Environment

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Learn about prescribed fires at Topsail Aug. 4

Get answers to all your burning questions Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Fire is a natural process that has shaped Florida’s ecosystems over the years. Prescribed fires play a vital role in restoring “fire-dependent” natural communities. Learn the answers to all of your burning questions on Thurs., Aug. 4 at 1:30 p.m. Park at the Day-Use area and take a short hike to the clubhouse. $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Call (850) 267-8330 for...

Rough surf conditions in South Walton from tropical storm Don

Red flags flying today Tropical storm Don brings rough conditions to the beaches of South Walton July 28, 2011.  The bumpy/choppy surf conditions this morning are a windy swell building a bit this afternoon into SSE winds 10-15 knots. South Walton Fire District advises staying close to shore.  Even though the wave heights are only around 2 feet, there WILL BE some strong rip currents across our beaches today. Rip current risk: high…a high risk of rip currents means that wind,...

Volunteers needed to help build oyster reef on July 1st, 6th, 9th and 16th

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help build an oyster reef in Point Washington on July 1st, 6th, 9th and 16th . The project will last from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You will be bagging oyster shell at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College. Everyone will travel as a group to place bagged oyster shell in the water at a reef site near Point Washington. Some transportation to reef site is available. Meet...

Oyster reef construction volunteers needed June 29

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help build an oyster reef in Point Washington on June 29. The project will last from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You will be bagging oyster shell at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College. Everyone will travel as a group to place bagged oyster shell in the water at a reef site near Point Washington. Some transportation to reef site is available. Meet at the South Walton Center...

FWC to taking steps to remove Florida black bear from threatened species list

From the Desk of the FWC By Stan Kirkland, FWC The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) took the initial step this week in removing the Florida black bear and 15 other species from the state’s list of threatened species. In 2007 the Commission began a review of threatened species to see which had recovered and warranted removal from the list, and which should remain. The review focused on 61 species and involved more than 200 experts – 174...

Manatees visit Northwest Florida in summer months

Gentle giants can be seen in the Choctawhatchee Bay and as far west as Escambia County By Stan Kirkland, Public Information Coordinator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Northwest Region It’s been six or seven years since a guy in a plaid shirt and shorts walked into our Deer Point office one summer morning and said a big manatee was hanging around the Deer Point Dam. I grabbed my camera and drove the quarter mile to the dam and the...

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center open to the public

Center open on weekends The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is now open to the public on weekends. The Center offers education on a better understanding of our environment; with its focus on the importance of biodiversity, ecosystems, conservation, preservation and restoration of our natural resources.  The hands-on environmental learning facility had previously only been open to serve students, teachers and professional audiences. The exhibition hall showcases exhibits of bees, snakes and turtles, forest and wetland habitats and hands-on interpretive displays....