Black titi (Cliftonia monophylla) is also known as the buckwheat tree.

Spring is officially in the air in Walton County!

The Black titi (Cliftonia monophylla) is also known as the buckwheat tree. Found common in our wetland areas, it is an evergreen shrub or small tree to 30 ft; smooth bark, gray to grayish-brown; simple alternate leaves, evergreen, short-stalked to sessile; flowers white to pinkish in short racemes, clustered; winged fruits.

Posted under Nature

Enjoy an award winning documentary and learn about keystone species

‘The Queen of Trees’ will be the featured documentary at the public forum sponsored by the South Walton Community Council on Wednesday, March 24, 2010.  The forum is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Seaside Repertory Theater located on the circle in Seaside. 

’The Queen of Trees’ explores the intimate relationship between a giant fig tree and a tiny fig wasp and the multitude of other species that are supported by this complex web of life. The film, two years in the making, has won numerous awards including a Peabody, the Grand Prize and the Public Choice Award at Telluride and the top prize for Best Documentary on Science or the Natural World at the Grierson British Documentary Awards. 

Following the 60 minute film will be a short discussion about the film and its relevance to our own keystone species, the scrub and longleaf communities.

 The presentation is free. Everyone is invited to attend.
This program is one of the monthly series of forums presented by SWCC to educate and entertain the community.

Posted under Nature

Walton County Earth Day Celebration and 5K run, fun for the entire family

April 17 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
5K run race starts at 8:00 a.m. with registration starting at 6:45 a.m.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Inc. invites everyone to their 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration in coordination with the 75th Florida State Park Anniversary. The University of Florida IFAS Extension Office along with several other participants in Walton County are coordinating the event for Walton County. Educational interactive displays, story tellers, cooking demonstrations, animal encounters, guided hiking tours along with local artists displaying and selling their work. Park at the Day-Use parking lot off of Hwy 30A or park and ride the shuttle from Van Ness Butler Elementary School. All donations from the event are given directly to the Friends of Topsail Hill to help enhance the interpretive and visitor service efforts at the park.  ::MAP::
Fees: Entrance fees to the park are waived for the day.
Contact: (850) 267-0299
Click here to download 5K run registration: Earth Day run form

Posted under Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, Trails/Hiking

Sheepshead illustration courtesy FWC.

Best fishing along the causeways

Redfish and sheepshead abundant along the 331 bridge, Mid-Bay Bridge and Destin bridge. Scattered reports of trout in the rivers. “Should get better if the weather holds,” said Danny Copeland of Copeland’s Gun Shop. Click here for  best times

The fishing report is brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click here to find out more about Copeland’s.

Copeland’s Gun Shop
17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S
Freeport, Florida 32439
(850) 835-4277

Posted under Fishing

Eden Gardens State park

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an Easter egg hunt

Eden Gardens State Park and the Friends of Eden Gardens would like to invite everyone to Easter at Eden. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. The Easter Bunny will be arriving at 1:00 p.m. and Egg Hunts will be open to children at 1:30 p.m. Volunteers to help with the egg hunt are always appreciated. The Friends of Eden will be helping to hide the eggs for the children as well as selling refreshments. Parking inside the park is some what limited. Donations to the Friends of Eden Gardens are welcome and appreciated. To volunteer or for additional information call the park office.
 Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to participants. 
Contact: (850) 267-8320 ::MAP::

Posted under Outdoor Family Fun, Parks

Learn about the different types of lighting that work best for sea turtles and people

The Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Extension Office, and the South Walton Turtle Watch are offering a 2-hour workshop on Wildlife Lighting along the beachfront. Participants will learn about threatened and endangered sea turtles that nest in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. They will also see how different types of lights affect the turtles, and what lights work best for sea turtles and people. In addition, the workshop will include examples of different lights appropriate for beachfront development, and how property owners and managers can change or install the lights. Assistance is available to help property owners and managers ensure the installation of Wildlife Lights. Wildlife Lighting certification exams will also be available upon request. This workshop is open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the South Walton Extension Office, 70 Logan Lane, in Grayton Beach, RSVP: 850-892-8172.
Read More…

Posted under Home/Garden

Have fun around the lake and enjoy some great exercise for you and your dog!

The Walton County Health Dept. is sponsoring its third annual “Healthy Floridians” dog walk around Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs on Sat. March 27 with free registration starting at 10 a.m.  Best Dressed Dog contest judging at 11:30 a.m.  Free frisbee and leash for first 50 dogs.  Rain date April 24th.  In recognition of Gov. Crist’s proclamation of March as “Healthy Floridians Month” to promote physical activity that reduces risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and obesity.
For more information, contact Shirley “Kat” Chaney, Walton County Health Dept. at (850) 892-8015 ext 1159

Posted under Outdoor Family Fun

Gentle feline looking for forever home

This fetching feline is Midge, a two and a half year old tabby.  Her white bib is a fitting frame for amazing amber eyes that compliment the golden highlights in her light tan coat.  Brought to Alaqua Animal Refuge as a kitten, Midge waits patiently for that special someone who would love to give her a forever home.  Quiet and gentle, she will make an excellent addition to any family or individual in search of just the right pet.  She is spayed and current on all her immunizations.

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill animal refuge, located on a 10 acre farm housing more than 300 animals daily, ranging from dog, cats, horses, goats and birds. Alaqua Animal Refuge relies on the kindness and generosity of its supporters.

If you would like to adopt Midge or any of the other available friends, contact Alaqua Animal Refuge at 850-880-6399 or go online at www.aarflorida.com.
914 Whitfield Road
Freeport, Florida 32439

Open Tuesday – Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Bring the family for a tour of the facility.

Posted under Home/Garden

Photo courtesy Sonia-Dorise Miller Sessum

Young blue-eyed deer spotted in Walton County

Sonia-Dorise Miller Sessum of Santa Rosa Beach snapped this photo recently of a blue-eyed deer.

“Last year there were three fawns born and about 4 weeks ago, I noticed that this boy had the most beautiful eyes….it really is striking,” said Sonia. Sonia continued to say that there are seven deer that live in her family’s neighborhood… “or rather we live in theirs,” Sonia quipped.

Posted under Nature

Florida Trail Association – Choctawhatchee and Western Gate Chapters

Activities March/April 2010

Courtesy http://choctaw.floridatrail.org

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 water are recommended for work hikes. Activity leaders may deny participation to anyone who is inadequately prepared.

The Western Gate Chapter (western area) and Choctawhatchee Chapter (eastern area) span a longitude difference greater than 80 miles. All activities are open to the public unless noted otherwise. Read More…

Posted under Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Trails/Hiking