Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Environmental & Natural Resources

Sustainable farming and community sharing

Respecting natural resources and sharing them with neighbors is an integral part of the Poarch Creek Indians’ tradition. While the Natural Resources Department was formed in 2017, its roots go back to the Tribe’s beginnings in Alabama. The agricultural side of the department can be seen in the success and expansion of Perdido River Farms, which is comprised of nearly 3,300 acres of Tribal-owned farmland, supporting a sustainable herd of cattle and producing completely local, USDA-inspected beef to the public. Additionally, the department promotes recreational enjoyment of natural resources. Located on Big Escambia Creek, Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers the public an opportunity to enjoy camping, hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, horseback riding and more.

* The categorization and listing of departments on this website do not reflect the official organizational structure or hierarchy of the Tribal government.

Recent news & updates

Departments & Contacts

Community Garden

The Community Garden Department fosters sustainability, cultural heritage, and community wellness through the cultivation of communal green spaces. Our mission is to nurture accessible gardens that promote health, education, and environmental stewardship, while strengthening ties to traditional practices. Our aim is to create vibrant community gardens that serve as centers for learning, cultural expression, and environmental responsibility, enriching our community’s connection to the land and to each other.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Garden Development: Manage and maintain community gardens for food production and native plant cultivation.
  2. Education: Provide workshops on sustainable gardening, traditional knowledge, and ecological conservation.
  3. Community Engagement: Encourage community participation and volunteerism in garden activities.
  4. Sustainability Practices: Advocate for organic gardening, composting, and water conservation to ensure eco-friendly food systems.
  5. Cultural Preservation: Use gardens as spaces to celebrate and perpetuate traditional plants and cultural practices.
Contacts

Daryl Hollinger
Garden Supervisor

Janet Shultz
Garden Program Specialist
(251) 368-9136 ext. 2411

Environmental Services

The Environmental Department is committed to promoting, protecting, and maintaining human health, environment, and natural resources within the service areas of the Poarch Creek Indian community to ensure the health and prosperity of its Tribal Citizens and natural resources.

Annual Event:

Environmental Education Camp & Fishing Rodeo

Join us for a fun and educational experience blending environmental learning with exciting fishing activities.
View event

Forms and applications:

PCI Recycling Card - Meet Willy Wotko
IHS Application for Home Sanitation Facilities
Contacts

Kristi Weatherford
Environmental Director

Wanda Byrne
Office Manager
(251) 368-9136 ext. ext 2397
info@pci-nsn.gov

Farmer’s Market

Discover our lively farmer’s market, where you can purchase locally-sourced goods. Explore an array of fresh produce that showcases the best of our community. Join us in celebrating sustainable agriculture and connecting with the makers behind the products we love. Come taste the freshness and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of our market!

Contact

Janet Shultz
Garden Program Specialist
(251) 368-9136 ext. 2411

Horticulture

The Horticulture department oversees the upkeep of landscaping across the Tribal campus, employing various methods such as herbicide application, manual weeding, mulch replenishment, soil enhancement, and bed edge maintenance. We also manage irrigation systems installed around each building.

During suitable seasons, we conduct comprehensive tree services including pruning, staking, training, renovation, removal, and stump grinding. Additionally, we engage in continuous planting activities, introducing seeds, bulbs, annuals, perennials, ground covers, grass, shrubs, and trees as appropriate.

We actively support the Community Garden initiative by participating in planting and harvesting activities of fruits and vegetables, in collaboration with the LFPA+ Grant (Food Distribution Grant). Regular scouting for potential pest issues in landscapes and gardens allows us to implement suitable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

Furthermore, we design both new and existing landscaping beds, incorporating specific plant materials and hardscapes to enhance the visual appeal of the area. Our team also contributes to minor repair work on buildings, equipment, fixtures, and grounds, including carpentry projects as required.

Contact

Logan Boatwright
Horticulture Manager
(251) 368-9136 ext. 2188

Land & Forestry

Land & Forestry is responsible for a range of land and forestry management tasks aimed at enhancing ecological health and supporting various programs:

  • Prescribed Burning: We conduct controlled burns to manage vegetation and promote ecosystem health.
  • Road Maintenance: We ensure the upkeep of roads within our jurisdiction for safe access and transportation.
  • Timber Harvest Management: We oversee sustainable timber harvesting practices to maintain forest health and yield.
  • Tree Planting: We engage in tree planting initiatives to restore forest cover and enhance biodiversity.
  • Invasive Species Management: We actively manage and control invasive species to protect native habitats.
  • Planting of Seasonal Food Plots: We establish seasonal food plots to support wildlife populations.
  • Management of Apiary Program: We manage an apiary program to promote pollinator health and enhance ecosystem resilience.
  • Supplemental Feeding of Wildlife: We provide supplemental feeding to support wildlife populations during critical periods.
  • Upkeep of Camp House and all Shooting Stands: We maintain and manage camp houses and shooting stands for recreational use and wildlife management activities.

Through these efforts, we aim to conserve and enhance the natural resources under our stewardship while supporting various recreational and ecological objectives.

Contact

James Agerton
Land & Forestry Manager
(251) 368-9136 ext. 2457

Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place to connect with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring our Alabama hiking trails with some of the best bird-watching in the state. Catch up on some family bonding time while enjoying our beautiful campsites. Enjoy a relaxing float down Big Escambia Creek in one of our big yellow tubes.

Learn more
Visit website
Contact

Tracy Sells
MBWR Assistant Manager
(251) 253-3153
info@pci-nsn.gov

Perdido River Farms

Perdido River Farms manages 3,300 acres of Tribal agricultural properties, consisting of permanent grasses for grazing, summer and winter annuals, hay lands, and row crop land. Good conservation of Tribal lands through soil testing, proper fertilization, and rotational grazing produces good quality grazing forage and hay. 

Learn more
Visit website
Contacts

John English
Perdido River Farms Director

Tanya Kent
Farm Coordinator
(251) 368-9136 ext. 2056
info@pci-nsn.gov

Our Government

In accordance with the constitution, which was adopted on June 1,1985, the Poarch Creek Indians is governed by a nine member elected Tribal Council. A fulltime staff is employed to provide administrative support for the operation of the Tribal government and programs.

Learn more

For more information please visit The Roundhouse

Only available to Poarch Creek Tribal Citizens and Tribal Government Employees

Citizens

Get access

For Tribal Bill Pay login assistance, contact Candy Byrd at (251) 368-9136 ext 2006 or cbyrd@pci-nsn.gov

The Roundhouse is accessible to Tribal Citizens and Tribal Government Employees only. For login assistance, please email theroundhouse@pci-nsn.gov or call Sharon Delmar at (251) 368-9136 ext 2216

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