Nature

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Enjoy a first day hike at one of our area Florida State Parks

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. Camp Helen State Park – 10 am Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 am – 11:00 am CST Join a Park...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Dec. 16

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:...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park Dec. 5

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Dec. 5, 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...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Nov. 18

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:...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park Nov. 7

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Nov. 7, 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...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Oct. 21

In celebration of Coastal Dune Lake Week, Florida Master Naturalist Bill Kuenstler will be providing a native plant tour at Campbell Lake in Topsail State Park. This will be a two hour walking tour, however, most of the walking activities will be located on a paved multi-use path. The tram will leave at 9:30 AM, so please plan to be in the parking lot of the state park by 9:15 AM. There is no fee for this event, however, you...

Coastal dune lake tour and lecture Oct. 17

Come celebrate Coastal Dune Lake Appreciation month as the University of Florida’s Panhandle Outdoor Live team provides a guided walking tour of the nature trail surrounding Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park. Join local Walton County University of Florida Extension agents to learn more about our globally rare coastal dune lakes, their history, surrounding ecosystems, and local protections. Walk the nature trail through coastal habitats including maritime hammocks, coastal scrub, salt marsh wetlands, and coastal forest.  The event will...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Sept. 16

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:...