Greenhouse and Indigenous Plant Propagation Project

The Northwest Florida ecosystem has been through many difficulties in the past 10 years.  From oil spills, to natural disasters, to even encroaching humanity, it needs our help.  The Perdido Bay Tribe is actively looking for ways we can help our environment to be healthy again.  Our cultural center, located on the Jones Swamp Preserve, offers many opportunities to learn, help, and teach about the environment. 

In the Fall of 2011, with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation and working in unison with environmentally conscious groups such as Three Rivers Resource Conservation & Development Council, the Escambia County officials, and the Santa Rosa Master Gardeners, we have launched a new project.Our goal is to be proactive in speaking for the care of our environment and teaching our ancestors' philosophy that every person has a responsibility to assure our waters stay pure. 

Our plan calls for the construction of a greenhouse for the purpose of propagating indigenous plant species as an integral part of restoration efforts on area beaches, bays, and tributaries, as well as support for the migratory and year-round bird populations.

In addition, our local tourist-based economy was severely impacted by the BP oil spill so the greenhouse we envision will help support the overall recovery program in a variety of ways.

 Our greenhouse indigenous plant propagation projects will: 

• Enhance the recovery of our beaches and waterways.
• Provide employment for Native people impacted by our severely depressed economy.
• Serve as a practical learning opportunity for students in the fields of agriculture, wildlife management and plant science.
• Provide basis for stimulating educational programs and classes for local students of all ages.
• Support a world class attraction to our region for tourists and birders from around the world.
• Provide an opportunity for families impacted by the oil spill to participate in eco-therapy and greenhouse events.

PBT members attend a course presented by the Santa Rosa Master Garderners
to learn more about Native Plants and their importance to a balanced ecosystem