Local Land Trust Expands Tumble Creek Nature Preserve

PANAMA CITY - 10-acre addition to Tumble Creek Nature Preserve has been purchased by the Bay County Conservancy, expanding the ecologically valuable Preserve to nearly 67 acres. Situated near the intersection of Bay, Washington and Jackson Counties, Tumble Creek consists of uplands with longleaf pine, turkey oak and wiregrass. A stream runs through the property amid sphagnum moss bogs and wetland vegetation, eventually connecting with the Econfina Creek, a critical local watershed. The Preserve is near the Quail Hollow General Store.

This 10-acre purchase marks Bay County Conservancy’s 10th year as a member-supported, nonprofit conservation organization and illustrates some of its most important land acquisition goals:  to permanently protect sensitive wetlands and other local natural resources, provide quiet recreation and expand existing preserves.

To date, the Conservancy has permanently conserved 10 nature preserves, totaling approximately 200 acres.  The 10-acre expansion of Tumble Creek Preserve was purchased for 1/7th the original asking price, but the land trust still has to pay off the no-interest loan and has been busy raising funds. The Bay Point Women’s Club made a generous donation of $1,000 toward purchasing this Preserve. Bay County Conservancy is appealing to members and friends to participate in a Power of 10 Fundraiser by donating $10. Donations to Bay County Conservancy are tax deductible and can be sent to: Bay County Conservancy, Inc., P.O. Box 1122, Panama City, FL 32402. For more information about the Conservancy’s protected properties, membership details, volunteer opportunities, and recent news, please visit www.baycountyconservancy.org. The Bay County Conservancy is a 501(3) (c) organization and a member of the Land Trust Alliance.