Nature

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Guided hike at Camp Helen State Park Oct. 31

Join the park ranger on the last Thursday of the month, Oct. 31 for a ranger-led trail hike from 10 – 11 a.m. Camp Helen is home to over 3 1/2 miles of trails that meander through nine different distinct natural communities. A park ranger will lead the group on different sections of the trail for approximately 45 minutes, sharing about the natural and cultural history of Camp Helen State Park. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Plan to...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Oct. 21

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on Monday, Oct. 21 from 9 – 11 a.m. for a guided plant stroll. Take a stroll through the park and the campground to explore the plants visible and to see what is in bloom. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain. This program is free with regular park admission. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is...

History tour at Camp Helen State Park Oct. 5

Enjoy a history tour of Camp Helen State Park from 10 – 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month. Park guests will have the opportunity to learn about how recreation has been a part of the park’s heritage for nearly 100 years. From the first hotel built along the bluffs overlooking Lake Powell in the 1920s, to Camp Helen’s hey-day between 1945 and 1987 as a recreation camp for employees of Avondale Textile Mills, our park has been...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Sept. 16

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on Monday, Sept. 16 from 9 – 11 a.m. for a guided plant stroll. Take a stroll through the park and the campground to explore the plants visible and to see what is in bloom. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain. This program is free with regular park admission. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is...

Guided hike at Camp Helen State Park Sept. 26

Join the park ranger on the last Thursday of the month, Sept. 26 for a ranger-led trail hike from 10 – 11 a.m. Camp Helen is home to over 3 1/2 miles of trails that meander through nine different distinct natural communities. A park ranger will lead the group on different sections of the trail for approximately 45 minutes, sharing about the natural and cultural history of Camp Helen State Park. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Plan to...

Washington County resident raises alligators in Orange Hill

When one transitions into retirement, typically it’s to enjoy relaxation time. Not so for Washington County resident Chris Ellis. After a career as a Florida Highway patrolman, Ellis took a leap of faith and made an unusual second career choice – raising alligators. For the last 20 years, Ellis’ Orange Hill Gator Farm has been raising alligators for exhibition across the Panhandle for locations such as Gulf World, Zoo World, and Alvin’s Island. With up to a few hundred gators...

History tour at Camp Helen State Park Sept. 7

Enjoy a history tour of Camp Helen State Park from 10 – 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month. Park guests will have the opportunity to learn about how recreation has been a part of the park’s heritage for nearly 100 years. From the first hotel built along the bluffs overlooking Lake Powell in the 1920s, to Camp Helen’s hey-day between 1945 and 1987 as a recreation camp for employees of Avondale Textile Mills, our park has been...

Learn about snakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 16

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Long Leaf Alliance on August 16, 2019 from 10 – 11 a.m. and learn about the snakes that call the park, Eglin Air Force Base and the Florida Panhandle home. Topsail Talks is a monthly educational discovery series with presentations from organizations and government agencies from outside the park on the third Friday of the month at 10 a.m. in the clubhouse. This program is free. Entry into the park is free...