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.
A Huge Thank You to Our Local Businesses
Employees from Lush Cosmetics of Destin Commons planted Sea Oats at Henderson Beach State Park with CBA Director and Education Coordinator on August 26th. The company's commitment to reducing their packaging footprint aligns with CBA's mission to keep our waterways swimmable and fishable. Thank you, Lush Cosmetics of Destin Commons, for your positive impact on our dunes.
Would you like to plan your next team outing with us? Contact CBA to find out how you can make a difference.
Okaloosa Gas District has adopted a school in our Grasses In Classes program! Without donors like Okaloosa Gas District, CBA couldn't reach our future generations of environmental stewards. Investing in our children is investing in our community's future. Thank you, Okaloosa Gas District, for your ongoing support in our Grasses In Classes program.
If your business would like to adopt a school, please visit our website or contact CBA Director, Alison McDowell , to find out how your business can create an impact in our programs.
National Estuaries Week: What's Happening on our Waterways?
How do we celebrate National Estuaries Week? By promoting swimmable, fishable waters in our community, that's how! Join us for a week filled with exciting stewardship opportunities such as a reef build at Poquito Bayou in Fort Walton Beach or a Saturday morning beach cleanup at the International Coastal Beach Cleanup event held at three different locations. Volunteers who sign up via Eventbrite for the Beach Cleanups will receive a free breakfast for all your hard work.
Citizen Scientists Needed
Do you enjoy nature strolls? How about watching the wildlife around one of our beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay tributaries? We have an opening for the most accessible water sampling position in our watershed. No boat needed! This opportunity doesn't come around often. We are looking for a volunteer to take water quality samples for CBA at three locations at Turkey Creek Park in Niceville, FL. All locations are accessible from the boardwalk! Please contact our Monitoring Coordinator, Jenna Testa, for more information.
30A 10K Volunteers Needed
CBA urges our local environmental stewards to give a small portion of their time to volunteer at the Thanksgiving Day 30A 10K races alongside CBA staff. We have been selected as one of the charity beneficiaries for the second year running!

Click on your preferred assignment below to send an email to our Restoration Coordinator, Rachel Gwin. We look forward to seeing you on Race Day.

Available Assignments on Thursday, November 28, 2019:
  • 5:30 - 10:30 AM
  • Check-In @ Rosemary 30A W. Long Green
  • 9:00 - 10:30 AM
  • Check-In @ Rosemary 30A W. Long Green with CBA staff member
Species Spotlight: Lionfish (Invasive)
Photo by Erika Zambello

Pterois volitans, also known as lionfish, is a carnivorous fish native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Having been introduced to Atlantic and Gulf waters by human activity, these top predators have quickly invaded our marine ecosystems. With no natural predators in our region, lionfish have decimated native fish populations directly affecting our recreational and commercial fishing industry.
A ray of hope does shine through the water's surface as lionfish are a delicacy on the dinner plate. As part of our High School Program, Fort Walton Beach High School students had a firsthand encounter with the lionfish shown below - courtesy of Alex Fogg, the Okaloosa County Marine Resource Coordinator. The students were also served fresh lionfish fillets prepared in the classroom by Chef Shirah of Dewey Destin's Seafood. For all our seafood-loving environmental stewards, be sure to ask for lionfish on your next trip to the market or at our local restaurants.