Nature

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Celebrate Earth Day by taking a closer look

NOAA and NASA provide visual perspectives on our environment NOAA Environmental Visual Laboratory gives an visual perspective on the earth’s global temperature changes, dead zones and the impact humans have had on our environment. http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/ Learn how to make a change in our environment for the better by taking action http://www.earthday.net/ NASA provides interesting images of the earth: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/earthday/...

Beautiful shades of blue lupine in South Walton

The sand dunes along the beaches in the area are dolloped in blue lupine. The gulf coast lupine (Lupinus westianus) is threatened and endemic to Florida. Their habitats are sand hills, scrubs and coastal dunes. Some say that this rare perennial shrub is only found in a few counties with Walton fortunate enough to be one. Early explorers to the panhandle did see Blue Mountain covered in Lupine and gave it the affectionate name that we now call it, even...

Earth Day at Topsail spelled fun for kids

Kids have fun learning at Earth Day celebration Lots of activities entertained and educated children on Saturday Apr. 18 as folks celebrated Earth Day at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. There were booths and programs that included storytellers, puppet shows, book readings and music. Nonie Maines of  Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters educates the children on frogs. Nonie hosts “EVEntuers” and animal encounter parties. To learn more about Nonie’s Ark, go to noniesark.com. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hosted bird...

E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center construction nears completion

Facility will provide extraordinary learning opportunities The long awaited $7 million dollar, 28,500 sq. ft. E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center has taken shape, with construction completion slated for June and grand opening in September. Developed by local conservationist, M.C. Davis on his 48,000-acre conservation land named Nokuse Plantation, the Center will offer students and visitors spectacular interactive exhibits which will offer a better understanding of the environment as well as educate on the importance of biodiversity, ecosystems, and to encourage conservation,...

Locals enjoy a colorful hangout

Springtime in the trees Local photographer and tree climber, Brandan Babineaux shared his love for getting into the trees with a few local kids on April 8. Zane Johnson, son of Billy Johnson is shown above in this vivid and colorful photo at one of their secret spots near Bowman Bayou in Santa Rosa Beach. For more information about Brandan and his photography, go to: http://brandanbabineaux.com...

A journey to the Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve

A fun and peculiar adventure not to be missed Up in the Northern part of Walton County sits an extraordinary and interesting place called the Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve. What a great morning I had off the beaten path, exploring living things, rusted things, and eco-friendly methods of laying the deceased to rest. Where else can you find a bamboo farm, Rustaphorian sculptures, a chufa farmer and a green burial ground? John Wilkerson, along with his brother Bill and John’s...

Mallard ducklings don’t make good Easter presents

Think twice before putting Florida’s native wildlife in jeopardy With Easter approaching, many parents contemplate purchasing mallard ducklings as gifts for their children.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) suggests buying your child the stuffed-animal version instead. “Although these ducklings might make nice pets while they’re young, they can live 10 years and quickly outgrow the cute-and-fuzzy stage, leaving full-size droppings on your patio and outdoor furniture,” FWC waterfowl management coordinator Joe Benedict said.  “When this happens, parents...