Nature

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Interpretive kayak tour at Rocky Bayou State Park Aug. 11

Meet the local wildlife and enjoy the scenic views of the bayou on an interpretive guided tour with Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park on Aug. 11, 2023 from 9 – 11 a.m. This beginner-level tour will last 2 hours and is open to anyone 10 or older. Children 10 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. Paddle through the scenic and historic views of Fred Gannon...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 21

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. Park fees are waived until Labor Day weekend. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 south of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic...

Whale Sharks along the Gulf coast— searching for the world’s largest fish

By Jill Hendon, Director of the Center for Fisheries Research and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi There is a lot of intrigue surrounding whale sharks. From their deceiving name to their enigmatic lifestyle there is still so much to learn about the largest fish in the ocean. Despite the word “whale,” whale sharks are considered a fish as they breathe by means of gills; and despite the word “shark,” they do not have the typical toothy smiles of...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 17

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. Park fees are waived until Labor Day weekend. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 south of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 17

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 July 6

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, July 6, 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...

Roadside springs of northwest Florida

Northwest Florida boasts a large inventory of beautiful springs. With close to 40 in the Walton, Holmes, Washington and Bay counties, many are only accessible by paddling or by boat. There are a few available you can enjoy a family picnic and offer restroom facilities more suited for little ones. Here is a list of some great options in the Panhandle. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park in Holmes County Just outside the Walton County line is one of the...