Nature

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Choctawhatchee Estuary Family Festival May 1

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park hosts educational day of fun for everyone Date: Saturday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Friends of the Emerald Coast State Parks and the Mattie Kelly Cultural & Environmental Institute of Northwest Florida State College will sponsor the Choctawhatchee Estuary Family Festival. This family event will feature fun, educational activities and displays showcasing our coastal environment. Cheer on the crab races...

Florida nature photographers featured at Escape to Create

Exhibits, presentations and workshops held at Rosemary Beach The Merchants of Rosemary Beach invite the public to go behind the lens and learn how acclaimed photographers, John Moran and Richard Sexton, capture their amazing photos nature photos. • April 25 at 5 p.m. – Amavida Coffee in Rosemary Beach Gallery show: Exhibit of John Moran: A Photographer’s Search for the Soul of Florida Opening reception. Exhibit runs through May 22 • April 30 at 7 p.m., Town Hall, Rosemary Beach...

Explore a coastal dune lake with Walco Eco Tours

Learn about South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes and dune ecosystems Murray Balkcom, South Walton resident, Realtor and eco tour guide is a man of many facets and talents. Raised on a farm in southwest Ga. near Lake Eufala, Ala., Murray has spent most of his life enjoying the outdoors. Out of college, and working a 70 hrs. a week job, Murray had little time for recreational activities. Deciding it was time for something different, Murray left the confines of...

Eden Gardens State park gets tree lift for Arbor Day

Tree trimming donated by local tree service for Arbor Day Eden Gardens State Park’s live oaks got a “tree lift” on April 20. Downey’s Trees Inc. of Santa Rosa Beach trimmed the trees in the state park as a gift for Arbor Day. All of the large, dead limbs along the walkways and paths were trimmed to reduce potential hazards, along with limbs close to the Wesley House that could potentially damage the roof in high winds. “All of these...

Dedicated group watches over nesting sea turtles

South Walton Turtle Watch Group keeps track of South Walton nesting sea turtles South Walton turtle nest season runs May 1 – October 31 According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles, are among the oldest creatures on earth, and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years. However, they face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some of the things sea turtles must face as each species struggles to...

Red sorrel blankets Walton County

Colorful non native plant abundant in springtime Red Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), also known as sheep sorrel can be found along the highways and byways in Walton County in spring.  The flowering sorrel is part of the buckwheat family....

Paddle your way around the Panhandle

  Kayaks an easy fit for anyone interested in outdoor fun     With the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay and numerous lakes, creeks and rivers in the area, kayaking is a popular sport in the Panhandle. And with little maintenance cost after purchase, kayaking can be enjoyed by most anyone. There are two basic configurations to choose from, the traditional cockpit style and the sit on top. In a variety of lengths, kayaks range from 8 – 20...