse mosaic of coastal habitats, supporting a rich tapestry of plant and animal life. The preserve's unique dune/ridge swale topography, formed by ancient sea level fluctuations, creates a variety of ecological niches, ranging from xeric scrub communities on the dry ridges to hydric basin swamps and salt marshes in the lower elevations. These 18 diverse communities provide habitat for a wide array of species, many of which are rare or endemic to the region. The frequent application of prescribed fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and diversity of these fire-dependent ecosystems. The State Buffer Preserve also protects the crucial freshwater inflow of Money Bayou, a tidal creek that flows directly into the Gulf of America.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types

• Basin Marsh
• Basin Swamp
• Beach Dune
• Blackwater Stream
• Coastal Grassland
• Coastal Interdunal Swale
• Depression Marsh
• Dome Swamp
• Maritime Hammock
• Mesic flatwoods
• Saltmarsh
• Sandhill
• Scrub
• Scrubby flatwoods
• Shrub bog
• Wet flatwoods
• Wet prairie
• Xeric hammock

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Snowy plover, Wilson’s plover, American oystercatcher, bald eagle, cormorant

Mammals
White-tailed deer, otter, bobcats, black bears

Reptiles  
Snakes, salamanders, turtles, tortoises, and frogs, American alligator

Plants & Fish
Sunfish, bass, and darters

Other Species
A full list of species can be found in the management plan.

November through May

The State Buffer Preserve also offers monthly tram tours, allowing the public to enjoy the Buffer Preserve in the presence of an experienced guide that can discuss the natural resources of the area as well as management activities.

Public workshops held at the State Buffer Preserve Center provide educational opportunities for the local community. The State Buffer Preserve Center provides a venue for public workshops and training opportunities to increase public awareness and promote informed stewardship of the region’s natural resources. Visiting researchers and scientists from around the world utilize the Center as they conduct ongoing research within the Buffer Preserve. In addition, the Friends of the St. Joseph Bay Preserves raise funds, host festivals, provide volunteer services and promote environmental awareness of the preserves. Information brochures, trail maps and educational kiosks area also available on site.

For upcoming public workshops, lectures and other tours, please visit the Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves website. 

The State Buffer Preserve prohibits admission of unleashed domestic animals, except those assisting the handicapped.

Visitors should take proper safety precautions and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and potential interaction with wildlife such as mosquitoes.

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. The Visitor Center and tram trailer are ADA accessible. Nature trails are limited in accessibility. 

There are no fees required for visits or the monthly tram tour. Donations are accepted through our non-profit friends’ group, The Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves.

Please visit the Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves website.