Nature

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The fine art of beekeeping alive and well in DeFuniak Springs

North Walton farmer produces wide variety of sweet honey As a beekeeper only in his fourth year of operation, Jim Dietrich sure knows his bees. Picking up from what was a once a hobby with his father years ago, the DeFuniak Springs beekeeper now operates several bee apiaries full-time in locations throughout Walton County. The majority of the apiaries are located north of DeFuniak Springs in Glendale, with a few in South Walton. Producing a variety of honey throughout most...

Banded Rufous hummingbird winters in same yard seven years in a row

Winter guest returns to delight of local bird lover Local hummingbird enthusiast and butterfly expert, Mary Ann Friedman of Niceville is excited about a winter guest she has coming to her yard year after year. A Rufous Hummingbird, nicknamed “Ruferocious” has been returning to Mary Ann’s yard each winter for seven years. “We call her Ruferocious because she is pretty possessive and usually kicks any other would be winter hummingbirds out in a very short time. Before she started “living”...

YOLOing with the manatees makes for a perfect day

Near shore paddle brings pleasant surprise to Santa Rosa Beach resident Santa Rosa Beach resident Rich Blasbichler captured these amazing photos on Oct. 7 while paddling with a group of manatees in the Gulf of Mexico. Paddling with his brother behind the Sea Oats Motel in Destin on their YOLO experience with the manatees brought an extra bonus to the beautiful day. About manatees: Manatees can be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas —...

Explore The Outdoors Festival a huge success

Hundreds attended the outdoor experience at Camp Timpoochee Walton Outdoors and Walton County 4-H hosted the Explore The Outdoors Festival at Camp Timpochee on Oct. 9 with great success. More than 400 children and their families attended the festival focusing on the outdoor experience. The day was enjoyed by the young and old as attendees enjoyed outdoor sports such as fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and archery. Hands-on exhibitions geared towards education were also highlights of the outdoor event....

Fall Pioneer Day at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Nov. 6

Step back in time with a day of pioneer reenactment Saturday, Nov 6th – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park  will host the Friends of the Emerald Coast State Parks Annual Pioneer Day. Experience a day of authentic pioneer activities to include period artisans, demonstrating spinning, weaving, soap making, butter churning and other pioneer skills. Dip candles, make rag dolls and try your skill with a saw. Guest speakers will...

Point Washington State Forest fall wildflowers in bloom

Season brings colorful display to the forest floor Most any time of year, the Point Washington State Forest offers a diverse landscape for a hiker or biker to explore our area’s natural beauty. Most of the forest’s area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. During the fall months, the array of wildflowers in bloom offer the explorer a colorful journey. Native flowers in bloom include wild buckweat (Eriogonum tomentosum), hairy jointweed (Polygonella basiramia),...