Nature

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Camellia and Art Fest at Eden Gardens State Park Feb. 23

Learn all about camellias Location: Eden Gardens State Park Sat. Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m Eden Gardens State Park and the Friends of Eden Gardens would like to invite everyone to the annual Camellia and Art Fest on Saturday, Febuary 23, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Festivities begin with talks being given on Camellia identification, air layering (propagation), and the general maintenance and pest control of Camellias.  Camellias, air layered from Eden plants, will be available from the...

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park to open in Crestview

Zoo remains open while improvements being made The folks at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) have had their hands full lately as they prepare to take possession of the Sasquatch Zoo in Crestview. What will be named Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park, ECWR hopes to bring a brighter future for the 104 animals currently residing at the zoo. Debbie Mattox and Bill Bitsche are the current owners.  In early 2012, the couple approached ECWR about purchasing the zoo as...

The ferocious ant lion is an ant bully

Doodlebug has a huge appetite By Jessica Therriault, FWC 
 Ever wonder what digs those cone-shaped indentations in sandy areas of your yard? It is an insect called an ant lion. The ant lion is neither an ant nor a lion. It is a harmless (to people) insect that looks more like a sci-fi movie monster than a real-life backyard critter. It has an appetite to match its ferocious appearance, and its name has everything to do with its favorite...

Learn about hummingbird banding at the Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6

Hummingbird lecture at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6 On February 6, Fred Bassett will present “Alabama and Florida Hummingbirds – A lot more than you might think.” The program will discuss ruby-throated hummingbirds in depth and introduce several western hummingbird species wintering in the Southeast and show how they are banded. Fred Bassett is a certified master bird bander who is president of Hummingbird Research, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of hummingbirds. He is a...

Eagles nest in South Walton and across the State of Florida

Florida’s eagle population now exceeds 4,000 birds each year Bald eagles have been spotted in several locations in South Walton and around the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is great news that these splendid raptors are making Walton County their nesting home. The bald eagle nesting season in Florida is defined as Oct. 1 through May 15. Based on the size of the pair of juvenile birds, I suspect these birds will take flight in the next six to eight weeks. What...

Major improvements on the way for three Holmes Creek landings

Restoration planned for Hightower, Spurling and Live Oak Landings Continuing its focus on water supply and natural resource protection, the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved an agreement of up to $200,000 with Washington County for a series of streambank restoration and protection activities along Holmes Creek. In a separate item, the Board also approved up to $235,845 in grant funding to the City of Blountstown to complete needed repairs and upgrades to its water distribution system....

Take a hike or paddle with the Florida Trail Association

Florida Trail Association in Northwest Florida Activities 2013 Activity Participants Please note: Contact the activity leader well in advance for more information and/or to reserve your place (space is limited.) Unless instructed otherwise by the activity leader, each participant should bring: day pack, plenty of water (recommended minimum, 2 quarts), sun protection (hat, glasses, screen), insect repellent, lunch and or snacks, adequate clothing for the forecast, and comfortable, sturdy close toed shoes with socks. Long pants, work gloves, and extra...

Camp Helen State Park history tour Jan. 5

Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Camp Helen State Park invites you to their history walk at Camp Helen State Park. Come learn about the early history of the park and local area while wandering on a guided tour around Camp Helen’s restored historical buildings. The history walk takes place the first Saturday of each month. Participation Requirements: • Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instruction independently or with the assistance of a...