Earth Day Promo Results in a Donation for the CBA to Support Big Redfish Lake

What Makes Big Redfish Lake So Special?

A coastal dune lake is one of the rare natural geological features on Earth. These lakes occur only in New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and right here in Walton County, Florida. Big Redfish Lake is a stunning example, where freshwater from rain and groundwater meets saltwater from the Gulf through a natural outfall. This creates a constantly shifting mix of salinity that supports a highly diverse, sensitive, and uniquely adapted ecosystem. 

The Clean Up - Removing Microplastics & Debris

The group joined the CBA one Saturday morning to clean the shoreline and the lake, collecting microplastics, trash, and debris that threaten the lake’s delicate balance. Removing debris and microplastics from shoreline grasses was no easy task, but it made a big impact. Microplastics are especially harmful because they:

• Break down slowly and accumulate in the food chain
• Harm fish, turtles, and birds
• Disrupt water quality
• Introduce toxins into the ecosystem

After a morning of cleaning the shore and kayaking the lake to remove trash, it resulted in 44lbs. of trash and debris were removed from the coastal dune lake and its shores. Every piece removed, no matter how small, helps protect the lake’s long‑term health.

Earth Day Travel Package Raises $2,002 for CBA

Newman‑Dailey Resort Properties is proud to announce that the 2026 Earth Day Travel Package generated a $2,002 donation to the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Throughout April, guests who booked a stay at Sanctuary by the Sea received a $26 discount and a $26 donation on their behalf to the CBA as part of the Earth Day promotion. These funds directly support conservation, monitoring, and restoration efforts at Big Redfish Lake, ensuring this globally rare ecosystem remains protected.

Why Keeping Coastal Dune Lakes Clean Matters

Coastal dune lakes are rare and incredibly vulnerable to pollution, erosion, and habitat loss, which can quickly disrupt their delicate balance.

Keeping them clean helps:

• Protect endangered and sensitive species
• Maintain water quality
• Preserve natural storm barriers
• Support recreational access for paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers
• Ensure the lakes remain healthy for future generations

When we care for these lakes, we protect a piece of Florida’s natural heritage.

How You Can Help Protect Big Redfish Lake

You don’t need a clean-up day to make a difference. Here are simple ways you can help when staying at Sanctuary by the Sea:

• Reduce plastic use - choose reusable bottles, bags, and containers
• Pack out what you pack in - leave no trace when visiting the beach and the lake
• Remove trash - you don't need an official cleanup to remove trash or collect  micro-plastics
• Support conservation organizations - donations and volunteer hours to organizations such as the CBA go a long way
• Educate others - awareness is one of the strongest tools for preservation

Every small action contributes to a healthier, more resilient coastal environment.

Visit Big Redfish Lake

Now is a great time to plan your stay at Sanctuary by the Sea to experience the joys of waking up overlooking a rare coastal dune lake. Start planning your stay by viewing our luxury vacation rental residences here or call one of our friendly, local vacation specialists at (850) 837-1071 anytime between 9 AM to 5 PM CST. Remember to book direct for the best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the lake!