Nature

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It’s Tupelo honey season!

Local beekeeper Richard Lewis sharing his Tupelo honey frames extracted from one of his beehives. “It has been a good season” Richard said. Fun facts about Tupelo: The White Tupelo (Nyssa Ogeche) tree, is commonly referred to as Ogeechee tupelo. It blooms for a brief two-week period along the Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Apalachicola Rivers. It is the rarest and finest honey you can find. Years ago it was called “swamp honey,” and it is the Florida State honey. Check with...

Join Choctawhatchee Audubon for birding field trips and more

May 2, 2024 – Join Choctawhatchee Audubon as Jim Cox discusses the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. This bird was listed as endangered in 1970. The old-growth pine forests and prescribed fires needed to sustain the woodpecker were in short supply during this period and most populations were in noticeable decline. Biologists working with woodpeckers were pessimistic about future prospects, but conditions began to change in the early 1990s with the advent of new management tools and development of a comprehensive recovery plan...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park May 20

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:...

Guided wildflower tour at Rock Hill Preserve in Chipley May 4

The Florida Wildflower Foundation is teaming up with Florida Native Plant Society and The Nature Conservancy to see the incredible habitats of Rock Hill Preserve on Sat., May 4, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Usually closed to the public, Rock Hill is a unique site privately owned and well-managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). An epic sandstone outcrop overlooks Longleaf pine savannas and seepage slopes. The outcrop resembles archaeological dolmens but was naturally formed through differential erosion of...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park May 2

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, May 2, 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...

New trailhead in Point Washington State Forest opens in Seagrove

A new trailhead into the Point Washington State Forest trails has opened in Seagrove. The new location named 30A Trailhead offers abundant parking, picnic areas, bike racks, and restrooms and is located just west of The Lodge Hotel and directly behind YOLO Board and Bike, 4695 E County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Coordinates 30.31164° N, 86.10090° W The “Pink Tail” is marked with pink blazes and ties directly into the Eastern Lake Trail which is part of the...

Guided nature hike at Camp Helen State Park April 4

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, April 4, 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...