A peaceful journey for nature lovers awaits at the Shoal Sanctuary
Trails, sculptures and serenity await the nature lover in Mossy Head
Tucked away off the beaten path in north Walton County there is a unique outdoor experience for nature lovers called the Shoal Sanctuary.
Located on 50 acres of trails, sculptures and serene vistas, proprietors Robert and Chris Larson welcome visitors to their retreat dedicated to sharing the beauty of the outdoor experience and appreciation of Mother Nature’s gifts.
Recorded history dates back to the 1830s. The property is believed to of been along the path of the “Trail Of Tears.” After the U.S. government’s “Indian Removal Act,” Cherokee, Seminole, Creek, Timuquan, Muskhogean, and Apalachee were forced migrate west, and lore sites a leg of that journey along the old Indian footpath now called Crowder Chapel Road near the retreat. Local Native Americans have said that Shoal Sanctuary was once a ceremonial gathering place. Click here to continue
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Seacrest Wolf Preserve provides safe haven for displaced gray wolves and an experience not easily forgotten
Mystic, a British Columbian alpha female wolf. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Cynthia Watkins, owner of the Seacrest Wolf Preserve has been fond of animals as long as she can remember. A show breeder of Siberian Huskies early on in her career, she became interested in the conservation of wolves in the 1980s. In 1995, Cynthia became involved with the Yellowstone National Park Wolf Reintroduction Program where she experienced her first physical contact with a wolf.
“The experience stoked the fire of conservation in my heart,” Cynthia said beaming with enthusiasm for the animals.
What started off as a small conservation effort in 1999, Cynthia and her husband Wayne now care for 25 pure gray wolves along with several other animals at their preserve.
The primary goal of the Seacrest Wolf Preserve is to provide a safe, humane habitat for displaced wolves. Their interpretive educates visitors on their beauty, intelligence and importance of the animal’s role as a keystone species in their natural environment. Click here to continue
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Local guide provides ecotours of area lakes, bayous and creeks on stand up paddle boards
Justin Nichols leads a tour on Lake Powell.
Locals and visitors to the Walton County area have a fun, new approach to exploring the local waterways. Local resident and outdoor enthusiast, Justin Nichols offers guided nature tours around area coastal dune lakes, bayous and creeks on YOLO stand up paddle boards.
After leaving the confines of a high stress job a few years ago, Justin has found his passion – exploring the natural beauty of the area on his YOLO board.
Originally from Enterprise, Ala., Justin grew up spending most every weekend with his family fishing, sailing and diving around Lake Powell. Justin is a now permanent resident, and enjoys giving tours and sharing his knowledge of the local waters.
Read More…
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Into The Wild Eco Diversions offer unique nature adventures
Explore some of the many creeks and tributaries in a kayak with Into The Wild Eco Diversions.
Into the Wild Eco-Diversions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida offers a unique guide service accommodating anyone looking to explore nature in the Florida Panhandle. With such a vast amount of natural beauty in the area, ITW offers the opportunity to experience it all with the unique variety of platforms – biking, hiking, kayaking and sailing.
ITW’s concept is to bring people closer to the natural world, as the content of the tours are interpretive discussions on the ecosystems, history and current events affecting our environment. The trips range from 2-4 hours and vary from easy to strenuous. Longer outings can be scheduled and can be customized to an individual’s preference. Read More…
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Go Native Tours with Snookie offers locals and visitors educational tours of natural habitats
Snookie Parrish explains local flora in Point Washington State Forest.
Local Florida Master Gardener and Master Naturalist, Snookie Parrish has a passion for nature and the outdoors. As one of the most recent additions to the Walton County Tourist Development Council’s list of certified nature outfitters, Snookie is now sharing her love of nature by offering guided tours. Appropriately named Go Native Tours with Snookie, she provides interpretive hiking, biking and walking tours in Walton County, where outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore natural habitats as she identifies plants and trees indigenous to the area.
