Nature

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Guided kayak tour of Rocky Bayou March 24

Date/time: Friday March 24, 9 – 11 a.m. Join a Park Ranger for a unique opportunity to paddle Rocky Bayou. The paddle will go along the shoreline of Rocky Bayou to Rocky Creek and back to the park. Rocky Bayou is a fresh to brackish water system supporting a large variety of fish and shellfish, including the federally endangered Okaloosa darter. Osprey and bald eagles are known to nest within the area. Osprey in particular are often sighted by campers,...

Learn about basic land navigation at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park March 11

Date/time: Sat., March 11, 10-11 a.m. Join special guest speaker Chris Mize on a ranger led hike at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. Chris will use his experience from serving in the Army Light Infantry to help give introductory map reading tips and land navigation techniques to help you be better prepared for your next wildland outing. Whether you like to hike cross country, take overnight backpacking trips, or want to know what to do if you lose track of your...

Learn about life in St. Andrew Bay Feb. 16

What Lies Beneath? Weird, huge, tiny, delicious, poisonous, squiggly, puffy, sleek, beautiful, and sometimes downright ugly, a huge array of interesting creatures live beneath the surface of our magnificent St. Andrew Bay. The Friends of St. Andrews State Park will be hosting a talk by marine biologist Stephen Theberge on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Theberge will talk about the amazing diversity of life in St. Andrew Bay and offer suggestions on how we can help protect the...

Full moon paddle at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Feb. 10

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a Full Moon Paddle on February 10, 2017 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Experience Campbell Lake on a ninety minute Ranger guided paddling tour.  Participants must be experienced canoers/kayakers over 12 yrs old. Program is $40 per person.  Space is limited. Advanced online registration is required and can be done at www.topsailparkfriends.org.  Program fee includes watercraft rental (no outside vessels permitted), park admission fee, glow sticks, tram ride to Campbell Lake, hot chocolate...

Prescribed fire benefits Walton forests

Ever wonder why Forestry Service and our State parks set fire to the forest? With more than 20,000 acres of managed forest in South Walton, it’s important to know the answer to the burning question. The answer is quite simple – to preserve a healthy environment. Not only does the wildlife thrive after a burn, the forest floor rejuvenates to a proper natural balance. Many of Florida’s ecosystems such as longleaf pine sandhills, flatwoods and sand pine scrub cannot survive...

Explore a scenic hike between the springs on Econfina Creek

NOTE: Many of the recreation areas on Econfina Creek are currently closed due to hurricane damage. Call Northwest Florida Water Management District for specifics at (850) 539-5999. Econfina Creek Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s perfect destination. Paddling, hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting within 41,363 acres of public land managed by Northwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The area is chock full of exceptional spaces for families to enjoy a day exploring. One...

Learn about alligators at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 19

Date/time: January 19, 3 p.m. These formidable creatures were once hunted to near extinction, but have made an incredible recovery. Come learn the full history of Florida’s most famous reptile at this informative slideshow presentation. Learn about the American Alligators who call our Coastal Dune Lakes home. Includes a walk to No Name Lake. Meets at Tram Stop #1. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A,...