Nature

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Wildlife abounds along the Chipola River

A peek at Section 1 of the Chipola River Paddling Trail Part of Florida’s Greenways and Trails, the 51-mile Chipola Paddling Trail is the largest tributary of the Apalachicola, and boasts 63 fresh water springs, the largest number of any river shed in Northwest Florida. The trail runs from just south of the Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna in Jackson County, south to just east and south of Clarksville in Calhoun County, Florida. Diverse in flora and fauna, the...

Searching for Diamondback Terrapin turtles in the Florida Panhandle

Local educator studies terrapin population in Northwest Florida As the sun rises on a gulf coast salt marsh there is barely a breeze.  The placid water is slick as glass and resembles a sheet of gray ice.  The only movement is the occasional swirls of mullet and redfish that are awaken as our canoe slides over their evening resting spots.  Osprey whistle and dive searching for a morning breakfast to take back to their nest of chicks that sits on...

Whale sharks captured on video near Grayton Beach

Being there Local charter boat captain Mike Valentino, along with dive buddies James Griffith and Darcy Pentel were out on Mike’s boat August 6, and encountered a once in a lifetime experience. While out in the Gulf fishing and diving off of Grayton Beach, Mike received a message from fellow captain Phil Hammond, who had spotted several whale sharks in the area. Mike and his friends headed over and were able to capture the graceful sharks on video. “It was...

Another loggerhead lays eggs in broad daylight

Loggerhead lays eggs near Stallworth Anthony and Sherry Head of South Walton Turtle Watch Group had a pleasant surprise in the early morning hours of Aug. 2. While walking the beach for the group, they came upon a mother turtle in the midst of laying her eggs. Thank you for sharing Anthony and Sherry. Click here to view all the 2009 turtle nests...

Walton County leaders seek grants for Natural Bridge Creek

DeFuniak Springs – Walton County Commissioners voted  July 28, to seek state grants to acquire and preserve a popular and historic recreation area in north Walton County called Natural Bridge Creek.  The natural spring-fed creek has been a local favorite for summer fun and recreation for generations and historically important for it’s natural limestone bridge....

Loggerhead turtle lays eggs in broad daylight

Typically, loggerhead turtles lay their eggs at night, but one special mother turtle decided that the morning hours of July 23 was her time. The loggerhead was discovered by a local beach goer, Ray Combs who called Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). FWC  then called South Walton Turtle Watch Group who were able to document the event, and mark her nest. The turtle was able to lay her eggs and return to the Gulf of Mexico without incident....