Nature

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Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Nov. 20

You’re invited to a plant identification walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the third Monday of the month. The walk starts at 9:00 am at tram stop #2, and is led by Bill Kuenstler, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Learn about the many native plants at the park. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 south of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic Hwy. 30A.  ::MAP:  ...

Hummingbirds visit Northwest Florida during fall months

Fill up your feeders and enjoy a hummer show! Between now and early spring, rare hummingbird species from out West turn up in Florida on their way to their winter homes in the tropics. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are year-round residents throughout Florida, but many from up North also pass through here on their annual migration to Central America. Floridians who put up hummingbird feeders or grow red or orange tubular flowers may get a glimpse of one of at least nine...

Be bear wise as bears become more active in fall

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors that our state’s black bears are more active in search of food as autumn approaches. Following BearWise® practices can help prevent negative interactions with bears and other wildlife, including securing garbage and removing food attractants. During the fall, bears start consuming more calories to pack on fat reserves for the winter, even if they are not hibernating as long as they do in colder climates. Adult bears need...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Sept. 18

You’re invited to a plant identification walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the third Monday of the month. The walk starts at 9:00 am at tram stop #2, and is led by Bill Kuenstler, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Learn about the many native plants at the park. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 south of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic Hwy. 30A.  ::MAP:...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park Oct. 5

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 from 10 – 11 a.m. Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. The Friends of Camp Helen are excited to be open...

Land steward tour of Little Creek Woods Sept. 21

Join the Walton Extension office and the Florida Land Steward Program on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 for a tour and an opportunity to meet remarkable land stewards, Bob Reid and Betsy Clark. A true champion of forest habitat restoration and having a stewardship vision measured in centuries, Bob Reid spends most of his days either working, or planning what needs to happen next on his Little Creek Woods property in Walton County. The goal at Little Creek is to develop...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park Sept. 7

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 from 10 – 11 a.m. Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. The Friends of Camp Helen are excited to be open...