Originally from Selma, Alabama, Snookie grew up fortunate enough to have both her grandmothers share with her their love of flower and vegetable gardening.
“I spent many days bent over in the summer heat helping my grandmother plant, harvest and can her vegetable crops to insure the family ate fresh all winter That was ‘eating local’ at its finest,” Snookie quipped as she explained her first appreciation for eating local food. Read More…
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Nothing better than a rope swing into 68 degree clear water on a hot summer's day.
Morrison Springs offers spectacular scenery both above and below the water line
Nothing better than a rope swing into 68 degree clear water on a hot summer's day.
Walton County offers many places to explore. In the summertime, the one that can’t be beat is Morrison Springs in the Northeastern part of the county.
Just south of Ponce De Leon, the 161-acre park is well known in the area, and popular with divers and nature enthusiasts across the south. Cypress trees abound around the spring with their crisp, bright green needles defining the landscape. The spring provides an aqua color inviting everyone in for a dip. Click here to continue
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Enjoy fern-covered ancient sinkholes at Falling Waters State Park
Fourteen different species of fern can be disovered at Falling Waters State Park.
Depending on what time of year you visit Falling Waters State Park, you may or may not view a cascading waterfall into a 100-foot deep ancient sinkhole, as the waterfall is dependent on the ground seepage from rainfall.
However, if you are a nature lover, don’t let the lack of a waterfall deter your interest in visiting this 173-acre State Park, as the geological wonders of the gigantic sinkholes are perhaps the most interesting feature this park provides. Click here to continue
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Explore the Mitchell River and Black Creek
Cypress and juniper trees along with saw palmetto line the banks of the Mitchell River.
Accessible from either the Choctawhatchee Bay or one of several boat ramps off of CR 3280 such as Black Creek Lodge, Black Creek and the Mitchell River are two waterways that offer the perfect opportunity to explore nature, fish or bird watch.
A large variety of flowers bloom along the banks during the spring and summer, and include such species as spider lilies, pickerelweed, water lilies and trumpet creepers.
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A beautiful walk awaits you in South Walton
at Deer Lake State Park
at Deer Lake State Park
Tucked away along Scenic Highway 30A, just west of WaterSound, this spectacular gem of a State Park offers park goers a look at intact ancient sand dunes and vast ecosystems.
An elevated walkway guides you through a small wooded area, to the rolling dunes, then down to the Gulf of Mexico. Once on the beach, you can take a walk to the west, and discover the park’s namesake, a rare coastal dune lake that empties into the Gulf. Click here to continue
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Paddle, hike, picnic and bird watch at Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, known by most as Rocky Bayou State Park sets nestled along State Road 20 in Niceville along Rocky Bayou. The park boasts 357 acres of wooded walking trails of sand pine scrub, longleaf pine, sand hill forests, pine flat woods and wetlands. Click to continue
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St. Joesph Bay a perfect habitat for birds, turtles and scallops.
Rustic and diverse St. Joseph State Park a favorite for summertime scalloping
St. Joesph Bay a perfect habitat for birds, turtles and scallops.
At the north end of the 17-mile St. Joseph Peninsula, just past Cape San Blas, you will find a unique Florida State Park with 6 miles of pristine beaches nestled along enormous sand dunes.
Properly known as the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, folks call this popular State Park St. Joseph Park for short. Click here to continue
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Turkey Creek paddle full of beautiful surprises
Swift and clear, Turkey Creek brings lots of paddling action. Lori Ceier/WaltonOutdoors.com
Located on Eglin AFB Reservation, just off of SR 85, the Turkey Creek paddle is approximately 9 miles long.
Swift and clear, the first two thirds of the paddle is tight, as the creek is only about 25 ft. wide, full of logs and sandy, shallow bottoms. Trees hang over the water, providing good shade and cool water for the journey.
