Nature

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Invite migrating hummingbirds to your yard this fall

Invite a hummer to share your garden Hummingbirds live only in the Americas. Of the 338 species known, 16 are found in the United States and 3 occur in Florida. Black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds occasionally can be seen in Florida during the winter. The ruby-throated hummingbird is by far the most common hummer in the state. This feathered jewel is about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) long and weighs as little as a penny (¼ ounce). Its name describes the most...

Another loggerhead lays eggs in broad daylight

Loggerhead lays eggs near Stallworth Anthony and Sherry Head of South Walton Turtle Watch Group had a pleasant surprise in the early morning hours of Aug. 2. While walking the beach for the group, they came upon a mother turtle in the midst of laying her eggs. Thank you for sharing Anthony and Sherry. Click here to view all the 2009 turtle nests...

Walton County leaders seek grants for Natural Bridge Creek

DeFuniak Springs – Walton County Commissioners voted  July 28, to seek state grants to acquire and preserve a popular and historic recreation area in north Walton County called Natural Bridge Creek.  The natural spring-fed creek has been a local favorite for summer fun and recreation for generations and historically important for it’s natural limestone bridge....

Loggerhead turtle lays eggs in broad daylight

Typically, loggerhead turtles lay their eggs at night, but one special mother turtle decided that the morning hours of July 23 was her time. The loggerhead was discovered by a local beach goer, Ray Combs who called Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). FWC  then called South Walton Turtle Watch Group who were able to document the event, and mark her nest. The turtle was able to lay her eggs and return to the Gulf of Mexico without incident....

Railroad vines help protect South Walton beaches

Beautiful summer plant strengthens sand dunes Always a pleasant sight along our sand dunes, the beautiful blooming railroad vine is also an important protector of our sand dunes. As with the sea oats, the plant helps to stabilize the dunes by rooting at nodes all along its length, and is often planted for that purpose. Each flower opens only once, in the morning, but keep blooming almost all year long, peaking from May through November. The railroad vine is native...

Exhibit hall at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center nears completion

Designers work on finishing touches at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center The 28,500 sq. ft. E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is near completion as the designers put the finishing touches to the exhibition hall. Other features of the Center include multi-purpose classrooms, science labs, dioramas, and a 160-seat theater. In addition, visitors to the Center will have an opportunity to learn about the natural environment both indoors and out, along an extensive trail system .9-mile long, with a 610 ft. boardwalk that...