Nature

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Audubon seeks volunteer shorebird stewards

You can help beach birds nest in peace Did you know beach-nesting birds like Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers and Least Terns lay their eggs on top of the sand and raise their young on our local beaches? To help Florida’s beach-nesting birds nest safely and successfully, Audubon and their partners post signs and twine around their nesting areas. For added protection, volunteers chaperon these posted areas on busy warm-weather weekends to educate beach-goers about the birds and the...

Twists and turns keep you busy on Turkey Creek

Clear creek full of natural wonder Note: The double culvert south of the Hippy Hole launch area is currently not navigable due to collapse. Interested in a challenging, beautiful kayak or canoe paddle? Head over to Jackson Guard at Eglin Air Force Base and get yourself a recreation pass, as one of Northwest Florida’s most scenic paddles awaits your paddling skills on Turkey Creek. Located on Eglin Air Force Base Recreation Area in Niceville, the Turkey Creek paddle from the...

Look to the sky for the Perigee full moon June 22-23

Supermoon of 2013 will occur on June 23 at 6:32 a.m. CDT Some call it the supermoon, however scientists call it the Perigee moon. Either way, look to the sky to view the closest full moon of the year on June 23, 2013 at 11:32 UTC (6:32 a.m. CDT in the U.S.). For many, the moon appears about as full in the June 22 evening sky as it does on the evening of June 23. This full moon is not...

Exhausted baby alligator rescued from the Gulf of Mexico

An unusual occurrence had beach goers a bit startled June 16, 2013 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. A 2 1/2 ft. long young alligator was struggling just offshore when park ranger Tammy Matthews got a phone call. “I was driving the tram and got a report of an alligator on the beach. 
When I got there, some visitors told me that he kept trying to come ashore, then someone would run over to look and spook him back out....

Seven Runs Creek Florida Forever project completion on the horizon

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Trust for Public Land and landowner M.C. Davis are partnering to conserve 20,850 acres of critical habitat land east of Eglin Air Force Base after being awarded $1.75 million from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the 2013 REPI Challenge. The Department is slated to contribute $10.2 million of Florida Forever funds, Davis has discounted the property by $7 million, the U.S. Department of Defense will contribute $1.75 million as part...

Longleaf pine management workshop coming to Ebro June 4

Landowners and land managers with an interest in growing and managing longleaf pines are invited to attend a Longleaf Management Workshop June 4 in Ebro. The 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. workshop is being offered at the Ebro Community Center, 6229 State Road 79. There is no cost to attend but you must pre-register by May 31. “We believe this is a great opportunity for landowners interested in forestry and wildlife management practices to hear from experts who are knowledgeable...