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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.
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Locals Supporting CBA - We Thank You From Our Hearts
Frances Roy
CBA and AmeriCorps staff spent an entire day indoors for training and it was worth it! We enjoyed team building and professional development from our friends, Frances Roy Agency. We are still talking about the impact this workshop had on understanding ourselves and our roles within the team. We are so fortunate to have resources like these in our community to give our team the tools and the foundation we need to take our mission to the next level.
Dr. David Schjott
"Not today, Negativity!" was a take-away message from the afternoon portion of our training. Dr. David Schjott of Northwest Florida State College spoke with our team on fostering positive connections with our peers, professionals, and watershed stewards. With a doctorate in sociology, Dr. Schjott has been teaching students at NWFSC for over two decades. His field expertise led to a rich, discussion-based learning experience that we all enjoyed. Dr. Schjott also serves as a board member of CBA. We are so thankful for having him as an ally and asset to our team and mission!
Congratulations, AmeriCorps Members!
As the summer ends, we remember all the things AmeriCorps accomplished. Members assisted Virginia Tech, Jackson Guard, and US Fish and Wildlife with salamander restoration and conservation, macro-invertebrate water quality assessments, and apple snail control. As we quickly modified our methods of connecting to waterway stewards, AmeriCorps aided in developing online content for our students before the school year ended. They also took the reins on our shell recycling program allowing staff to complete monthly monitoring quotas. We wish them well as they move forward to new adventures. Each AmeriCorps member now begins a unique journey, but will forever remain environmental stewards. Thank you, AmeriCorps, for your hard work and dedication to our mission.
CBA on the Bay
Another Reef Completed - Osprey Pointe
Homeowners in Rocky Bayou contacted CBA about a greener way to combat their eroding shores, our answer -- install a living shoreline! The reef at Osprey Pointe is now complete and already thriving. "We noticed a lot of spat on the reefs after only being in the water for a couple of weeks, and one of the homeowners said he has seen many large redfish, black drum, and grey snapper at the reefs," said Rachel Gwin, CBA's Restoration Coordinator. Our living shoreline initiative enhances and protects swimmable, fishable waters while providing habitat for our marine critters.

Why implement green infrastructure instead of installing a sea wall? The EPA states, "Green infrastructure is a cost-effective, resilient approach to managing wet weather impacts that provides many community benefits." Using soil, plants, and other elements to mimic Nature's most resilient storm barriers will protect our community from a changing climate. If you are planning to enhance your property, reach out to CBA for more information on green infrastructures, such as a living shoreline.
Terrapin Research in Full Swing
CBA is collaborating in new research studying the presence of terrapins in NW Florida. Jenna is leading surveys in Okaloosa County in conjunction with UF and US Geological Surveys.

Terrapins are very common in the pet trade; therefore, wild populations need to be researched, monitored, and potentially protected pending their status. As brackish-water aquatic turtles, terrapins live in salt marshes and nest on sandy beaches. Very little is known about their prevalence here in the FL panhandle, as well as their life history. We are excited to be contributing to this new research aiding in the conservation of this species. Some good news on our front, we have indeed found evidence that terrapins reside and nest in our area!
News You Can Use
Species Spotlight: Pine Barrens treefrog - Hyla andersonii
The Pine Barrens tree frog is a tiny critter reaching only to 1.5 inches in length. Its body is distinguishable by the pea-green color and a lateral brown stripe running from the nostrils to its legs. Their populations are rather disjunct occurring in the Florida Panhandle, the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and the Carolina Fall Line Sandhills. This species is particularly unique because they live in acidic seepage bog pools and migrate less than 350 feet away from their breeding grounds. They are dependent on "early succession fire-maintained" ecosystems. Kelly Jones from Virginia Tech states, "Fire suppression has really limited their populations, and there is some survey evidence for them disappearing from some of the same peripheral streams from which bog frogs seem to be disappearing. Also, feral swine appear to be continuing their increase in the sensitive breeding areas where amphibians like this one are still holding on." We believe it is crucial to preserve the unique ecosystems in the Choctawhatchee Bay Watershed for this near-threatened species! Below is a link to the beautiful call of the Pine Barrens Tree Frog, next time you are out exploring listen carefully; our ecosystem has a story to tell.

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Photo Credit: Virginia Tech