Choctawhatchee Bay Alliance to host two events celebrating local ecosystem

NICEVILLE — The Choctawhatchee Bay Alliance (CBA), in partnership with the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program and the Mattie Kelly Environmental Initiative, announced on Wednesday two community involvement events that help get the public excited about our local ecosystem.

Here is what you need to know

Family Bay Day

Held at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m., Family Bay Day aims to celebrate the natural beauty and ecological significance of Choctawhatchee Bay by giving attendees hands-on educational activities at various exploration stations that will offer both children and adults alike to understand the role of Choctawhatchee Basin in the local environment.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program for this event, which not only brings our community together but also fosters a deeper appreciation for our local environment,” said Alison McDowell, executive director of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, in a news release.

Family Bay Day is open to the public, with a park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle as the only admission fee.

2024 Amatuer Photo Contest

In addition to Family Bay Day, the CBA is announcing the launch of the 2024 Amateur Photo Contest, a Mattie Kelly Environmental Initiative (MKEI). Photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit photos highlighting the natural heritage of Northwest Florida.

Winning photos and honorable mentions will be featured in the 2025 MKEI calendar, with cash prizes totaling $500 being awarded to the top three submissions. The submission deadline for all photos is Spet. 22 and should capture the natural beauty of the Choctawhatchee Bay area.

For submission rules and requirements, email CBA@nwfsc.edu .

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Choctawhatchee Bay Alliance to host two events celebrating local ecosystem