Become a CBA Supporter
Across the Choctawhatchee Bay, CBA works to improve swimmable, fishable waterways through education, research, monitoring, and restoration. We could not fulfill our mission without dedicated supporters like you, becoming CBA sponsors through monetary gifts of $25 or more.
Add CBA to your giving plan today! Click here to donate.
Locals Supporting CBA - We Thank You From Our Hearts
James E. Plew Elementary School
Thank you  James E. Plew Elementary School 3rd grade students for raising $771.01 in change for CBA's Grasses in Classes! We are sad we could not take you to plant your grasses but we are taking care of them and they will become part of a salt marsh very soon!
CBA is reaching our students through online learning modules to ensure completion of their GIC curriculum. We often meet former students who've fostered an appreciation for our waterways long after we leave their classroom.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Tons of prep work goes into accomplishing our mission every day. Smooth cordgrass plantings must go on, even without our 3rd and 5th-grade student helpers. AmeriCorps NWF Environmental Stewards  are here to help us along the way by creating plant bags that will anchor our smooth cordgrass along our living shorelines until the grasses take root. We want to share our appreciation for our partnership with AmeriCorps NWF Environmental Stewards! Thanks, Team!
CBA on the Bay
Our Panhandle Partnerships Y'all!
CBA relies on partnerships and teamwork to promote swimmable, fishable waterways in the Choctawhatchee watershed. For example, community partners powered our reef construction event at Valparaiso's Shipyard Point Park. CBA and  AmeriCorps NWF Environmental Stewards ​ constructed the reefs while the  City of Valparaiso Public Works ​ staged the materials for the build. John boats provided by  Jackson Guard ​ and Destin Forward (a program of  Destin Chamber of Commerce ​) allowed us to move materials to the reef sites. Let's not forget many sources such as  USFWS Coastal Program ​,  Northwest Florida Water Management District ​, and  MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife ​ provided funding for this project. Thanks to all the folks who help us care for our waterways!
Oysters Find New Home at Marler Park
On Saturday, May 23rd, CBA met with oyster gardeners to drop their oysters off at Marler Park. Some arrived by car and others by boat, but one thing is for sure, their efforts are making a impact on the health of our local waterways. Oysters filter pollutants from the water in search of algae, their food source. Oysters settle on each other to form intertidal oyster reefs that prevent shoreline erosion and provide habitat for marine species endemic to estuaries like Choctawhatchee Bay. If you would like to raise an oyster garden this season, contact Ali Jean and visit our web page to apply for this program!
Native Plant Service Projects with CBA
Folks from the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce's  Leadership Walton 2019-2020  class came out to help CBA Ecology Technician Brennan plant some of the smooth cordgrass grown at Maude Saunders Elementary Grasses in Classes program.
This year, the Leadership Walton Class sponsored Grasses in Classes at Maude Saunders as their group service project. They raised funds to offset CBA and  AmeriCorps NWF Environmental Stewards expenses in delivering the program. They planned to assist with the students' field trip planting their smooth cordgrasses to restore saltmarsh in Choctawhatchee Bay. With the cancellation of field trips and in-person classes, these folks stepped up to lend a hand and help get the plants to where they can do some good--restoring habitat, slowing erosion, and filtering stormwater!
News You Can Use
Species Spotlight: Nesting Shorebirds
The season for shorebird nesting on our Florida beaches is upon us. CBA would like to take a special moment to inform you about responsible beach sharing -- with our native shorebirds, that is. Here are some wonderful tips from FWC on how to enjoy the beach, naturalist-style.

Boaters and beach-goers can make a big difference for Florida’s vulnerable nesting shorebirds and seabirds by following these guidelines:

  • Keep your distance from birds, on the beach and on the water. Birds calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals to back off.
  • Respect posted areas. When possible, stay at least 300 feet from a posted nesting area.
  • Do not enter Critical Wildlife Areas. CWAs are established to give wildlife the space needed for nesting, roosting and foraging, and are closed to public access.
  • Avoid intentionally forcing birds to fly or run.
  • It is best to leave pets at home but if you bring them to the beach, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird and seabird nesting areas.
  • Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife.
  • Spread the word. Let your friends and family know how important it is to give shorebirds space.
  • Report disturbance of nesting birds to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com.

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