Upcoming Event: Panhandle Outdoors Live at St. Joseph Bay on June 21st!

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant faculty are reintroducing their acclaimed “Panhandle Outdoors LIVE!” series on St. Joseph Bay. This ecosystem is home to some of the richest concentrations of flora and fauna on the Northern Gulf Coast. This area supports an amazing diversity of fish, aquatic invertebrates, turtles and other species of the marsh and pine flatwoods. Come learn about the important roles of ecosystem!

Registration fee is $40. You must pre-register to attend.

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panhandle-outdoors-live-st-joseph-bay-by-land-sea-tickets-906983109897

or use the QR code:

Meals: Lunch, drinks & snacks provided (you may bring your own)

Attire: outdoor wear, water shoes, bug spray and sunscreen

*If afternoon rain is in forecast, outdoor activities may be switched to the morning schedule

Held at the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Lodge: 3915 State Road 30-A, Port St. Joe

8:30 – 8:35 Welcome & Introduction – Ray Bodrey, Gulf County Extension (5 min)

8:35 – 9:20 Diamondback Terrapin Ecology – Rick O’Connor, Escambia County Extension

9:20 – 10:05 Exploring Snakes, Lizards & the Cuban Tree Frog – Erik Lovestrand, Franklin County Extension

10:05 – 10:15 Break

10:15 – 11:00 The Bay Scallop & Habitat – Ray Bodrey, Gulf County Extension

11:00 – 11:45 The Hard Structures: Artificial Reefs & Derelict Vessel Program – Scott Jackson, Bay County Extension

11:45 – Noon Question & Answer Session – All Agents

Noon – 1:00 Pizza & Salad!

1:00 – 1:20 Introduction to the Buffer & History – Buffer Preserve Staff

1:20 – 2:20 Tram Tour – Buffer Preserve Staff

2:20 – 2:30 Break

2:30 – 3:00 A Walk in the Mangroves – All Agents

3:00 – 3:15 Wrap up & Adjourn – All