Environment

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FWC scientists discover new bass species in Northwest Florida Panhandle

Scientists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have uncovered a new species of black bass in the southeastern United States. Scientists have proposed naming the new species the Choctaw bass and recommended the scientific name of Micropterus haiaka. They revealed their discovery at a meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society earlier this year. FWC scientists first noted a DNA profile that did not belong to any recognized species while testing a bass specimen...

The future looks bright for artificial reefs in South Walton

New organization forming great plans Santa Rosa Beach resident Andy McAlexander is on a mission, and it’s a big one. With plans to bring artificial reefs near shore in the Gulf of Mexico and oyster habitat restoration to the eastern Choctawhatchee Bay, McAlexander has bright ideas for South Walton’s fishing, diving and environmental future. As founder of the newly formed non-profit organization, South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA), McAlexander’s plans are starting to come to fruition. For the past six...

Walton and Okaloosa County students restore critical habitat along the Choctawhatchee Bay

Local third and fifth graders complete the Grasses in Classes program by planting shoreline grasses to restore our environment As the school year draws to an end, students across Okaloosa and Walton Counties are wrapping up a year-long restoration project to protect our environment. Throughout the 2012-2013 school year, approximately 1,300 students participated in Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s Grasses in Classes Program. The program encourages students to develop an interest in the local environment by growing shoreline grasses near their school....

Walton County beach sampling results for April 23, 2013

Two advisories issued for this sampling period The Florida Department of Health in Walton County conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.   Samples are collected from March through the end of October.  The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes.  The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution,...

Happy Earth Day from Walton Outdoors

                  /           / / / / / The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth, the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only paradise we shall ever know, the only paradise we shall ever need – if only we had eyes to see… No, wilderness is not a...

South Walton Turtle Watch takes care of our area’s nesting sea turtles

Sea turtle nesting season runs May 1 – October 31 According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth, and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years. However, they face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some of the issues sea turtles face as the beautiful creatures struggle to stay alive. Each year from May – October, there are four species of Florida...

Volunteers needed for oyster shell bagging April 19

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help bag oyster shells on April 19, 2013 from 1 – 4 p.m. You will be bagging at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. RSVP to Alison McDowell at Mcdowel2@nwfsc.edu (850) 200-4173 or Rachel Gwin 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...

Choctawhatchee Estuary Festival at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park April 27

Educational fun for everyone Date: Saturday, Apr. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Friends of the Emerald Coast State Parks and the Mattie Kelly Cultural & Environmental Institute of Northwest Florida State College will sponsor the Choctawhatchee Estuary Family Festival. This family event will feature fun, educational activities and displays showcasing our coastal environment. Cheer on the crab races and get your hands dirty as you make fish printed T-shirts to take home....