MEDIA ADVISORY: Nov. 6, 2014

CONTACT: Anita Grove, 850-670-7708, Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us

APALACHICOLA RESEARCH RESERVE OFFERS COURSE ON RIVERS AND FLOODPLAINS

~Explore the natural ecology of the Florida Panhandle at this interactive course~

APALACHICOLA – The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a professional-level course that explores the ecology, geology and natural history of the rivers and floodplains of the Florida Panhandle on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Apalachicola Research Reserve Nature Center in Eastpoint.

Participants will learn about the rich diversity of plants and animals found in the river basin and surrounding floodplain of the Apalachicola system and their connection to the bay. This class is taught both in the classroom and out in the field aboard a reserve vessel where class participants will have the opportunity to explore the river firsthand and take a walk through the floodplain.

This professional-level course is intended for coastal decision-makers, including elected officials, permitting staff, eco-tour operators, consultants, ecologists, park rangers, planners, developers, volunteer organizations and concerned citizens.

Registration is required and closes Nov. 10. The cost is $15 per person. To register or for more information, please contact Anita Grove at 850-670-7708 or Margo Posten at 850-670-7719.

WHAT:     Rivers and Floodplains Course

WHEN:    Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014
                8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center
                108 Island Drive
                Eastpoint, FL 32328

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention, and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. To view the department’s website log on to www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/dacaa5