Nature

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Portuguese man-of-war can pack a powerful punch

Don’t touch or come in contact with the blue “bubbles” that wash on shore Many interesting things wash ashore along the beaches of South Walton. Often we find interesting creatures within the beach wrack and the tide often washes in beautiful seashells. However, there is one creature, the Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis), also known as man-of-war, or bluebottle that is not a fun critter to come in contact with. Although spectacular to behold with its blue “bubble,” it...

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...

Christmas greetings from Walton Outdoors

Warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas Walton Outdoors would like to thank all of our readers for sharing and exploring the wonders of the outdoors this year. Peace and harmony to you and yours this holiday season. We look forward to sharing exciting new adventures in the coming year.  ...

Happy winter solstice

December 21, 2016 Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, on the day of the December solstice, the Southern Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest night. This special day is Wed., Dec. 21 at 4:44 a.m. No matter where you live on Earth’s globe, a solstice is your signal to celebrate. What is a solstice? The earliest people...

Choctawhatchee River Section of the Florida National Scenic Trail now open

Dec. 14, 2016 – Tom Daniel, Trail Coordinator for the Choctawhatchee Chapter, Florida Trail Association has announced a new section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) in Walton County is now open. “Our volunteers have been working on this Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) segment since 2009. The recent completion of the 245 foot boardwalk at Cypress Creek allows us to finally open the trail.  The boardwalk permits hikers to safely cross until the Choctawhatchee River reaches flood stage...

Learn about the Florida black bear at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Nov.17

Time: 9 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to enjoy an informational program about the Florida black bear. Florida black bears are the largest land mammals in the state. Loss of large forested lands and swamps is the biggest challenge to long-term conservation of the Florida black bear; especially in a growing state of nearly 20 million people. Enter the park through the main gate and park staff will direct you to the clubhouse. Park admission is $6...

Wings Over Florida birding hike at Blackwater Fisheries Research Nov. 5

Date/time: Saturday, Nov. 5, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail coordinator Whitney Gray and Wings Over Florida coordinator Andy Wraithmell for a hike around the wonderful birding trail site at Blackwater Fisheries Research. You will walk the dikes between the aquaculture ponds, looking for wintering wildfowl such as Ring-necked Duck and Blue-winged Teal. Wilson’s Snipe feed along the muddy edges. Bachman’s Sparrows and Brown-headed Nuthatches are fairly common and Henslow’s Sparrow has been recorded in...

Learn about owls at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Sept. 29

Date/time: Thurs., Sept. 29 – 9 – 10 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to enjoy an information program about “Owls” and their place in the food web. For this program you will learn how to examine the roles owls play in the food web by dissecting owl pellets. Enter the park through the main gate and park staff will direct you to the clubhouse. Standard state park entry fees will apply. $6.00 entry fee to the park...