Environment

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Tread softly around Cnidoscolus stimulosus

Tread Softly (Cnidoscolus stimulosus) is a small herbaceous wildflower we commonly find along our sandy beaches, coastal scrubs, and sandy forest trails. If you happen to step on or brush up against one, you will not soon forget your encounter. Although their tiny white flowers are fragrant, this is one you should avoid close encounter. Tread softly is also known as stinging nettle, finger-rot, and probably a few other names if you’ve ever stepped on it barefoot. Not actually a nettle,...

Learn about birds of prey at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 22

Date/time: Friday August 22, 2014, 2 -3 p.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to come learn about our birds of prey. This area plays host to a large number of winged hunters. This program will help you to identify them, and it will also cover types of prey, habits, where to find them, and much more. This is an all ages program and will take place in the clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park....

Relocated gopher tortoises arrive at Nokuse Plantation in Freeport

Twelve relocated gopher tortoises have arrived at Nokuse Plantation in Freeport Aug. 8 to enjoy a new permanent habitat. As part of an ongoing rehabilitation project at Nokuse, the endangered species will have a second chance on life due to conservation efforts on behalf of Nokuse, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a new grant funding from St. Joe Community Foundation. The gopher tortoises were relocated from a development area in Brevard county and near Apopka, Florida. When new...

Learn about coastal dune lakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 15

Date/time: Friday August 15th, 2 -3 p.m. These globally imperiled rare coastal dune lakes are found only in a few places worldwide, including right here at Topsail Hill Preserve. Come learn what makes these lakes so special and what is being done to protect them. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park’s clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525...

Learn about coyotes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 13

Date/time: Wednesday August 13th, 2014 Coyotes 2 – 3 p.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State park invites you to come learn about our most ubiquitous exotic mammal, the Coyote. This program will cover everything you need to know about Coyotes, where they live, how they survive, and how we manage them in our parks. This is an all ages program Park entry fee is $6 and the park staff will direct you to the clubhouse where the program will be held....

Walton County Health Department advises on concerns of Vibrio vulnificus

Through intensive media exposure and misinformation reaching residents and visitors of Walton County, DOH-Walton wants to educate our partners and the public about Vibrio vulnificus.  Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria commonly found in all warm brackish and salt water. Transmission of Vibrio vulnificus can occur to individuals with open wounds going into water where the bacteria is present. Also, the bacteria can be present in raw shellfish, in particular oysters. Infection from the bacteria is rare, but it can be...