About 5 miles into the paddle, Turkey Creek joins with Juniper Creek where it widens, and eventually empties into Boggy Bayou in Valparaiso, just west of Niceville. Click here to continue
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A delightful journey to Grayton Beach State Park
Those that live in the Florida Panhandle are blessed with the diversity and natural beauty of our local State parks, and one of those beauties is Grayton Beach State Park.
Nestled on both the south and north of Scenic 30A, I had forgotten how lovely the park was, until I re-examined it again recently with my own personal tour guide, Patrick Hartsfield, Park Service Specialist.
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Ponce De Leon State Park offers a perfect place for a picnic and a cool swim
Just outside the Walton County line is one of the coolest places to take a dip in a spring, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. As the water stays a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, both locals and visitors enjoy this nature-made swimming pool, which is a convergence of two underground water flows, producing 14 million gallons of water daily.
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A journey to the Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve
A band of Rustafarians greet visitors at Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve. Lori Ceier/WaltonOutdoors.com
Up in the Northern part of Walton County sits an extraordinary and interesting place called the Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve. What a great morning I had off the beaten path, exploring living things, rusted things, and eco-friendly methods of laying the deceased to rest. Where else can you find a bamboo farm, Rustaphorian sculptures, a chufa farmer and a green burial ground?
John Wilkerson, along with his brother Bill and John’s better half, Barbara run the Preserve, and offer the only green burial option available in Northwest Florida. Not only can you acquire this eco-friendly option, the Wilkerson’s offer what John calls “the perfect eco coup.”
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Activity fills Eden Gardens State Park on the first day of spring
One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park.
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Brandan Babineaux atop a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. Photo courtesy Stacy Hamilton
Local couple explore trail in Bristol, Florida
Brandan Babineaux atop a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. Photo courtesy Stacy Hamilton
The state of Florida has some of the most unique geological features in the entire south. From the most familiar beaches to the many crystal clear rivers, a little homework, and a willingness to wander off the beaten path can result in a pleasant reward for the outdoor adventurer.
One of these areas is known as the Garden of Eden trail. This hidden gem sits just North of highway 20 in Bristol Florida. The Garden of Eden trail is maintained by the Florida Nature Conservancy. According to their website, their mission is to “preserve the plants animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the land and waters they need to survive.”
The 3.5 mile loop trail is one of the most surprisingly beautiful hikes I’ve experienced in the state so far. Local legend claims that this was the original Garden of Eden and after leaving the trailhead it’s easy to understand why. The trail transforms from longleaf pine upland to a thick forest reminiscent of the Appalachian Mountains.
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An alligator patiently waits for lunch along the Tamiami Trail. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
An alligator patiently waits for lunch along the Tamiami Trail. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
A look at wildlife along Tamiami Trail and Key West
I decided this Christmas that I would take a short break for a few days and head south to see family and friends. With family in Key West, and good friends in Sarasota, the two visits were the perfect reason for a journey.
With my cameras packed and enough time to take my time, I took the long road, and headed across U.S. Hwy. 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, stopping along the Big Cypress National Preserve to take in a bit of the local wildlife.
Along the Trail there was an abundance of alligators and birds including storks, ibis, herons, egrets, cormorants and anhingas. A fascinating treat for any nature lover, the Everglades is a sure bet to be chock full of wildlife.
There are several state and federal parks along the way that offer a closer look at the indigenous life in the area. The Trail also has many roadside attractions including airboat ride opportunities and, the infamous Skunk Ape Research Headquarters (don’t bite the $3 entrance fee on that one, everything there you can see for free along the Trail).
The Tamiami Trail is a must for anyone who has never ventured through this part of Florida and viewed the beauty of the Everglades.
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Photo courtesy Brandan Babineax.
Local shares bike ride of Cassine Gardens trail
Photo courtesy Brandan Babineax.
