CROSS-DISCIPLINARY FIELD WORKSHOP ON THE PERDIDO RIVER
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Carrie Stevenson
EXT. AGENT III
UF IFAS Extension
CANTONMENT
Abstract
The Escambia County Agriculture and Coastal Sustainability agents sought to increase public awareness of the ecology and history of the Perdido River. The Perdido is an historic local river that serves as the natural border between Alabama and Florida. Two canoe liveries and a new landing have improved river access, yet it is still rarely used by residents of the heavily populated central and southern parts of the county. \r\n\r\nWe planned a canoe trip downriver with three interpretive stops, lunch, and a river cleanup along the route. Stops included discussion of watersheds and stormwater (led by a county engineering staffer), local history and timber industry (led by a livestock producer), and river ecology (led by an Extension agent). The diversity of topics and speakers added depth to what might have otherwise been a simple canoe trip. Participants included Master Naturalists/Gardeners, college students, and educators (total=22). \r\n \r\nFeedback from the event was extremely positive. While 80% of the respondents had canoed or kayaked before, 90% had never gone on the Perdido River. Knowledge gained included the local history, timber industry, and awareness of the river's watershed. Highlights of the trip included the scenery, camaraderie, and a bald eagle sighting. \r\n\r\nEnvironmental impacts included the removal of 7 large bags of trash from the river and the improved ecological awareness among the group. Direct economic impacts can be measured at a gain of $320 for the livery, which may be expanded via word of mouth and reuse by our participants. In addition, all of the participants gained health benefits from canoeing and spending time outdoors, including burning an average of 700 calories apiece. In 2012, we expanded this program to other audiences and locations around the northwest district of Florida, and the model of "adult field trips" has been very popular with clientele.
Authors: Johnson, L. , Stevenson, C.T.
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Johnson, L. Extension Agent II, UF IFAS Extension, Florida, 32533
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Stevenson, C.T. Extension Agent II, UF IFAS Extension, Florida, 32533