Environment

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Learn about hummingbird banding at the Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6

Hummingbird lecture at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6 On February 6, Fred Bassett will present “Alabama and Florida Hummingbirds – A lot more than you might think.” The program will discuss ruby-throated hummingbirds in depth and introduce several western hummingbird species wintering in the Southeast and show how they are banded. Fred Bassett is a certified master bird bander who is president of Hummingbird Research, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of hummingbirds. He is a...

Walton County fishing and hunting report for January 23

Fishing is good! Choctawhatchee Bay: Trout bite has been hit and miss. Either folks reeling in none or many. Sheepshead bite is on in a big way along with a few black drum. Creeks/river: Some crappie and bass. Shelcrackers have roe. Very odd. Hunting: Deer are in rut as it should be. Click here for fishing forecast Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click here to find out...

Eagles nest in South Walton and across the State of Florida

Florida’s eagle population now exceeds 4,000 birds each year Bald eagles have been spotted in several locations in South Walton and around the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is great news that these splendid raptors are making Walton County their nesting home. The bald eagle nesting season in Florida is defined as Oct. 1 through May 15. Based on the size of the pair of juvenile birds, I suspect these birds will take flight in the next six to eight weeks. What...

Major improvements on the way for three Holmes Creek landings

Restoration planned for Hightower, Spurling and Live Oak Landings Continuing its focus on water supply and natural resource protection, the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved an agreement of up to $200,000 with Washington County for a series of streambank restoration and protection activities along Holmes Creek. In a separate item, the Board also approved up to $235,845 in grant funding to the City of Blountstown to complete needed repairs and upgrades to its water distribution system....

Volunteers needed for oyster bagging in Santa Rosa Beach Jan. 15 and 18, 2013

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help bag oyster shells on Jan. 15 and 18, 2013 at 1 p.m. You will be bagging at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. RSVP to Alison McDowell at Mcdowel2@nwfsc.edu (850) 200-4173 or Rachel Gwin gwinr@nwfsc.edu What to bring/wear: Wear clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle and a hat. Water and gloves...

DEP secures conservation easement over Seven Runs Creek

Final land acquisition from the $10 million secured under the MOEX consent decree TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida has acquired conservation land over Seven Runs Creek in Walton County as part of a recently announced $10 million settlement with MOEX, a company invested in the well involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. “This is a perfect example of the private sector working with government. In this case, DEP, for the benefit of biodiversity for all citizens,” said M.C....

A snowy plover family thrives at Grayton Beach State Park

2012 season proved best year ever for tiny shorebirds at South Walton State Park Photos by Jeff Talbert, Florida State Park Services Specialist 
Information gleaned from report by Raya Pruner, Biological Scientist, Florida Park Service, District 1 As we enjoy our wonderful beaches in South Walton, many visitors and locals are not aware that we are sharing vital habitat for a variety of shorebirds. Our dune systems and coastal dune lakes provide perfect nesting areas and foraging habitat for a...