Nature

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Learn about spiders at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Dec. 30

Find all about arachnids in Northwest Florida Time: 1:30 p.m. Though some may find them creepy, spiders have an important role to play in any healthy ecosystem.  Come learn all about the fascinating arachnids you may encounter in Northwest Florida at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.  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. For more information call (850) 267-8330...

Florida Wildlife magazine a perfect gift for young and old

Looking for a last minute Christmas gift? Florida Wildlife, the official magazine of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is packed with outstanding color photos and articles about every facet of outdoor recreation. For more than 60 years, this award-winning magazine has provided an in-depth look at what’s going on in Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys, from crystal-clear springs to white sand beaches, from the pine flatlands to the Everglades and all points in between. Each...

Walton County residents brave cold temps to view total lunar eclipse

Bright orange glow brings spectacular show in the sky Locals from across Walton County braved cold temperatures during the early morning hours of Dec. 21 to view the total lunar eclipse. On the first day of northern winter, the full moon passed almost dead-center through the earth’s shadow Dec. 21 creating the lunar eclipse. From beginning to end, it lasted about three hours and twenty-eight minutes. For observers in our area, the eclipse lasted from 11:30 p.m. – 5 a.m....

Full moon winter solstice arrives with total lunar eclipse Dec. 21

Best viewing for our area should occur at 2:17 a.m. CST A special treat for sky watchers occurs in the early morning hours of Dec. 21 as the winter solstice arrives with a full moon and lunar eclipse. The last lunar eclipse of 2010 is especially well placed for observers throughout North America. The eclipse occurs at the moon’s descending node in eastern Taurus, four days before perigee. The entire event is visible from North America and western South America....

Rattlesnakes: Finding their poise and dignity

Living alongside wildlife By David Steen Editors note: David Steen is an Auburn University Ph.D. candidate working in the longleaf pine forests of northwestern Florida. He conducts research primarily pertaining to the ecology and conservation biology of reptiles. Most of the time, you can find him checking his snake traps in the piney woods but once the sun sets he is often wading through wetlands spotlighting water snakes. All too often we are presented with portrayals of rattlesnakes that rob...

Sandhill cranes migrate to North Walton County

Winter visitors a welcome sight for local bird lovers Clara Pittman of North Walton County looks forward to the special wintering guests she enjoys watching arrive in late fall. For the last five years, sandhill cranes have been migrating to the wetlands near her home just south of Lake Jackson in North Walton. Typically arriving in mid-December and staying until mid-March, the cranes are a welcome sight, and have been flocking to the area in large numbers. “I have seen...