Environment

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Learn about native snakes at Topsail Aug. 19

Native snakes of Florida program offers fascinating facts Thursday, Aug. 19 – 1:30 p.m. Come and join the park for a presentation of native snakes. Learn the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes and how they help the environment. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A in Santa Rosa...

Independent water testing on July 10 negative for DOSS in South Walton Gulf water

Local chapter of Surfrider hopes to continue to test, raise awareness On July 10, Emerald Coast Surfrider Foundation members took Gulf water samples from Okaloosa Island Pier, Miramar Beach at Pompano Joes, Blue Mountain Beach and Seaside. The local surfing organization started going the extra mile beyond government agency testing to acquire specific results to determine if DOSS (Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate Sodium Salt), was present in the water. DOSS is used in corexit dispersants. On Aug. 4 the test results came...

Surfrider Foundation hosts fundraiser Aug. 5

Enjoy great coastal cuisine while helping out a good cause Surfrider Foundation announces the Clean Water Wine & Dine event on Thursday, August 5th at studio b. the beach in Alys Beach at 6:30pm. Special guest Jim Moriarty, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, will be in attendance at the event designed to bring concerned locals together to learn more about the current efforts by the Emerald Coast Surfrider Chapter to ensure the safety of the Gulf of Mexico and area...

South Walton sea turtle nests headed to the east coast

South Walton Turtle Watch Group assists USFWS, NOAA and FWC in relocation program It was a busy morning on South Walton beaches July 26 as South Walton Turtle Watch assisted U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration biologists in relocating sea turtle nests. The nests are being relocated to the east coast to ensure the sea turtle hatchlings do not encounter oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The eggs are removed within a week...

Learn about coastal dune lakes at Northwest Florida College South Walton Center

Classes will be held July 27, August 3, 10 Get up-close and personal with Walton County’s coastal dune lakes. Classes will offer classroom type instruction, guided tours, and on-site discussion about different topics focused on coastal dune lakes. Topics will include: What is a coastal dune lake?, coastal morphology, water quality of coastal dune lakes, human impacts to coastal dune lakes, exotic / invasive species, and preservation areas involving coastal dune lakes. Field trips will include visits to some of...

Learn about coastal dune lakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 15

Learn about our rare lakes Thursday, July 15 at 1:30 p.m. Come and join an exciting interpretive on Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s imperiled coastal dune lakes.  Learn about these important rare freshwater lakes that exist right here in Walton County.  Park at the Day-Use area off of Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Outdoor tours canceled during severe weather. Call 850-267-0299 for more details....

Emerald Coast Surfrider takes the helm on local Gulf DOS water testing

Organization hopes to enlighten on water health, seeks public support With concerns of the oil and dispersant’s effects reaching the Florida Panhandle shores, both surfers and beach goers are anxious to know if it is safe to enter the Gulf of Mexico. Local surfing organization, Emerald Coast Surfrider Foundation started going the extra mile on July 10 to acquire a specific testing called DOS (details below). The DOS test checks for the chemical compounds present in dispersant and can serve...