Nature

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Explore winter blooming camellias at Eden Gardens State Park

Winter in northwest Florida typically doesn’t offer a wealth of colorful landscapes to explore. However, one exception is the beautiful abundance of flowering camellias at Eden Gardens State Park. Naturally in bloom from October through March, there are more than 200 trees offering more than 40 different varieties to enjoy along the garden trails. With the nurturing of dedicated volunteers, the camellias are a thriving part of the park’s wonderful gardens. The history dates back to the previous landowner, Lois...

Sunset paddle at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Sept. 30

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a Sunset Paddle on September 30, 2017 from 5 – 7:30p.m. Experience Campbell Lake on a Ranger guided paddling tour. Participants must be experienced canoers/kayakers over 12 yrs. old. Program is $40 per person. Space is limited. Advanced online registration is required and can be done at www.topsailparkfriends.org. Program fee includes watercraft rental, PFD, paddle, park admission fee, glow sticks, tram ride to Campbell Lake and a donation to the Friends of Topsail...

The swallow-tailed kite: Graceful raptors of our wetlands

Florida’s birding trail symbol is often spotted gliding around Walton County The swallow-tailed kite is a snack-food junkie if ever there was one. It spends most of the day aloft, eating on the run – catching bugs and eating them in one swoop, then circling and diving to devour another. Elanoides forficatus is also an energy miser. The kite uses thermal uplifts and winds to spend the day gliding, merely flipping one side of its forked tail to change direction....

Fall equinox gathering at Glendale Memorial Preserve Sept. 22-24

A fun-filled weekend is planned in celebration of the fall equinox at Glendale Memorial Preserve. Enjoy primitive camping, tours, nature walk, climb the fire tower, arts/crafts, potluck, bonfire, and Saturday night music and dance. Bring a friend from Sept. 22-24 and a musical instrument, food to share, and good vibes. For more information, call Nita at 850-585-9460 or John at 850-859-2141. Glendale Memorial Preserve is located 9 miles north of DeFuniak Springs on Hwy. 83. Learn more about Glendale here....

Renovations complete at Cotton Landing on Holmes Creek

Northwest Florida Water Management District has completed much needed renovations to Cotton Landing on Holmes Creek. The restoration stabilized approximately 125 linear feet of shoreline, helping to reduce erosion as well as new storm water treatment. ADA boardwalks and access points have also been installed. The landing has new overlooks with benches, a picnic pavilion, porta-potty, and improved parking. In addition, native trees such as Florida maple and cypress have been planted to help restore the eroded areas. Primitive campsites...