Nature

Category

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....

Railroad vines help protect South Walton beaches

Beautiful summer plant strengthens sand dunes Always a pleasant sight along our sand dunes, the beautiful blooming railroad vine is also an important protector of our sand dunes. As with the sea oats, the plant helps to stabilize the dunes by rooting at nodes all along its length, and is often planted for that purpose. Each flower opens only once, in the morning, but keep blooming almost all year long, peaking from May through November. The railroad vine is native...

Exhibit hall at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center nears completion

Designers work on finishing touches at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center The 28,500 sq. ft. E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is near completion as the designers put the finishing touches to the exhibition hall. Other features of the Center include multi-purpose classrooms, science labs, dioramas, and a 160-seat theater. In addition, visitors to the Center will have an opportunity to learn about the natural environment both indoors and out, along an extensive trail system .9-mile long, with a 610 ft. boardwalk that...

Loggerhead turtle unable to nest due to obstructions left on beach

Sad news for turtle nesting as loggerhead unable to find place to lay her eggs South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers continue to struggle to find turtle nest success in South Walton. These photos were taken by volunteers June 17. The above photo shows where a loggerhead turtle attempted to nest but was unable due to obstructions left on the beach. No one knows for sure why she gave up, but it appears the tracks spell out the message. The photo...