Nature

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Environmental Forum at Sandestin Nov. 13

Director of Nokuse Plantation to kick off this year’s forum A forum uniting environmental efforts throughout Walton County, will be held Thursday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort. Created by the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) New Product Development Committee, the forum unites established environmental groups and organizations to meet and work together for the overall ecological benefit of Walton County. “The forum provides an important platform to unite individuals...

Florida National Scenic Trail at Nokuse celebrated

New Florida Trail open from Choctawhatchee River to Eglin A.F.B. Trail lovers from around the area celebrated the opening of the new 20 mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail’s Nokuse Plantation and the Lafayette Creek tract on Oct. 25. Completion of this section of hiking trail closes a significant gap in the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail that winds along a wilderness corridor the length of Florida. Hikers can explore natural Florida and learn about the area’s biodiversity...

Ugh… Dog flies are here!

Dog Flies and their habits When fall comes to our area, those refreshing weather fronts will move through from the north bringing lower humidity, lower temperatures and the infamous dog fly. The stable fly, known as the dog fly in northwest Florida, is a blood feeding fly that is a nuisance to man, pets, and livestock. From August through November the dog fly congregates on the Florida Panhandle beaches. This fly originates from farming areas in southern Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia...

Rehabilitated broad winged hawk released

Story and photos courtesy Crystal Bay Development When a family accidentally struck a young Broadwing Hawk on CR6 near Freeport on July 17, they immediately rushed the injured bird to Lisa Miller at the Wildlife Rehabilitators Partnership of Northwest Florida in Niceville.  Miller x-rayed the Hawk and found it had a fracture in a bone that corresponds to the forearm in humans. Miller called in veterinarian Lydia Staggs of Bayside Animal Hospital in Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach.  Staggs, who...