Environment

Category

FWC asks fishermen to report giant tiger prawn

Nonnative species of shrimp found in East Bay The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking fishermen to be on the lookout for nonnative giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) after a recent sighting in East Bay near Panama City. The Sept. 19 catch marks the first time a giant tiger prawn was reported to the FWC in Florida’s northern Gulf of Mexico waters. Reports have been common in Atlantic coastal waters, and three were reported off the coast...

Twin Oaks Farm tour Oct. 16, 2011

Enjoy a day of workshops on a Certified Organic farm As one of the featured farms on the New Leaf Market Farm Tour, Twin Oaks Farm is hosting a day of workshops and farm tours on Oct. 16, 2011. Twin Oaks Farm is a 94-acre Certified Organic farm located in Holmes County, Florida. Twin Oaks raise chickens and ducks for egg and meat production, their hens are fed a certified organic mix of grains without soy. They roam freely on...

Enjoy stargazing at Topsail Oct. 27

Enjoy the wonders of the night sky Thurs., Oct. 27 – 7:30 p.m. Are you curious about the night sky?  Have you ever looked up above through the lens of a telescope?  If you’re ready for a night of exploration and fun come out and join the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association as they share their knowledge about the wonders of the universe.  Park at the Day-Use area and look for all the telescopes. All programs except Breakfast with a Ranger...

Econfina Creek history overview and discussion at Pitt Spring Sept. 30

Learn about the Econfina’s rich history and restoration efforts Econfina Creek has attracted varied cultures and conflicts over the millennia.  Five experts will give an overview of the Creek’s rich historical resources during a panel discussion titled, Econfina Creek: Preserving Water Resource History, at Pitt Spring on Friday, Sept. 30, 10-11:30 a.m. central time.  The event is hosted by Northwest Florida Water Management District. A public discussion will follow presentations by Archaeologist Gregory A. Mikell, Florida State University History Professor...

Welcome first day of fall

The autumnal equinox, the official first day of fall, is Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 On the autumnal equinox, the sun is directly over the earth’s equator, and there are equal hours of day and night. Since the summer solstice, days have been getting shorter, and from now until the vernal equinox, the days will remain shorter than nights....

Railroad vines bloom along South Walton beaches

Beautiful plant strengthens sand dunes Always a pleasant sight along our beaches, the beautiful blooming railroad vine is also an important protector of our sand dunes. As with the sea oats, the plant helps to stabilize the dunes by rooting at nodes all along its length, and is often planted for that purpose. Each flower opens only once, in the morning, but keep blooming almost all year long, peaking from May through November. The railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is native...