florida state parks

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Beautiful shades of blue lupine in South Walton

The sand dunes along the beaches in the area are dolloped in blue lupine. The gulf coast lupine (Lupinus westianus) is threatened and endemic to Florida. Their habitats are sand hills, scrubs and coastal dunes. Some say that this rare perennial shrub is only found in a few counties with Walton fortunate enough to be one. Early explorers to the panhandle did see Blue Mountain covered in Lupine and gave it the affectionate name that we now call it, even...

Earth Day at Topsail spelled fun for kids

Kids have fun learning at Earth Day celebration Lots of activities entertained and educated children on Saturday Apr. 18 as folks celebrated Earth Day at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. There were booths and programs that included storytellers, puppet shows, book readings and music. Nonie Maines of  Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters educates the children on frogs. Nonie hosts “EVEntuers” and animal encounter parties. To learn more about Nonie’s Ark, go to noniesark.com. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hosted bird...

In search of the elusive beach mouse

FWC and DEP partner to study beach mice population The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the State Park division of the Department of Environmental Protection have teamed up to study beach mouse population at the state parks in Walton County. Patrick Hartsfield, Park Service Specialist at Grayton Beach State Park, along with Dan Greene, Wildlife Biologist with FWC, have been working together to monitor the mouse population at Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park. Specially...

Spring boasts flowers and improvements at Eden Gardens State Park

Activity fills the park on the first day of spring One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park. On the first day of spring, the park is full of colorful azaleas in bloom. Bees are buzzing, the water fountains trickling and...

Camellias blooming at Eden

Flowers displaying brilliant color The camellias a popping out in bloom at Eden Gardens State Park in Point Washington. Plants are available for purchase at the State park from The Friends of Eden. On Feb. 11, the Seagrove Garden Club will meet at Eden Gardens State Park to enjoy the blooming camellias. The meeting will feature an expert on the flower, then lunch will follow in the Pavilion. Call Sharon Jenkins 850-231-3584 for more info. Eden Gardens State Park is...