northwest florida

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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...

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...

Keep your eyes to the sky for white pelicans migrating through Northwest Florida

By Stan Kirkland, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission One of the many benefits of living in the Florida panhandle and particularly near the coast is the vast variety of wildlife we often see. Daily, you’re apt to see bald eagles, ospreys, fox squirrels, black bears, wild turkeys, deer and numerous other species. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. One species you may miss that’s migrating through our area now are white pelicans. Just...