Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance 2025 Impact
By Allison McDowell, CBA
For three decades, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) has worked at the intersection of science, education, and restoration to protect one of Northwest Florida’s most vital natural resources. Guided by data and powered by sustainable partnerships, CBA continues to advance meaningful, measurable conservation across the watershed.
Restoration
CBA’s restoration work in 2025 focused on strengthening natural systems that protect water quality and coastal resilience.
- 140 vertical oyster gardens cultivated throughout the watershed
- 200+ tons of recycled oyster shells collected and returned to local waters for habitat creation
- 3.35 acres of salt marsh and oyster habitat restored
- 600+ tons of limestone placed at higher-energy shoreline sites to reduce erosion and support • living shoreline development
- Seagrass restoration lab initiated, with pilot plantings launched to expand submerged aquatic vegetation recovery efforts
Monitoring & Research
As a leader in environmental monitoring, CBA places science-based conservation at the forefront of protecting the Choctawhatchee Basin.
In 2025, CBA added 8 new sites for a total of 145 active water quality monitoring sites across the watershed, continuing to provide essential field expertise and data support for environmental monitoring and research throughout the region.
Working alongside university, county, state, and federal partners, CBA helped expand monitoring coverage, improve public access to data, and strengthen the scientific foundation for both coastal and freshwater protection. These collaborative efforts ensure that restoration and management decisions are guided by sound science and a long-term understanding of our waterways.
Education & Outreach
Environmental stewardship begins in the classroom.
In 2025, CBA reached 3,000+ students across 20 public schools and five homeschool groups, delivering monthly hands-on lessons aligned with STEM skills and Florida science standards. Programs like Grasses in Classes and oyster gardening give students real-world environmental experience, connecting classroom learning to tangible restoration outcomes. Through immersive, standards-based curriculum, CBA is cultivating the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and informed citizens.
Sustainable Partnerships
CBA’s impact is amplified through collaboration.
Key partnerships in 2025 included:
- Northwest Florida Water Management District
- Oyster shell recycling restaurants
- Islanders Coastal Outfitter
- JW Couch Foundation
Together, these partners help fund, expand, and sustain restoration and education initiatives throughout the Basin.
