The South Walton Community Council is hosting their 12th Annual Back To Nature Festival October 17-20, 2013. The Back to Nature Festival offers the opportunity for visitors and locals alike to discover the wonders of our unique coastal environment.
The weekend of events include an art show, opening night party, silent auction and a variety of outdoor adventures. To view the entire lineup and register for events, go to: www.southwaltoncc.org.
At 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct., 20, 2013 one of the featured events – The Beaches are Moving will be hosted by naturalist Christian Wagley. Join Wagley for a fun beach walk to explore the natural forces that shape the shoreline, build and destroy dunes, bring sand ashore, and provide habitat for a fascinating variety of plants and animals. Learn about beach features like cusps, ridges and runnels, over wash fans, how seaweed and hurricanes benefit beaches, and the issues presented as buildings crowd the dynamic shoreline. The event starts at 11 a.m., from the parking area at Deer Lake State Park. $10 per person. Limited to 15 people. $5 Park charge per carload of participants.
“I’ve been fascinated by beaches since I was a kid crawling around at the water’s edge digging for sand fleas on the mid-Atlantic coast. Eventually I made my way to Florida as a young adult, earning a master’s degree in biology/coastal zone studies from the University of West Florida. From the world of science I’ve grown into the world of education and advocacy, working to protect our beaches and to share my appreciation of them with others. While on the staff at Alys Beach I taught Beachology 101, teaching visiting children about the wonders of the beach and Gulf. I continue to educate myself every time I walk along the beach, and use what I learn to help push for policies that respect the natural ways of our ever-moving beaches,” said Wagley.
For The Beaches are Moving event Register Here