Brandan Babineaux of Santa Rosa Beach must of been good this year, as Santa brought him a new helmet cam for Christmas. Brandan took it out for a test run along the trail at Cassine Gardens in Seagrove Beach and shares his ride.
Climbing trees a rewarding experience for two locals
A view of Bowman Bayou from treetop. Photo courtesy Brandan Babineaux
When I was a child, tree climbing was a normal activity like baseball or riding a bike. It was not unusual to see a classmate wearing an arm cast as the result of a vertical expedition gone wrong. We built tree houses, explored the branches and rigged ropes in trees that we salvaged from the riverbank to make swings. Trees were large and strong and no one ever seemed to question why anyone would be in a tree in the first place.
I grew up just outside of New Orleans where the Mississippi River dispersed rich, silt- laden sediments that nourished huge live oak trees, pecans, willows and cypress. Large trees were plentiful and easy to find. Although exploring the woods was an adventure within itself, finding a climbing tree was as easy as walking to the vacant lot next door. It seemed that some trees were born to be climbed, begging for someone to explore the branches that doubled as rungs into the sky.
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Share the beauty of Morrison Springs
The cypress trees at Morrison Springs cast a golden-brown hue
on the crystal-clear water of Morrison Springs.
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Take a walk through the woods to a beautiful beach
A trail to the beach at Camp Helen. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
I was hesitant to share my most favorite place to venture, a little bit selfish in a way, wanting to keep this “secret” treasure all to myself. However, the beauty of Camp Helen State Park should be shared and appreciated by everyone wanting to experience the splendor of the area’s biodiversity.
My friend Sherry McCall and I always look forward to enjoying Camp Helen. We both agree, there is no better place to spend a gorgeous morning.
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Burrowing owls call Eglin Air Force Base home
Owl on hand-crafted perch made by volunteers. Photo courtesy Lenny Fenimore/Program Manager
Growing up in South Florida, I would often find burrowing owls in the fields and pastures I explored. These little guys were a fairly common sight down south, with habitats in close proximity to urban areas.
However, for a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) colony to exist in Northwest Florida, well… is quite extraordinary. The Eglin Range area is the only place the birds reside in the Florida Panhandle – with the nearest area of known burrowing owl population to be near Lake City, Florida.
An encounter with a living dinosaur
Brad Smith, a biologist with the Audubon Coastal Bird Conservation Program; Bud Casey, a volunteer from Freeport; Frank Parauka, Fishery Biologist with the the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
It’s not often one gets a chance to encounter a prehistoric creature. So when the opportunity arose to meet a fish with an ancestry that dates back 200 million years, well, I couldn’t pass.
Through Nov. 7, The Panama City Field Office of the Fish & Wildlife Service is conducting a Gulf sturgeon fish population census on the Choctawhatchee River.
I contacted Frank Parauka, Fishery Biologist with the FWS, and he was gracious enough to allow me to tag along on a tagging.
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A journey into the Choctawhatchee River
As usual, eager to experience something new, I was on time as I headed into Point Washington to meet Kent Mundy of Wetland Wilderness Adventures for my next journey.
As I arrived at the north end of CR 395, Kent had his boat prepped and in the water at the Tucker Bayou boat ramp.
“I’m always early and ready to go,” he said.
We headed out, and in a few minutes, Kent was navigating down the narrow waterways into the Bunker Creek area.
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Take a journey into an old growth swamp forest at Tilley Landing
Lost Lake at Tilley Landing. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Driving down the sloping gravel road, I felt the temperature drop slightly, and soon noticed the changes in the flora as I ventured into the swamp forest of the Choctawhatchee River Basin.
About 1.7 miles down, I felt a bit like Alice in Wonderland as she tumbled down the rabbit hole.
I finally arrived at the end of the road to Lost Lake; an oxbow-shaped lake filled with old-growth cypress trees and murky calm water. So quiet and peaceful, this place appeared frozen in time.
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This post was written by walton outdoors on January 7, 2010
