Nature

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Williford Spring on Econfina Creek a cool family destination

Park features include swimming area, picnic pavilions, grills, boardwalks, and restrooms If you are looking for a beautiful place to enjoy a cool northwest Florida spring, head over to Williford Spring in southern Washington County. Recreational enhancements include spring entry steps, patio terrace, spring view deck, canoe dock, boardwalks, composting toilets, picnic pavilions, parking area, a connector trail to Pitt and Sylvan springs, as well as interpretative trails and native landscaping throughout the site. Click here to download PDF of...

Learn about the beach mouse at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 27

Date/time: July 27, 2016 – 9-10 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to enjoy an informational program about one of the imperiled species we share the park with. Beach mice inhabit coastal dunes in the panhandle and along the Atlantic coast of Florida. Development of coastal areas has caused a loss of habitat for beach mice and other plants and animals that live in the dunes. Due to this loss of habitat, five of the six subspecies of...

Northwest Florida Water Management District awarded $15.3 million for springs projects

Funding targets springs in five local counties HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District received more than $15.3 million for springs-related projects from Governor Rick Scott’s 2016-17 Florida First Budget. The money, which comes through the Department of Environmental Protection, will be used to fund eight springs restoration and protection projects in Bay, Jackson, Leon, Wakulla, and Washington counties. “Governor Scott, DEP Secretary Jon Steverson and the Florida Legislature have once again shown their commitment to restoring and protecting...

Explore the beautiful paddling trails of Eglin Air Force Base recreation area

Northwest Florida offers and abundance of spectacular recreation opportunities. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear springs, and what seem as though never-ending hiking trails, there are natural areas to please any outdoor enthusiast. One such area off the beaten path is Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. Spanning across Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, Eglin offers 250,000 acres conditionally open to the public for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hunting, and paddling. However, you must acquire a recreation permit to enjoy the many...

Twists and turns keep you paddling on Turkey Creek

Turkey Creek paddle full of beautiful surprises One of Northwest Florida’s most scenic waterways is the narrow, seepage spring fed Turkey Creek just west of Niceville. Located on Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, just off of SR 85, Turkey Creek meanders through the Reservation offering a challenging and beautiful paddle approximately 9 miles long. Swift and clear, the first two thirds of the paddle is tight, filled with twists and turns, and beautiful vistas as you maneuver the waterway. Trees...

Reading with a ranger at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park June 20

Date/time: Monday June 20th, 9-10 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State park invites your little ones to Reading with a Ranger. Join the ranger to hear a story about nature as she reads The Bumblebee Queen by April Pulley Sayre. This program will take place in the clubhouse or on the grass on a pleasant day. Children will have the opportunity to ask the Ranger questions and a snack. Enter the park through the main gate and park staff will direct...