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South Walton home to hundreds of new artificial reefs in 2017

South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) has some great news for 2017. Seven years after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) artificial reef deployment funding has been allocated, contracts awarded, and hundreds of new artificial reefs are slated to splash off Walton County waters. Exact timing is contingent upon windows of favorable weather and sea conditions, however SWARA’s overall plan is: One patch reef within each of the 9 near-shore...

Choctawhatchee River Section of the Florida National Scenic Trail now open

Dec. 14, 2016 – Tom Daniel, Trail Coordinator for the Choctawhatchee Chapter, Florida Trail Association has announced a new section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) in Walton County is now open. “Our volunteers have been working on this Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) segment since 2009. The recent completion of the 245 foot boardwalk at Cypress Creek allows us to finally open the trail.  The boardwalk permits hikers to safely cross until the Choctawhatchee River reaches flood stage...

Enjoy a guided First Day Hike at an area Florida State Park Jan. 1

Head outdoors for a ranger-guided hike at the First Day Hikes tradition at Florida State Parks on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Here is a list of hikes across northwest Florida: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Time: 9 – 11:30 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to join us for a pet and family friendly Ranger Led First Day Hike!  This hike will take place on the north side of the Turpentine Trail, on this trail participants will learn...

Hydrobike Christmas cocoa, campfire and carols Dec 17, 18, 22

Emerald Coast Hydrobikes and Grayton Beach Catering have teamed up to bring you a holiday celebration the whole family will remember. The night begins by exploring the Choctawhatchee Bay until the sky paints a beautiful sunset. Then gather around the campfire with old friends and new. Chili will be served. Hot dogs and marshmallows will be roasted while we sing Carols and enjoy “Charlie’s Favorite Christmas” read by Cheri Peebles Space is limited so book early. Advance registration required. Choose...

Wings Over Florida birding hike at Blackwater Fisheries Research Nov. 5

Date/time: Saturday, Nov. 5, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail coordinator Whitney Gray and Wings Over Florida coordinator Andy Wraithmell for a hike around the wonderful birding trail site at Blackwater Fisheries Research. You will walk the dikes between the aquaculture ponds, looking for wintering wildfowl such as Ring-necked Duck and Blue-winged Teal. Wilson’s Snipe feed along the muddy edges. Bachman’s Sparrows and Brown-headed Nuthatches are fairly common and Henslow’s Sparrow has been recorded in...

Learn about owls at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Sept. 29

Date/time: Thurs., Sept. 29 – 9 – 10 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to enjoy an information program about “Owls” and their place in the food web. For this program you will learn how to examine the roles owls play in the food web by dissecting owl pellets. Enter the park through the main gate and park staff will direct you to the clubhouse. Standard state park entry fees will apply. $6.00 entry fee to the park...