Sanctuary at Redfish Event on 30A Raises Funds for the CBA

 n conjunction with Newman-Dailey Resort Properties 30th Anniversary Event, we hosted a special fundraising event at Sanctuary at Redfish on 30A to benefit the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.

“We know this property is very special and important to the coastal ecology of the region,” said Captain Bob Sellers, who runs the pontoon boat at Sanctuary at Redfish. “Therefore, we do everything we can to protect and maintain our natural surroundings. This fundraising event was another extension of our efforts to help protect, preserve and provide education about these lakes.” 

The resort overlooks, Big Redfish Lake, one of South Walton’s 16 rare coastal dune lakes. The lakes are unique due to their connection with the Gulf of Mexico. The lakes are often closed off from the Gulf, and at times they open to the Gulf changing the salinity of the lake. The lakes are home to many different species and due to their connection with the Gulf are often home to both fresh water and salt water species. The team works closely with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) who monitors the area’s coastal dune lakes, documenting their changing patterns and collecting water samples.

The fundraising event at Sanctuary at Redfish raised more than $1500 to benefit the CBA and its programs, including Dunes In Schools. The Dunes In Schools program educates middle school students about the rare dune lakes and barrier island ecosystems that exist in South Walton’s coastal environment. Students are provided materials and supplies needed to grow sea oats in the classroom. The curriculum then builds knowledge of the dynamic coastal dune lake systems and how sea oats play an important role in their sustainability. At the completion of the program, students take their mature sea oats to be planted at a dune lake restoration site.

“A big part of our effort is education,” said Captain Bob. “We educate guests on the fragile dune system and explain why walking on the dunes is not permitted. We are proud to support the CBA in educating our local students and improving the ecosystem through the Dunes in Schools program.”

Sanctuary at Redfish Resort allows guests and owners to connect with nature, providing access to the lake and use of complimentary kayaks as well as walking trails on the property. Sanctuary at Redfish also provides a long list of first class amenities, including an expansive pool deck with three separate pools, two Jacuzzis, a large fire pit, two outside grills, and private pool cabanas. The 64-unit resort also features two- and three-bedroom condominiums that overlook the pools as well as the lake. During season (March – October), a pontoon boat takes guests on a scenic five-minute ride through the lake to the beach.

Learn more about Sanctuary at Redfish here.
 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Thursday, October 29, 2015