E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center open to the public This summer on Thursdays and Fridays
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is open to the public every Thursday and Friday through July 2024. Enjoy interactive exhibits and much more. Hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 13+, $7 for ages 4-12, and children 3 and under free.
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is located at 4956 State Road 20 E, Freeport. For more information, go to eowilsoncenter.org
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Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park August 1
Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended.
The Friends of Camp Helen are excited to be open for kayak and SUP rentals 7 days a week from 9 am – 5 pm. Reservations can be made online at www.friendsofcamphelen.org or by calling (850) 238-1900. Walk ins are also welcome.
Park Fees
There is an honor entrance station. The fee is $4.00 per vehicle and $1.00 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Click here for park website.
Driving Directions
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::
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A night at the museum in Freeport July 10
Step back in history as you enjoy an evening at the Freeport Heritage Museum with Freeport Mayor Russ Barley. The night at the museum will be Wed., July 10, 2024 from 6 – 8 p.m. The museum is located at 41 SR20, Freeport (corner of Kylea Laird Dr. and SR 20) parking in back.
They will be celebrating 61 years of being incorporated! Come learn city history and meet with other residents.
Contact Info Mayor Barley rbarley@freeportflorida.gov (850) 835-2822 x214 Location Freeport Heritage Center Museum 41 FL-20, Freeport, Florida 32439.
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Enjoy stargazing at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 12
Join the members of the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association on Friday, July 12, 2024 and view the beauty of the universe at. The event starts at 5 p.m. They start by setting up solar telescopes about 3 hours prior to sunset and safely observe our closest star, the Sun. Once the Sun sets, we transition to night time observing. Different size and design telescopes will be set up by dusk and celestial objects will be chosen with an eye to visual observation and variety. The objects visible will depend on the season and time of night but normally include bright galaxies and nebulae, star clusters, and planets.
There are a couple of rules that need to be followed so everyone enjoys the event:
- Please do not touch the telescopes; an errant bump will cause a delay while the object being observed is brought back into view.
- This is a family event and children are welcome, but since telescopes are by design somewhat delicate and may be expensive, parental control is necessary.
- For everyone’s safety and to minimize the effect on night vision, please, no flash photography. If you want a photo of the equipment please come early enough to get a image before dark.
- If you bring a flashlight please use a red filter.
While there will be plenty of telescopes available to view through, we invite you to bring your own telescopes/binoculars and join in the fun. Make sure you stop by the welcome table and pick up a free Sky Map.
The star gaze is free. The park closes the gate at sundown so make sure you arrive before then. For further information or to make sure the weather has not caused a cancellation, please call the park at (850) 267-8330.
Driving Directions
Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 mi. north of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic Hwy. 30A. ::MAP:
Park Fees
Admission Fees are waived through Labor Day.
Planting for pollinators workshop in Chipley July 13
The UF/IFAS Extension Washington County office in Chipley is hosting a free workshop on planting for pollinators in Chipley from 9 – 11 a.m. July 13, 2024. All classes will be in the East Classroom of the Extension Office located at 1424 Jackson Ave Suite A Chipley, FL 32428
Learn how to identify native pollinators and how to attract them to your landscape by incorporating plants pollinators love! Attendees will also learn how they can participate in the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census in August of 2024.
There is no charge, however please preregister by emailing juliebmcconnell@ufl.edu or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planting-for-pollinators-workshop-tickets-923866558747
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Julie McConnell,
850-638-6180 or juliebmcconnell@ufl.edu at least 2 weeks in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
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Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 15
You’re invited to a plant identification walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the third Monday of the month.
The walk starts at 9:00 am at tram stop #2, and is led by Bill Kuenstler, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Learn about the many native plants at the park.
Driving Directions
Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 south of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic Hwy. 30A. ::MAP:
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Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park August 1
Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended.
The Friends of Camp Helen are excited to be open for kayak and SUP rentals 7 days a week from 9 am – 5 pm. Reservations can be made online at www.friendsofcamphelen.org or by calling (850) 238-1900. Walk ins are also welcome.
Park Fees
There is an honor entrance station. The fee is $4.00 per vehicle and $1.00 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Click here for park website.
Driving Directions
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::
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History tour at Camp Helen State Park August 3
Enjoy a history tour of Camp Helen State Park from 10 – 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month.
Join park ranger staff for a guided history tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Follow along as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds, all the way through the colorful history of Avondale Textile Mill’s utilizing the property as their employee summer retreat. Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and insect repellent.
Program is free with paid park entry of $4 per vehicle.
Event Essential Eligibility Criteria
For further questions, feel free to contact the office at Camp Helen at (850) 233-5059.
Driving Directions
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::
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