• Archaeological Resources

  The aquatic preserve is rich with archaeological history, varying from prehistoric (Native American) to historic (Spanish and American). Most of the prehistoric activity was from 5,000 years ago until approximately 1700 A.D. The historic period included Spanish settlers who first came in 1528, and 'American' activity such as the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. There is one known shipwreck in the preserve which is thought to be the City of Tampa, an early twentieth century passenger vessel used to ferry workers from Pensacola to the Blackwater Bay lumber mills. There are also remnants of two saw mills off Robinson Point and Bay Point that were from this same time period.

• Natural Communities

  The preserve contains several different types of forested wetlands including baygalls, cypress domes and bottomland hardwood forest. There are extensive marshes at the mouths of Yellow River and Weaver River which transition from estuarine tidal marsh to freshwater marsh. Continuing into the bay, the preserve includes seagrass beds and other benthic communities.  

Alligator snapping turtle

• Wildlife

  The extensive fresh and saltwater marshes serve as critical habitat and nursery areas for fish, birds and other wildlife. Ospreys nest heavily within the preserve due to low disturbance. Also, the bottomland of the Yellow River serves as a migratory corridor for passerine species. The preserve supports 12 animal and 7 plant species that have been listed as Species of Special Concern, Threatened or Endangered.
  
• Listed Species (pdf - 12 KB)