Environment

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Eco-passages guide wildlife safely under U.S. Highway 331

As we travel along U.S. Hwy. 331 between Freeport and DeFuniak Springs, many folks do not realize they are passing through two large wildlife conservation areas; Eglin Air Force Base Wildlife Management Area to the west and Nokuse Plantation to the east. With two wildlife conservation areas, and a busy highway, one must wonder how wildlife manages to safely cross the heavily traveled highway. Completed in 2012, Nokuse Plantation constructed what are called eco-passages. Barely seen from above, three environmentally-friendly...

Pilot whale discovered stranded at Grayton Beach State Park

A pilot whale was discovered stranded near the beach Nov. 26 at Grayton Beach State Park. Discovered in the early morning hours near the rental cottage area, the whale was in poor condition according to Patrick Hartsfield, park service specialist at the park. Multiple agencies responded according to Hartsfield. “Gulf World, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded, in addition to park personnel,” Hartsfield said. Due to the severity of its illness, the whale was euthanized...

Learn about bats at Topsail Nov. 15

Time: 2 – 3 p.m. These mammals fly near dusk and eat lots of insects. This program will cover bats in detail, what they eat, where they live, how they manage to survive in urban areas. This program will be informative for all ages. Please meet in the clubhouse, directions can be had at the ranger station. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa...

Oyster reef construction volunteers needed Nov. 16

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is seeking volunteers to help build an oyster reefs on Nov. 16. The project will last from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. You will be placing bagged oyster shell in the water at an oyster reef restoration site at Eden Gardens State Park. Follow “CBA Event” signs from the parking lot to the restoration site. Meet at Eden Gardens State Park, 181 Eden Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 RSVP to Rachel Gwin Gwinr@nwfsc.edu  or Alison...

High bacteria level readings continue at Morrison Springs

County, DEP seeking answers Morrison Springs in northeast Walton County has been a popular swimming and diving destination for generations. The spring releases crystal clear water at a rate of 70 million gallons a day from a deep underground limestone vent. At a constant 68 degrees, Morrison Springs is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. In 2007 with funding from Northwest Florida Water Management District and the Department of Environmental Protection’s Spring Initiative program, the...

Learn about exotic and invasive species at Topsail Nov. 8

Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Come learn about our non-native visitors. You may have some right in your own back yard, this program will teach you how to identify and get rid of plants that do not belong. Lots of time and money are spent on eradication of these plants, find out what they are and how you can help. The program will take place at the clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve...

Northwest Florida Water Management District hosting water supply workshops Oct. 28, 29, 30

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will host three informational public workshops on its 2013 Water Supply Assessment Update. At these workshops, District staff present a general overview of the water supply assessment and planning process and the draft results of the most recent update to the Water Supply Assessment. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and to provide comment on the District’s recommendations. The District updates the Water Supply Assessment for Northwest Florida every five years....