Partnership in Action: Protecting Shorebird Habitat 

Photo Credit Marlene Straszewski

Protecting our Local Habitat

Recently, an important bit of work took place on the Forgotten Coast — one that shows how well our local agencies can come together for wildlife.

The ANERR stewardship team joined forces with Florida Audubon, FWC shorebird biologists, and FWC botanists to tackle invasive plants along the St. George Island Causeway. This Critical Wildlife Area in Apalachicola Bay is vital nesting habitat for shorebirds, and the crews have been working hard to keep it clear and welcoming for the birds that rely on it each year.

This is the third year these three agencies have collaborated on two test plots on the island. This season they took a more intensive approach than ever before: treating the plots with herbicide back in October, conducting a prescribed burn in December, and then applying a different herbicide just last week. The goal is to reach mineral soil and help prevent the plants from developing resistance.

It’s the kind of patient, behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always make headlines, but it matters deeply for the shorebirds that call this area home. Everyone involved is hopeful that these efforts will pay off this nesting season.

It’s reassuring to see our local organizations working so closely to protect the special places that make the Forgotten Coast what it is.

More information & official update:

ANERR OysterCatcher Spring 2026 Newsletter