Preserving and Sustaining the Natural Environment on Florida’s Historic Coast

Preserving and sustaining the natural environment on Florida’s Historic Coast is a sacred duty in safeguarding the unique ecosystems and stunning landscapes that define this region.

The environment has always been a source of inspiration and pride for residents of Florida’s Historic Coast. More than 40 miles of pristine beaches, tens of thousands of acres of verdant salt marsh, the shadowed quiet of maritime hammocks, plus the myriad species that call this special place home have created a natural world worthy of special care both today and for generations to come. Fortunately, that commitment to sustainability is part of everyday life for locals – and, just like eating fried shrimp, it’s a tradition that most visitors happily adopt.

Leadership

Visitors often remark that Florida’s Historic Coast is different than any other place in the Sunshine State. That’s true in so many ways, but providing a sustainable environment certainly sets it apart from many parts of the state where competing developmental and agricultural agendas tend to put the environment on the back burner. Here, it is always front and center.

In 2021, the City of St. Augustine banned the release of helium-filled balloons and sky lanterns – six months later, St. Johns County adopted a similar ban for Florida’s Historic Coast – the first county in Florida to take this important step to protect coastal marine life. The National Park Service with its innovative Green Parks Plan in place at the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas not only protect today’s environment at these National Monuments, but also addresses the future challenges of climate change and sea level rise. At the same time, state agencies provide guidance and assistance to protecting the beaches that are vital for the survival of sea turtles, shore birds and even the elusive Anastasia beach mouse. The City of St. Augustine Beach takes its environmental stewardship so seriously it even has a Sustainability and Environmental Planning Advisory Committee that does everything from overseeing garden landscaping on public lands to developing environmental educational materials.

The Guana, Tolomato, Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, better known as the GTM, stretches the entire length of Florida’s Historic Coast and is named for the three rivers that tie these 76,760 acres of coastal habitat together.

The GTM is dedicated to the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural resources and provides science-based stewardship and education strategies. Managed through a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FLDEP), and with the assistance Friends of the GTM Research Reserve, a non-profit citizen organization, there are weekly programs that allow visitors the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences led by volunteers and scientists.

Education

For residents, the emphasis on environmental sustainability is a “no brainer.” No one questions its value. But for the millions of visitors who come to Florida’s Historic Coast, the whole idea may be brand new. That’s where education comes is – and fortunately, when it comes to getting folks up close and personal with the environment, there are lots of options.

For a relaxing, narrated tour of beautiful Matanzas Bay aboard the Victory III, there’s the St. Augustine Scenic Cruise. It has been operated by the Usina family since 1900 – they know these waters and the critters who call it home.

St. Augustine Sailing provides Sail Science Adventures with Marine Biologist Dr. Dale Edgar to discover fascinating facts about manatees, the area’s geological history, delightful dolphins, the rivers and waterways, or the area's bird life. St. Augustine Sailing Science Adventures are scheduled Monday through Friday through the summer and are available by request throughout the year.

St. Augustine Eco Tours has boating and kayaking tours featuring dolphin excursions, coastal bird encounters, and a wide range of other adventures. These are definitely “wow, kids we had fun and we learned something too” experiences.

After sundown, the environment comes alive with chirps and splashes not heard in the light of day. Experience the eerie, enchanting and inspiring world of nighttime in the backwater aboard the kayaks of Ripple Effect Ecotours. Yes, the kayaks do glow softly in the darkness (daytime tours also available).

Day or night, GeoTrippin Adventure Company leads guided kayak tours to encounter the abundant wildlife and bioluminescence found in the estuary surrounding St. Augustine. GeoTrippin’s mission is to inspire wonder and excitement for the natural world with outstanding storytelling and discussions about rare and endangered habitats protected in the GTM National Research Reserve which spans 30 miles north and 30 miles south of St. Augustine.

Going Beyond the Basics

Although the commitment to environmental sustainability is universal on Florida’s Historic Coast, there are numerous properties and attractions that have taken their environmental protection efforts to another level. At times, it’s a healthy competition with the local environment getting the grand prize. For example:

Green Lodging

This program developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recognizes volunteer efforts at lodging facilities that set the highest standards for environmental sustainability and stewardship. Open to all accommodations, Green Lodging status has been bestowed on Florida Historic Coast lodgings ranging from the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa to the popular Carriage Way Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Clean Marina Program

Also administered by the DEP, this program recognizes marine facilities that not only comply with the basics, but voluntarily take their commitment to environmental sustainability to a higher level. Clean Marina status is currently bestowed on the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, St. Augustine Marine Center, the St. Augustine Shipyard and the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor.

Green Hands

In 2022, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre was ranked as the #1 amphitheater in the United States in terms of ticket sales. Fortunately, the Green Hands Initiative instituted by The AMP in 2014 kept the environmental impact of hosting so many guests to a minimum. This innovative program is comprehensive – any and every conservation idea is included. The goal is that at the end of the show, the only thing left behind is great memories. Want a beer? It’s served in a recycled cup – bring it back for a refill and get $1 off. Drop it in the bin on the way out and it’s washed and ready for the next big event!