Nestled along Florida’s northern Gulf Coast, the Apalachicola River and Bay system is a landscape rich in both natural and cultural heritage. For over 12,000 years, this region has supported diverse ecosystems and communities. The area now faces mounting challenges, including the impacts of climate and the subsequent loss of archaeological sites that threaten the preservation of these communities’ stories. Ranking as one of Florida’s most under-resourced areas, there is an urgent need to document and preserve the region’s heritage while fostering connections with its current residents.
This webinar will spotlight the "People of the Apalachicola System" project, which combines archaeological research, digital modeling, and innovative community engagement to understand and protect the area’s cultural landscape within the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Participants will learn about the project’s approach, including methods for engaging local voices through workshops and surveys, as well as how these efforts address threats to heritage resources. The webinar will also share preliminary findings, highlight effective strategies for fostering collaboration, and explore how these lessons can guide future preservation and education initiatives in similar at-risk areas. Join the session to discover how heritage and community are coming together to protect the stories of Apalachicola’s past and shape its future!
Speakers:
 | Nicole Grinnan, University of West Florida Archaeology Institute Nicole Bucchino Grinnan serves as the Assistant Director of the University of West Florida’s Archaeology Institute, bringing over 12 years of professional experience in coastal archaeology. Before joining the Institute, Nicole worked as a Faculty Research Associate and Public Archaeologist with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), where she led public engagement initiatives and facilitated cultural heritage preservation efforts worldwide. Nicole served as the Project Lead for the “People of the Apalachicola System” project, integrating digital modeling, heritage sites recording, and community engagement to explore the intersection of human culture and the environment in the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. |
 | Anita Grove, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Anita Grove serves as the Coastal Training Program Coordinator and oversees communications at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. In her role, she collaborates with decision-makers, land managers, professionals, and local residents to promote environmental stewardship, identify current and emerging needs, and strengthen partnerships with the Reserve. Through her work, she builds positive relationships across the watershed to support sustainable management and conservation efforts. Prior to joining the Reserve, she was the Executive Director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, a 400+ member nonprofit supporting small businesses in the Apalachicola Bay area. Throughout her career, Anita has been a steadfast advocate for the Apalachicola River and Bay working to raise awareness about upstream water diversions' impacts on the bay. She also serves as an Apalachicola City Commissioner and is currently serving her second term. |
 | Mike Thomin, Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation Mike Thomin is the Director of Education and Interpretation at the Florida Public Archaeology Network’s Coordinating Center and a Faculty Research Associate at the University of West Florida. He brings nearly two decades of expertise in public archaeology, heritage education, and nonprofit management. As the co-founder and Treasurer of the Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation, Inc., Mike served as the Collaborative Lead for the “People of the Apalachicola System” project, where he recorded community conversations, conducted archaeological fieldwork, and fostered meaningful engagement with community partners. His work reflects a commitment to building partnerships at local, state, federal, and international levels through impactful heritage projects. |
 | Bria Brooks, Florida Public Archaeology Network Bria Brooks is a Public Archaeologist with the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Her research interests include coastal and underwater archaeology, Marronage, African diaspora studies, and the history of slavery in the western hemispheres. While finishing her Master’s degree, served as a field archaeologist and community engagement specialist for the “People of the Apalachicola System” project. |