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Florida Panhandle State Parks temporarily close due to tropical storm Nate

  • October 6, 2017
  • /
  • Parks

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service announces the closure of 18 state parks in Northwest Florida due to imminent weather conditions including strong winds and rain. The following state parks are closing today at 5 p.m. local time: Big Lagoon State Park (Escambia County Blackwater Heritage State Trail (Santa Rosa County) Blackwater River State Park (Santa Rosa County) Camp Helen State Park (Bay County) Constitution Convention Museum State Park (Gulf County) Deer Lake State Park (Walton County) Eden Gardens State Park (Walton County) Falling Waters...

Nature lovers celebrate 25 years of South Walton conservation land

As our community  grows, many residents and visitors continue to be in awe of the extraordinary amount of recreation land we have in South Walton county. However, some newcomers have no idea how we acquired such a vast and beautiful landscape enjoyed by many. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Point Washington State Forest almost didn’t happen. Thanks to the support from organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, an energetic group of advocates from 4-Mile Village, local conservation group Beach...

Camp Helen State Park 20th anniversary celebration March 25

Date/time: Saturday, March 25, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The month of March marks the 20th anniversary of Camp Helen as a State Park. From 1945 to 1987 Camp Helen was the summer resort for employees of Avondale Mills, an Alabama-based textile company. In response to a Panama City News Herald letter to the editor from Mrs. Helen Schroeder, popular support, and hard work by the local community, the Camp Helen property was acquired by the State in 1996. Join...

Washington County Heritage Festival in Chipley April 1 – 2

Come experience and enjoy an eclectic mix of unique old world demonstrators, wild animals, antique camper and cars, Indian encampment, Civil War reenactors and much more all to the back drop of one of the Panhandle’s hidden gems. There will be many artists including a blacksmith, chainsaw wood carver, flint knappers and soap makers with a variety of homemade crafts, artwork and jewelry for sale. There will be plenty of live music, food and drinks and good old fashion fun for the whole family.  While...

Moonlight paddle at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park March 10

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a Moonlight Paddle on March 10, 2017 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Experience Campbell Lake on a ninety minute ranger guided paddling tour.  Participants must be experienced canoers/kayakers over 12 yrs old. Program is $40 per person.  Space is limited. Advanced online registration is required and can be done at www.topsailparkfriends.org.  Program fee includes watercraft rental, PFD, paddle, park admission fee, glow sticks, tram ride to Campbell Lake, hot chocolate and a donation...

Rocky Bayou State Park hosting fishing classes each Saturday in March

Date: Saturdays March 4, 11, 18, 25 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm Join Bass Pro Shops every Saturday during March of 2017 for a unique opportunity to take a fishing class at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. Participants please meet at the boat ramp at 8:00 am where we they demonstrate the proper techniques for using a cast net to catch bait. Afterwards, they will walk over to a nearby pavilion where there is a small strip of...

Learn about Florida black bears at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 2

Date/time: Monday, Jan. 2, 10 – 11 a.m. Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for a Living Bear Wise program on January 2, 2017 from 10 – 11 a.m. Come learn about the Florida black bears that call the park home. Black bears are the largest land mammal here in Florida as well as being a protected species. While you may not see them in the park during your visit you can definitely see evidence...

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...