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Micco Bobby Johns Bearheart has dedicated a lifetime to honoring his beloved Creek Indian Heritage. Step by step, he has achieved many successes along the way by working cooperatively with government officials at the national, state and local levels. Now in his 76th year, Chief Bearheart has seen one large part of his magnificent dream come true – the dedication of Native Paths Creek Heritage Museum and Environmental Education Center in Jones Swamp Preserve. The celebration was attended by Perdido Bay Tribe members, federal, state and local public officials, and a host of friends and well wishers. It is with joy and honor that Perdido Bay Tribe undertakes this role as stewards and hosts of this beautiful and sacred place, welcoming students and visitors with a bit of Native American wisdom, charm and flair.

We are proud to announce that Indian heritage people are still alive and well in the Southeast and we in PBT are honored to share that beautiful heritage while we make positive contributions to the greater community. We are proud to honor our Beloved Chief for his vision and leadership. Though he aims to stay actively involved, he looks forward to relaxing a bit in semi retirement as his son prepares to lead PBT forward with strong heart and capable hands. We look to our Vice Chief, Robert Johns Cedarbear, to lead PBT into the future on the Beloved Path his father has set us on. 

PerdidoBay Tribe is grateful to Escambia County for entrusting us with a lease on our 4.5 acre site at the edge of Jones Swamp. An existing building on the property has been transformed into the beautiful and welcoming Native Paths Creek Heritage Museum for all the community to enjoy. We thank all of our members and friends across the country for the enthusiastic, generous support you show in so many ways. Some of you who have not yet had the opportunity to come to Florida, yet you never fail to walk the Beloved Path.

Native Paths will serve as an Environmental Education Center where we envision many projects that will benefit students at all levels as we work with others in our community. Together we will help restore the many damages to our ecosystem and our economic well being from the oil spill, hurricanes, and years of abuse and neglect of this treasured swampland.

The Swamp Ecosystem on the grounds, constructed by Escambia County, the greenhouse we plan for the propagation of indigenous plants, the wildlife attracted through our Migratory Bird Habitat development are examples of ways this center will serve as a focal point for students of all ages and visitors from around to world. All of Perdido Bay Tribe and our many friends are honored to have the opportunity to embrace the role of stewards and hosts for the Jones Swamp Preserve.

Ribbon Cutting: Robert Johns, Vice Chief, PBT, Keith Wilkins, Dir. Community and Environment, Escambia County, Commissioner Grover Robinson, Dist 4, Bobby Johns, Principal Chief, PBT, Commissioner Gene Valentino, Dist.2, Commissioner Wilson Robertson, Dist.1, Chris Johns, PBT

Chief Bobby Johns with Special Guests: John Harper and Steve Duncan, Three Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council, Carlos Suarez, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Darrell Williams, District Conservationist NRCS, Crestview, FL.

 Now that Native Paths is “officially” open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 9 to 5, we look forward to welcoming mature, responsible volunteers to help with our staffing needs. To learn more, please call our office, 850-453-7382 or Chief Bearheart at 850-292-2178.

Please check our Photo Gallery and Facebook for photos of the Grand Opening

Two-day event includes tours of the nature preserve, music, dancing, artifacts, heirlooms and art on display

PENSACOLA, Fla. (October 26, 2011)—The Perdido Bay Tribe of Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians (PBT) and Escambia County, Fla., officials will host the grand opening of the Native Paths Cultural and Heritage Center on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5 from 12-5 p.m. both days. The center is located on the Jones Swamp Wetlands Preserve, 3300 Beloved Path (formerly 1611 Albany Avenue), in Pensacola, Fla. This event is free and open to the public. A selection of fine arts and crafts will be available for purchase and visitors can enjoy tours, dancing, demonstrations and music from PBT.

PBT has partnered with Escambia County to help with the ongoing restoration of the preserve. Located off Gulf Beach Highway, this 1,300 acre nature preserve is vital to the ecosystem of Pensacola Bay by naturally filtering storm water runoff. A portion of the preserve is being propagated with native plant species as part of a “green jobs” initiative by PBT. In time, these plants will help naturally eradicate invasive and exotic species not indigenous to the area and attract native wildlife instead.

There is also an official “Migratory Bird Habitat” as deemed by the National Resource Conservation Service at Native Paths. Food plots for several varieties of migratory birds are currently being planted and some are already frequenting the property. In addition, Native Paths is also recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Native Paths showcases the history of the Muscogee Creek people. The center displays life ways, arts, artifacts (originals and reproductions), weaponry and utility items. Located on the Jones Swamp Wetlands Preserve, the center is surrounded by trails, creeks and wildlife which are open to the public.

For more information about the grand opening of the Native Paths Cultural and Heritage Center please contact Robert Johns at 850-453-7382 or visit www.perdidobaytribe.org.

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PERDIDO BAY TRIBE

Perdido Bay Tribe, located in Escambia County, Fla., is dedicated to the preservation of its Muscogee Creek heritage. Perdido Bay Tribe was founded in 1990 as an outgrowth of the life-long work of its principal chief, Bobby Johns Bearheart. Perdido Bay Tribe members maintain an active outreach to honor their heritage through art, education and service in a variety of cultural, social, community and environmental programs. For more information on the Perdido Bay Tribe please visit www.perdidobaytribe.org.

JONES SWAMP WETLAND PRESERVE

Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and Nature Trail is part of the Bayou Chico restoration project. The preserve includes 1,300 acres within the Jones Creek Watershed. The Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve targeted 1,300 acres within the Jones Creek Watershed for acquisition to provide wetland buffering and protection for water quality improvement to the Pensacola Bay area.