Nature

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Camp Helen State Park 20th anniversary celebration March 25

Date/time: Saturday, March 25, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The month of March marks the 20th anniversary of Camp Helen as a State Park. From 1945 to 1987 Camp Helen was the summer resort for employees of Avondale Mills, an Alabama-based textile company. In response to a Panama City News Herald letter to the editor from Mrs. Helen Schroeder, popular support, and hard work by the local community, the Camp Helen property was acquired by the State in 1996. Join...

Washington County Heritage Festival in Chipley April 1 – 2

Come experience and enjoy an eclectic mix of unique old world demonstrators, wild animals, antique camper and cars, Indian encampment, Civil War reenactors and much more all to the back drop of one of the Panhandle’s hidden gems. There will be many artists including a blacksmith, chainsaw wood carver, flint knappers and soap makers with a variety of homemade crafts, artwork and jewelry for sale. There will be plenty of live music, food and drinks and good old fashion fun for the whole family.  While...

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...