Nature

Category

Learn about basic land navigation at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park March 11

Date/time: Sat., March 11, 10-11 a.m. Join special guest speaker Chris Mize on a ranger led hike at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. Chris will use his experience from serving in the Army Light Infantry to help give introductory map reading tips and land navigation techniques to help you be better prepared for your next wildland outing. Whether you like to hike cross country, take overnight backpacking trips, or want to know what to do if you lose track of your...

Learn about life in St. Andrew Bay Feb. 16

What Lies Beneath? Weird, huge, tiny, delicious, poisonous, squiggly, puffy, sleek, beautiful, and sometimes downright ugly, a huge array of interesting creatures live beneath the surface of our magnificent St. Andrew Bay. The Friends of St. Andrews State Park will be hosting a talk by marine biologist Stephen Theberge on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Theberge will talk about the amazing diversity of life in St. Andrew Bay and offer suggestions on how we can help protect the...

Explore a scenic hike between the springs on Econfina Creek

NOTE: Many of the recreation areas on Econfina Creek are currently closed due to hurricane damage. Call Northwest Florida Water Management District for specifics at (850) 539-5999. Econfina Creek Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s perfect destination. Paddling, hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting within 41,363 acres of public land managed by Northwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The area is chock full of exceptional spaces for families to enjoy a day exploring. One...

Learn about alligators at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 19

Date/time: January 19, 3 p.m. These formidable creatures were once hunted to near extinction, but have made an incredible recovery. Come learn the full history of Florida’s most famous reptile at this informative slideshow presentation. Learn about the American Alligators who call our Coastal Dune Lakes home. Includes a walk to No Name Lake. Meets at Tram Stop #1. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A,...

Portuguese man-of-war can pack a powerful punch

Don’t touch or come in contact with the blue “bubbles” that wash on shore Many interesting things wash ashore along the beaches of South Walton. Often we find interesting creatures within the beach wrack and the tide often washes in beautiful seashells. However, there is one creature, the Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis), also known as man-of-war, or bluebottle that is not a fun critter to come in contact with. Although spectacular to behold with its blue “bubble,” it...

Learn about Florida black bears at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 2

Date/time: Monday, Jan. 2, 10 – 11 a.m. Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for a Living Bear Wise program on January 2, 2017 from 10 – 11 a.m. Come learn about the Florida black bears that call the park home. Black bears are the largest land mammal here in Florida as well as being a protected species. While you may not see them in the park during your visit you can definitely see evidence...

Christmas greetings from Walton Outdoors

Warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas Walton Outdoors would like to thank all of our readers for sharing and exploring the wonders of the outdoors this year. Peace and harmony to you and yours this holiday season. We look forward to sharing exciting new adventures in the coming year.  ...