Nature

Category

Venture Walton: Wildlife finds new habitat in Freeport

Sharp-shinned hawk and flying squirrels released at Hammock Bay Joe Wyatt, naturalist at Hammock Bay in Freeport shared a recent morning with me to witness the release of a rehabilitated sharp-shinned hawk and four juvenile flying squirrels. Lisa Miller of Wildlife Rehabilitators in Niceville recently rehabilitated the animals. When the animals were healed, Lisa handed them off to Joe for release back into the wild. The sharp-shinned hawk was discovered with a cut between her wings. The cause of the...

Journey to the Shoal Sanctuary

The Shoal Sanctuary in Mossy Head is an unusual and peaceful place in north Walton County. Owned by Robert and Chris Larson, the sanctuary is a place of refuge from a busy life. In 2000 the couple acquired land adjacent to their 16-acres and began reforestation and creating trails. Long-leaf pine, ash magnolia, Torreya pine and other native trees have been planted to restore the land. There is much to experience around the grounds and along the trails of the...

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...