Nature

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Explore the beautiful paddling trails of Eglin Air Force Base recreation area

Northwest Florida offers and abundance of spectacular recreation opportunities. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear springs, and what seem as though never-ending hiking trails, there are natural areas to please any outdoor enthusiast. One such area off the beaten path is Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. Spanning across Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, Eglin offers 250,000 acres conditionally open to the public for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hunting, and paddling. However, you must acquire a recreation permit to enjoy the many...

Twists and turns keep you paddling on Turkey Creek

Turkey Creek paddle full of beautiful surprises One of Northwest Florida’s most scenic waterways is the narrow, seepage spring fed Turkey Creek just west of Niceville. Located on Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, just off of SR 85, Turkey Creek meanders through the Reservation offering a challenging and beautiful paddle approximately 9 miles long. Swift and clear, the first two thirds of the paddle is tight, filled with twists and turns, and beautiful vistas as you maneuver the waterway. Trees...

Plant hike at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park June 22

Date/time: Wednesday June 22, 9-10 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to enjoy an informational plant hike. Visitors will learn about some of the plant species here at the park. Some of these plants are truly invasive and carry with them, few, if any, of the natural controls that keep them in check in their native ranges, while some are imperiled and others can be used for medicinal purposes. The topics for the hike will vary based on...

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center offering summer hours and camps

Summertime fun is gearing up at the E.O.Wilson Biophilia Center on Thursdays and Fridays. The Center is also offering summer camps. Hours: June and July: Thursdays and Fridays: 9:00 am -2:00 pm General Admission: Adults (ages 13 +): $8.00 Children (ages 3-12) $5.00 Children 2 and under Free BIO-MEMBERS receive 50% Discount on admission Schedule of Events (subject to change) 9:30 am Eagle feeding/talk 10:00-11:00 am Meet and greet with Biophilia animals *Various animals make an appearance in the exhibit...

Co-existing with Florida’s beach-nesting birds

Be watchful and respectful of all nesting wildlife, it’s a matter of survival While we all enjoy the beautiful beaches of Northwest Florida, it is important to remember that we share the beach with nesting shorebirds. While you are at the beach, please remember to be respectful of wildlife. Their survival depends on you! Frequent disturbances of birds on the beach, especially disturbances that cause birds to take flight, may threaten their survival. Many species of Florida’s water birds, including...

Stargazing at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park April 30

Date/time: Sat., April 30 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Join the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association for Topsail under the stars event. Come to Topsail and visit with local astronomers to learn about the stars and constellations above Topsail Hill Preserve. Enter the park through the main gate and park staff will direct you where to go, there is a $6.00 state park entry fee. Outside tours cancelled during severe weather. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W....