Estuarine Research Reserve becoming popular with visitors

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve has seen big increase in visitors over the past year.

The reserve said its visitor numbers were up 87 percent this July compared to July 2011.

Reserve Director Lee Edmiston, said “It’s not unusual to see 250 or 300 guests a day come through the doors.”

Much of the increase is attributable to the Reserve’s new location on Island drive near the foot of the St. George Island Bridge.

The center also has a lot to offer both residents and visitors.

The nature center the chance to see nature up close and to explore the unique connections of the Apalachicola River, Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf Coast in Franklin County.

The center also has several large aquariums that feature local fish and turtles from fresh, salt water and brackish water habitats.

Guests can also touch the bones and shells of a collection of items from the Apalachicola area.

If you have not yet seen the center for yourself, you can stop by between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free.

For more information, call the Reserve at 850-670-7700 or visit the Reserve’s website.

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