Nature

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First South Walton turtle nest of 2012 laid by an endangered Kemp’s Ridley

Turtle season starts with a special visitor! It’s official, turtle nesting has begun along the beaches of South Walton. The season started off with a special occasion on May 12, 2012 as the first nest was laid by an endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtle. Kemp’s Ridley rarely lay eggs along our beaches. Kim Jackson of Suwanee, Ga. was visiting Miramar Beach when she witnessed the Kemp’s daytime nesting. “We observed her digging her hole and then she laid there for a...

Learn about alligators at Topsail May 18

Time: 2 p.m. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park El lagarato was the name coined by the Spanish explorers and early settlers of Florida who came upon the American Alligator. These giant “lizards” live in or near almost every water body in Florida and have fascinated people for many years. Come out and join the park to learn more about these sunbathing, cold-blooded critters. Park at the Day-Use area and take a short hike to the clubhouse. Outside tours canceled...

Happy Mother’s Day from Walton Outdoors

Nature, the gentlest mother Nature, the gentlest mother, Impatient of no child, The feeblest or the waywardest, Her admonition mild In forest and the hill By traveller is heard, Restraining rampant squirrel Or too impetuous bird. How fair her conversation, A summer afternoon,– Her household, her assembly; And when the sun goes down Her voice among the aisles Incites the timid prayer Of the minutest cricket, The most unworthy flower. When all the children sleep She turns as long away...

FWC asks for help in chipmunk research

Have you seen a chipmunk lately? Eastern chipmunks are thought to live in only a few locations in Northwest Florida but researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are asking anyone who has spotted one to report the sighting. Wildlife biologist Chris Winchester said information may be recorded at https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx. Smaller than a gray squirrel, the Eastern chipmunk is slightly reddish in color and has white and black stripes running down its back and light stripes above...

Public forum on the geology of Choctawhatchee river basin May 23

South Walton Community Council hosts Dr. Jon Bryan Do you wonder why our beaches are so white? And why is some of the sand black? Get the answers! The South Walton Community Council will sponsor a public forum on May 23, Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at the Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. The public is invited.  Dr. Jon Bryan will be discussing the geology of the Choctawhatchee River basin region, including a review of beach sands along the coast of Walton County and Northwest Florida. Dr. Bryan is a Professor of...

Learn about sharks at Topsail May 11

Learn about these fascinating creatures of the Gulf Time: 2 p.m. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be hosting a presentation on sharks. Sharks are fascinating creatures that can range in size from 6 in. small to an enormous 39 ft. long. Come out and join Topsail for a presentation to learn more about the sharks that roam the coastal waters of Florida. Meet at the Day-Use parking area on Hwy 30A and take...