FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2015 CONTACT: Anita Grove, 850-670-7708, Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us APALACHICOLA RESEARCH RESERVE COMPLETES NEW TRAIL ON CAPE ST. GEORGE ~The public is invited to traverse a new two-mile trail in northwest Florida~ APALACHICOLA - The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve has completed a new two-mile loop trail on Cape St. George called the Island Ridge Trail. Cape St. George, known locally as Little St. George Island, is located in Franklin County in northwest Florida, just offshore from Apalachicola. The barrier island was acquired by Florida in 1977 to protect it from development and help protect Apalachicola Bay. The trailhead is located on Straight Road, the road that traverses the center of the island, from the historic Marshall House to the Gulf Beach. The new Island Ridge Trail takes hikers through unique barrier island habitats commonly found along the Gulf Coast including oak scrub, flatwoods, coastal interdunal swales and coastal grasslands. This trail can be used in conjunction with other trails on the island for self-guided tours and workshops offered by the reserve. “We are excited for the upcoming additions to the trail, which include primitive benches built with assistance from a local Boy Scout troop, two primitive campsites, plant species identification signs and a kiosk display with maps of the island, as well as information on local species and the history of early inhabitants,” said Kim Wren, resource management coordinator at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.  Future plans include the addition of a primitive trail and campsite on the east end of the island near Sike’s Cut. For more information contact Kim Wren at 850-670-7718 or  Kim.Wren@dep.state.fl.us About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the State’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.  It is the mission of FCO to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/

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