Nature

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Migrating monarchs in Walton County part of tagging study

Local naturalist in fifth year of Monarch Watch program Joe Wyatt, naturalist at Hammock Bay in Freeport has been tagging monarch butterflies over the last five years as part of a migration study with the University of Kansas. So far in this year’s study, Joe has tagged more than 100, finding the majority of the fluttering beauties feasting on milkweed (Asclepias) and saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia) The tiny tags weighing less than a gram have a plethora of information typed on...

Eagle eyes the 16th hole at Emerald Bay Golf Club

A bird’s eye view Local golfer Cory Davis captured this great photo of a bald eagle on Oct. 24, 2011. The photo was taken above the 16th hole at Emerald Bay Golf Club in Destin. A great bonus to the game! About the Southern baled eagle: The bald eagle is a success story in the United States, particularly here in Florida. With more than 2,000 active nests in Florida, the eagles have had a 300 percent increase in population since...

Be part of the state-wide bluebird blitz Nov. 18-19

Florida Bluebird Society expanding knowledge about eastern bluebirds throughout Florida The second annual Statewide Bluebird Blitz will take place on Friday November 18 and Saturday November 19, 2011. What is a Bluebird Blitz? The Statewide Bluebird Blitz is a concentrated effort by as many volunteers as possible going out all over the state of Florida on specific dates to locate as many Eastern Bluebirds as possible. Why a Bluebird Blitz? There is much general information available about bluebirds, but what...

Enjoy a hike along Bruce Creek in Walton County

Hiking this beautiful creek an easy trek A great way to explore the Choctawhatchee River basin is taking a hike along Bruce Creek in Northeast Walton County. Located off of State Road 81 south of Ponce De Leon, this shallow creek runs west to east through the center of the county and eventually empties into the Choctawhatchee River. The trail is not maintained, however mostly clear and fairly easily to navigate. This area within the river basin is accessible when...

Pioneer Day at Rocky Bayou State Park Nov. 12

Enjoy a day of pioneer history at the park On Sat., Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. – 3  p.m. the Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks will be hosting their annual Pioneer Day at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville. See demonstrations of pioneer skills such as spinning, weaving, quilting, basket-making, corn grinding, butter churning and shingle making. Dip candles, make rag dolls, quilt, and try your skill with a saw. Listen to tales of pioneer life in...

Flutterby Festival returns to Rosemary Beach Nov. 12 – 13

Annual event celebrates the arts and the migration of the monarch butterfly One of South Walton’s most popular fall events, the annual Flutterby Festival is returning to Rosemary Beach, Nov. 12-13, celebrating the arts and the migration of the monarch butterfly along Scenic Highway 30A. Hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), this year’s event will feature interactive adventures by the Seaside Repertory Theatre. Also, for the first time ever, Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s “Cottages for Kids”...