FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2015
APALACHICOLA
RESEARCH RESERVE COMPLETES NEW TRAIL ON CAPE ST. GEORGE
~The public is invited
to traverse a new two-mile trail in northwest Florida~
APALACHICOLA - The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve has completed a new
two-mile loop trail on Cape St. George called the Island Ridge Trail.
Cape St. George, known locally as Little St. George
Island, is located in Franklin County in northwest Florida, just offshore from
Apalachicola. The barrier island was acquired by Florida in 1977
to protect it from development and help protect Apalachicola Bay.
The trailhead is located on Straight Road, the road that traverses
the center of the island, from the historic Marshall House to the Gulf Beach.
The new Island Ridge
Trail takes hikers through unique barrier island habitats
commonly found along the Gulf Coast including oak scrub, flatwoods, coastal
interdunal swales and coastal grasslands. This trail can be used in conjunction
with other trails on the island for self-guided tours and workshops offered by
the reserve.
“We are excited for the upcoming additions to the
trail, which include primitive benches built with assistance from a local Boy
Scout troop, two primitive campsites, plant species identification signs and a
kiosk display with maps of the island, as well as information on local species and
the history of early inhabitants,” said Kim Wren, resource management
coordinator at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Future
plans include the addition of a primitive trail and campsite on the east end of
the island near Sike’s Cut.
For more information contact Kim Wren at 850-670-7718 or Kim.Wren@dep.state.fl.us
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