Nature

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Take a guided nature walk at Grayton Beach State Park Feb. 26

On Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 10:00 a.m. join the Park Services Specialist at Grayton Beach State Park for “The Dunes are Alive” nature walk. Learn about the flora and fauna found in the sand dunes, and learn about the importance of the endangered Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse, and see the most photographed tree line on Scenic Hwy. 30-A. Participants will meet at the Grayton Beach State Park beach parking area. Appropriate clothing, closed toe shoes, drinking water is required. Insect repellant,...

Cold weather aids 2014 Florida State-wide manatee count

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a preliminary count of 4,831 manatees in Florida during this year’s statewide aerial survey, conducted in late January. Over two days (Jan. 24 and 27), a team of 20 observers from nine organizations counted 2,317 manatees on Florida’s east coast and 2,514 on the west coast of the state. The final numbers will be available following verification of survey data. “This year’s manatee count is the third highest we...

Beach nesting bird presentation at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 27

Did you know that beach-nesting birds such as snowy plovers, black skimmers, American oystercatchers and least terns lay their eggs on top of the sand, and raise their young on our local beaches? Chicks less than six inches tall can be seen feeding along dunes, coastal lakes and the tidal zones. Want to see it for yourself?  Dramatic courtship displays and the sight of adorable chicks taking their first steps await you in an amazing photo presentation on Feb. 27...

Learn about the gopher tortoise at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Feb. 7

Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to come learn about the state tortoise of Florida, the gopher tortoise. These animals play an important role in our local upland ecosystems, and can even be found out in the dunes of the park. The presentation will be given in the clubhouse; the park staff will direct you from the ranger station. $6.00 entry admission per vehicle. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W....

Black bear educational program at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 4

On Feb 4, at 10 a.m., Stan Kirkland, from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will present an educational program “Learning to Live with Black Bears.” Stan grew up in the Florida panhandle community of Sneads in Jackson County. He learned at an early age to fish and hunt by following his father. He attended Chipola Jr. College and then Auburn University, graduating in 1976 with a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Management. He’s worked with the FWC since 1976...

Plein Air art show at Northwest Florida State College Jan. 24 – Mar. 14

  The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) A+ Art Committee in partnership with Northwest Florida State College announces the fine art exhibit “Outdoor Magic” – A Plein Air Show.”  This show will be on display through March 14th at Northwest Florida State College South Walton campus. Plein Air is French for “outdoors.” Plein Air painters, working on location, seek to capture the specific light of a particular place and time.  Changing light and weather challenge the artist to...

Archeology for kids at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Feb. 1

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. What is an Archeologist?  The Biophilia teams up with Florida Public Archeology Network to bring you hands-on educational fun on Sat., Feb. 1. Special program at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with activities throughout the day including: • Create your own artifact • Cookie excavation • Sifting through history • Garbology-the study of trash • Cave painting • Learn to throw an atlatl ancient spear • Underwater archeology • Live animal ambassadors General Admission:...