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Second primitive campground opens in Point Washington State Forest

The Florida Forest Service has announced the grand opening of a much-anticipated second campground at Point Washington State Forest, Eastern Lake Campground 2. With 1,833 people camping at campground #1 in 2017, Forestry knew the second campground would be welcome. The primitive campground is located on Eastern Lake in Santa Rosa Beach, in Point Washington State Forest, Walton County. The four campsites are positioned around a loop scenically in the forest with views of Eastern Lake. A floating dock with...

New trail offerings at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park now offers four miles of trail opportunities in their previously undeveloped southern section of the park. In addition to the popular spring area, the park has converted their service roads, which spans approximately four miles. This portion of the park offers scenic views of upland, bottomland, and wetland areas. The trail is moderate terrain and suitable for hiking or biking. Recently burned in March 2018, new wiregrass and vegetation are reappearing in abundance. Along...

Estuary Festival at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park April 14

The 11th Annual Family Estuary Festival, a family and community event for all ages, will be held Saturday, April 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, located at 4281 Highway 20 East in Niceville. The park entrance fees do apply but the festival is free which offers fun activities, hand-on displays and environmental awareness. The event is hosted by the Mattie M. Kelly Cultural & Environmental Institute at Northwest Florida State College, with...

Important addition to Torreya State Park acquired

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently purchased a 65-acre addition to Torreya State Park in Jackson County. Torreya State Park is adjacent to the Apalachicola River Florida Forever project, which includes much of Florida’s upland glades natural community, currently not represented on conservation lands, and harbors several globally rare plant species as well as 16 species that occur nowhere else in Florida. “Torreya State Park is incredibly important, not just for its fantastic scenic views of the Apalachicola River,...

Spring Equinox gathering at Glendale Memorial Preserve March 24

The Glendale Memorial Preserve will be hosting a Spring Equinox gathering March 24. Party, food, bonfire, drum circle, acoustic jam, and tours of the preserve will be offered. Bring a covered dish to share. Primitive camping will be available. Glendale Memorial Preserve is located 9 miles north of DeFuniak Springs on Hwy. 83. For more information call John at 850-859-2141. Learn more about Glendale here....

Learn about butterflies at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park March 10

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park as it celebrates National Learn About Butterflies and Craft Day on March 10, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Come learn about butterflies and their fellow pollinators and the roles they play in the ecosystem through interactive displays and activities. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. For more information, call (850) 267-8330...