Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance

We are excited to welcome Dune Lakes Elementary School to our CBA K-12 family!💙💙

Support local businesses, support our planet! 🌊

We’re proud to partner with amazing local businesses like Islanders Coastal Outfitter at The Boardwalk! As a proud member of the 1% for the Planet initiative, they’re donating 1% of their sales to help protect local ecosystems and waterways. Shop local and feel good about the items you're purchasing!

Coming up this weekend, the Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper is leading a clean-up on the Little Choctawhatchee in Alabama! See the details in their post below to get involved keeping trash out of our waterways. 💧

Cleanup - Oct. 3rd - Little Choctawhatchee River at the Old Power Dam

Members/Friends of CRK, Fly Fishermen and Concerned Citizens

Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper and others invite you to help with a streamside cleanup on the Little Choctawhatchee River at the Old Power Dam on Saturday, October 3rd.

WHERE: The location is on Dale CR 121 and/or Coley Williams Rd. (on the Dale County side) and Old Power Dam Road where that road comes off of U.S. 84 (first paved road on the right travelling west after the light at the 123/84 intersection).

The site coordinates are 31.27255 N -85.647713 W

WHEN: 9 - 12 AM Saturday, October 3rd

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING: Wear sturdy shoes. Long pants are preferable as the area is rough. You may want a hat if it is hot and sunny. There will be water and some snacks (If possible bring a water bottle - Bottled water appears to be a source of microplastics and other undesirable stuff). If allergic to insect bites/stings bring your meds. Bring work gloves if you have them.

WHAT WILL BE PROVIDED: Pickers, nitrile gloves, trash bags and water (to refill bottles and some single serving bottles will be provided as will some snacks). A first aid kit will be on hand.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW: There will be a waiver that volunteers need to sign. Participants under 18 need to have a parent, guardian or group leader (if a scouting group etc.) to sign in addition to themselves.

The site is heavily trashed and much of the area is sloped roadside area and a bit difficult. as indicated in the attached image.

In the event of poor weather conditions a notice of postponement until October 10th will be sent by 8 p.m. on October 2nd

Tomorrow’s the day! We’re looking forward to seeing you at Mattie Kelly Family Bay Day tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park!

Bring your family and friends for guided kayak tours, hands-on activities, fish printing, local organizations, food vendors, and a whole lot of fun celebrating the Choctawhatchee Bay. 💙

Admission to the event is free with the $5 per vehicle park entrance fee. See you tomorrow!

We were proud to help host this year’s International Coastal Cleanup at Norriego Point, where volunteers with Ocean Hour Okaloosa and other community members came together to care for our coast. Together, volunteers removed 100 pounds of trash from the beach at this site alone!

Thank you to Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach for hosting this year’s cleanup in our area, and to the City of Destin Government and Ocean Hour Okaloosa for helping make the day a success. Every piece of litter removed makes a difference for the health of our waterways and the wildlife that depends on them. 💙

A little effort can make a big difference for our waterways! 🎣💙

Before you leave your favorite fishing spot, take a moment to collect any used fishing line and place it in a monofilament recycling bin.

By recycling your line, you’re helping protect wildlife and keep the Choctawhatchee Basin cleaner and healthier. ♻️

Ready to slow down and take a closer look at the plants around us? 🌱 Join us for A Walk in the Park: Plant Edition on Saturday, September 26, at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park!

Plant expert Jeff Talbert will guide participants on an easy 0.5-mile walk at 11AM and 1PM, sharing his knowledge of the plants along the trail. The walk is free with park admission, and you can stay to enjoy Mattie Kelly Family Bay Day from 10AM–2PM.

A day by the bay is always a good idea. 💙

Come celebrate the Choctawhatchee Bay at Mattie Kelly Family Bay Day on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. Enjoy guided kayak tours, hands-on activities, fish printing, local organizations, food vendors, and plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors with your family.

Can you guess what flowers these are? 🌼

Our team captured these beautiful late-summer/early-fall blooms in the field, just in time to welcome a new season. The first day of fall is September 22!