CBA Expands its Volunteer Base

CBA continues to implement our salt marsh and oyster reef habitat restoration program at sites throughout Choctawhatchee Bay. Currently, we are working at six different sites comprising over 3,900 linear feet of shoreline. We depend on our network of partners for the funding, materials and equipment needed to restore vital estuarine habitat. However, none of our restoration work would be possible without our fantastic volunteers. In the last two years, CBA volunteers have been responsible for bagging 168 tons of oyster shell and planting over 15,000 shoreline grasses. Volunteers come from all sectors of our community. From schoolchildren to retirees, from Girl Scouts to airmen, our volunteers are a hardworking crew.

CBA is excited to announce that our volunteer pool will now extend beyond just our local community to include college students from all over the United States. Last year, CBA hosted over 700 college students pursuing alternative college break experiences from almost 40 schools across the nation. 

We worked with students from Cleveland State University, Virginia Tech and Middlebury College in Vermont, and even students from as far west as California. These students generously gave of their time and effort, while gaining an understanding of coastal ecosystems and watersheds. They carried the knowledge and experiences back with them to hopefully inspire others to visit and support this unique and beautiful part of the United States.  We had a great time working with these enthusiastic volunteers and we look forward to next year where we hope to have another very productive spring!

CBA builds oyster reefs and Living Shorelines throughout the entire year. Please select this link to learn more about CBA’s Living Shoreline Program. If you know of a group that is interested in volunteering please contact CBA at (850) 200-4171 or email CBA@nwfsc.edu.