Environment

Category

Nature benefits from prescribed practices at Grayton Beach and Deer Lake State Park

Many people wonder why prescribed burning is done in our area State parks. Before there were roads and developments, lightning-set fires frequently swept almost unimpeded across Northwest Florida’s landscape. Over thousands of years, many natural habitats have evolved under the influence of periodic fire – and are dependent on it. Restoration and maintenance of such fire-dependent habitats now requires prescribed burning – the mimicking of lightning fires by carefully introducing fire according to detailed control plans called prescriptions. One of...

Lake Powell clean up September 19

Last year 560,000 volunteers from 91 countries picked up more than 16 million pounds of trash during the 2014 International Coastal Cleanup. In our little corner of the earth, we have a very unique and precious resource. LAKE POWELL was designated an Outstanding Florida Waterway in 1991. It is among the largest of the rare Coastal Dune Lakes which occur in only a few places around the world. The Lake Powell ecosystem is known for it’s beauty and biodiversity, as...

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance offering invasive plant removal in South Walton

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Longleaf Alliance will begin the second year of the Habitat Rx invasive plant removal program in South Walton County. The program is designed for interested property owners who wish to improve local habitat and restore plant and animal biodiversity. Invasive plants disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems by out-competing beneficial native plants, diminishing biodiversity, and reducing food sources and...

Volunteers needed for oyster shell bagging Aug. 17

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help bag oyster shells on Monday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon. You will be bagging at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. RSVP to Rachel Gwin at (850) 200-4173 or gwinr@nwfsc.edu. What to bring/wear: Wear clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle and a hat. Water and gloves will be...

Walton County Health Department hosting water quality testing event Aug. 18

Time: 3 p.m. The Florida Department of Health invites you to join The Florida Department of Health in Walton County officials, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong, and community leaders as we celebrate exemplary water quality and healthy beach activities in Walton County. Come see how they test water quality, hear what sets Walton County apart and jump in a kayak for a tour where you’ll see firsthand the beautiful landscapes available to residents looking to...

Mosquito-borne illness advisory in effect for Walton County

Department of Health confirms first human case of West Nile Virus Illness WALTON COUNTY — The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory for Walton County according to Holly Holt, DOH-Walton Administrator. A human case of West Nile virus illness has been confirmed and there is a heightened concern that additional residents may become ill. Walton County Mosquito Control, South Walton Mosquito Control and DOH-Walton continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone...

Americorps NWF Environmental Stewards now hiring

Applications accepted until July 29 AmeriCorps NWF Environmental Stewards is now taking applications for the 2015-2016 program year. AmeriCorps is a component of the National Service Network. Its goal is to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help meet communities’ critical education, public safety, environmental, and other human needs. AmeriCorps is often referred to as the “Domestic Peace Corps.” AmeriCorps members gain an opportunity to make a big difference in their lives and in the lives...