Nature

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Hike, camp along the Apalachicola River bluffs at Torreya State Park

Note: March 4, 2019 – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service hosted a ceremony today celebrating the reopening of the campground at Torreya State Park following the impacts of Hurricane Michael. The campground, which sits along the park’s iconic steep bluffs rising more than 150 feet above the Apalachicola River, offers 30 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as restroom facilities.   Torreya State Park, which experienced significant damage from Hurricane Michael – including downed trees and debris, and facility, boardwalk, road and trail damage – was...


Camellia and Art Fest at Eden Gardens State Park Feb. 23

Learn all about camellias Location: Eden Gardens State Park Sat. Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m Eden Gardens State Park and the Friends of Eden Gardens would like to invite everyone to the annual Camellia and Art Fest on Saturday, Febuary 23, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Festivities begin with talks being given on Camellia identification, air layering (propagation), and the general maintenance and pest control of Camellias.  Camellias, air layered from Eden plants, will be available from the...

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park to open in Crestview

Zoo remains open while improvements being made The folks at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) have had their hands full lately as they prepare to take possession of the Sasquatch Zoo in Crestview. What will be named Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park, ECWR hopes to bring a brighter future for the 104 animals currently residing at the zoo. Debbie Mattox and Bill Bitsche are the current owners.  In early 2012, the couple approached ECWR about purchasing the zoo as...

Learn about hummingbird banding at the Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6

Hummingbird lecture at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6 On February 6, Fred Bassett will present “Alabama and Florida Hummingbirds – A lot more than you might think.” The program will discuss ruby-throated hummingbirds in depth and introduce several western hummingbird species wintering in the Southeast and show how they are banded. Fred Bassett is a certified master bird bander who is president of Hummingbird Research, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of hummingbirds. He is a...

Eagles nest in South Walton and across the State of Florida

Florida’s eagle population now exceeds 4,000 birds each year Bald eagles have been spotted in several locations in South Walton and around the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is great news that these splendid raptors are making Walton County their nesting home. The bald eagle nesting season in Florida is defined as Oct. 1 through May 15. Based on the size of the pair of juvenile birds, I suspect these birds will take flight in the next six to eight weeks. What...

Major improvements on the way for three Holmes Creek landings

Restoration planned for Hightower, Spurling and Live Oak Landings Continuing its focus on water supply and natural resource protection, the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved an agreement of up to $200,000 with Washington County for a series of streambank restoration and protection activities along Holmes Creek. In a separate item, the Board also approved up to $235,845 in grant funding to the City of Blountstown to complete needed repairs and upgrades to its water distribution system....

Take a hike or paddle with the Florida Trail Association

Florida Trail Association in Northwest Florida Activities 2013 Activity Participants Please note: Contact the activity leader well in advance for more information and/or to reserve your place (space is limited.) Unless instructed otherwise by the activity leader, each participant should bring: day pack, plenty of water (recommended minimum, 2 quarts), sun protection (hat, glasses, screen), insect repellent, lunch and or snacks, adequate clothing for the forecast, and comfortable, sturdy close toed shoes with socks. Long pants, work gloves, and extra...