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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...

Portuguese man-of-war can pack a powerful punch

Don’t touch or come in contact with the blue “bubbles” that wash on shore Many interesting things wash ashore along the beaches of South Walton. Often we find interesting creatures within the beach wrack and the tide often washes in beautiful seashells. However, there is one creature, the Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis), also known as man-of-war, or bluebottle that is not a fun critter to come in contact with. Although spectacular to behold with its blue “bubble,” it...

FWC approves 70-day recreational red snapper season in Gulf state waters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a 70-day recreational red snapper season for Gulf state waters at the April 16 meeting in Tallahassee. Red snapper is a popular species that has a strong economic impact for many coastal communities throughout Florida. The 2015 season will start the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 23) and run through July 12, resume for all of Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7) and finish with Saturdays and Sundays throughout the rest of...

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance offering invasive plant removal in South Walton

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Longleaf Alliance will begin the second year of the Habitat Rx invasive plant removal program in South Walton County. The program is designed for interested property owners who wish to improve local habitat and restore plant and animal biodiversity. Invasive plants disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems by out-competing beneficial native plants, diminishing biodiversity, and reducing food sources and...

Learn surf fishing at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park June 5

Date/time: Friday June 5th, 1 – 2:30 pm Surf fishing is a popular sport along the beaches of Topsail Hill. This program will teach you what types of bait will work, what times of year certain fish can be caught, and common fish you can catch from the beach. Fishing gear is optional, the park has fishing gear. This program will take place at the Beach Access, park in the Day Use parking area and catch the 1:00pm Tram to...

World Turtle Day event at South Walton County Coastal Branch Library May 19

Date/time: May 19, 4 p.m. Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles an all-volunteer nonprofit group is kicking off efforts to meet their mission of sea turtle conservation through awareness and education with a special event to celebrate World Turtle Day at the South Walton County Coastal Branch Library on May 19th. World Turtle Day is celebrated around the globe on May 23 each year. Sponsored since 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue to bring attention to and increase knowledge about and...

Forest Service to restore 85 acres in Point Washington State Forest

The Florida Forest Service is in the process of restoring a historical, native Longleaf Pine (Pinus Palustris) ecosystem within Point Washington State Forest.  Initially, this will involve the complete removal of off-site Sand Pine (Pinus Clausa) on 85 acres.  A timber harvest operation will serve to accomplish this objective. Due to fire suppression and harvesting of the longleaf legacy canopy prior to the creation of Point Washington State Forest, the area has been invaded by Sand Pine. With minimal sunlight...

South Walton pioneer C.H. McGee known as Mr. Seagrove

By Carol McCrite Note: This story was originally published in the historical book The Way We Were – Recollections of South Walton Pioneers by South Walton Three Arts Alliance. Republished with permission. “Seagrove Beach – Where Nature Did Its Best.” C.H. McGee, Sr. (known to friends as McGee) coined the phrase to describe his personal feelings about the magnificent piece of gulf front land he purchased from J.R. Moody in 1949. The 18-month campaign to acquire 160 acres of pristine...