Katahdin sheep at the R&R Ranch. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

R&R Ranch in Gaskin raises grass fed Katahdin sheep

As many folks are searching more to find locally produced, healthier food, it is a reassuring to know Walton County residents have several local farms providing quality produce.

One such local farm that takes a natural approach is the R&R Ranch. Tucked away in the small country community of Gaskin, the ranch is owned and operated by Ronald and Rosemary Prokop.

The 43-acre farm specializes in raising grass fed Katahdin sheep; a breed that is woolless, easy to care for and naturally tolerant of climatic extremes.

The Prokops focus on feeding quality, natural ingredients to their flock. Using no growth hormones or steroids, the flock feeds on all natural forage grasses and legumes including rye, oats and wheat clover in the winter; and Bahiagrass, Bermuda grass, brown top millet, iron and clay cowpeas, deer vetch, Alice White clover, forage soybean, and deer plot sorghum in the summer months. The flock is also supplemented with mineral rich sea salt Sea90 and blackstrap molasses. Read More…

Posted under Home/Garden

Sweet gal likes to do the fox trot

Trixie is an approximate 5 year and 3 month chow chow mix. She only has one eye, but is very sweet and lovable. She loves to run and play with you and other dogs. She thinks that she’s part fox as you can see she’s doing her fox trot for you.

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 Trixie 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

Shy sweet pup looking for forever home

Buck Shot is an approximate 2 year old neutered black Labrador mix. He is a little shy at first, but a sweet boy looking for his forever home.

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 Buck Shot 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

Bridge construction to close road through Mar. 14

Beginning Mar. 1 – 14 (pending weather), motorists in South Walton County should be advised to seek an alternate route when driving on County Road 30A at Big Redfish Lake as construction work will be taking place at the Big Redfish Lake pedestrian bridge.

During this two-week period, the closure is in effect from 7a.m. – 7 p.m (Monday thru Saturday). All vehicle and pedestrian traffic will not be permitted during that time. Through traffic will be detoured to U.S. Hwy 98 via County Road 83 and County Road 283. Please address any questions or concerns to Nolan Baker at CDG Engineers & Associates (850-892-0225), 630 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.

Posted under Home/Garden

2009 commerical winner, Topsail Hill State Preserve butterfly garden.

Residential and commercial gardens encouraged to enter

The Green Thumb Garden Club of Santa Rosa Beach will be hosting The American Pride Landscape Competition” for residential and commercial gardens, starting Mar. 26 – Apr. 26.

Each year, the club encourages people to enhance their surroundings, and also recognizes those who have put the time and effort into beautifying their homes and businesses.  No garden is too small or too big to be included.  The club’s competition includes patios, sun decks, shade gardens, container gardens, water gardens, wildflower and native gardens.

The competition promotes gardening excellence in South Walton County and recognizes community residents and local businesses whose landscape designs create aesthetic and functional garden that is attractive and enhances the beauty of our area.  Anyone residing in Walton County south of SR 20 in Walton County is eligible to participate.  If you or someone you know has an eye-catching and garden, the Green Thumb Garden Club would like to know.  Read More…

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SANTA ROSA BEACH –The Florida Park Service will be conducting a 25 acre prescribed burn today, February 23, 2010, at the 4-Mile Village, Coffeen Nature Preserve.  The burn will take place today between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Due to the prevailing wind direction out of the west, smoke will be visible in areas of South Walton and will drift to the east.   As always, the South Walton Fire District is monitoring the conditions. If you encounter smoke on any roads, you are encouraged to please slow down and use caution.

It is anticipated that the smoke will dissipate once the burns have been completed

The Florida Park Service may be contacted at 850-217-5738 with any questions you may have.

Posted under Home/Garden

Master Naturalist Snookie Parrish will present ‘Landscaping for Florida Friendly Yards’

Snookie Parrish is no stranger in South Walton.  She has helped to design and maintain the landscape of two major developments in the area as well as many private homes.  She has a profound respect for Mother Nature and is always willing to share her knowledge.

For the club’s meeting Snookie’s presentation is entitled ‘Landscaping for Florida Friendly Yards.’

The meeting and lunch will be held at Eden Garden State Park and starts at 10 a.m. The cost for meeting and lunch is $18 for members and $23 for non members.  Reservations are required, contact Georgeen Newell, Seagrove Garden Club Publicity Chair 916-316-6820 or Tricia Sloan, Seagrove Garden Club President 850-835-9870.

The club also offers trips outside of the area to view other gardens or special events.  If you would like to attend a meeting or would like more information on membership please contact Shari Roberts, Membership Chair, at 267-9586.

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Smart girl looking for forever home

Lilly is an approximate 1 and ½-year-old spayed Coon Hound mix. She has a tan and black coat. She is a very energetic, sweet, a very smart girl indeed, and needs a huge fenced in yard for lots of room to run. She is looking for her forever home.

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 Lilly 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

Learn the basics of raising and maintaining chickens in your backyard

Twin Oaks Farm in Bonifay is hosting an organic poultry workshop on Mar. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mar. 21.

Learn how to raise chicks from brooding to egg laying hens the organic way.
We will cover housing, brooding, watering, feeding and free roaming.

Available for purchase:
3 week-old certified organic Rhode Island Red chicks.
USDA certified organic feed without soy and everything you will need to leave the workshop and start raising your own.

Limited enrollment. Workshop rain or shine. Gift certificate available. No refunds, credit for products only.
To register, contact via email: renee@twinoaksfarm.net
Twin Oaks Farm is located at:
3207 Creek Road
Bonifay FL 32425
$35 per person includes workshop packet and light lunch.

Posted under Home/Garden

Cute guy looking for love

Blaze is a 2 and 3 months old neutered Pug Mix. He is light brownish red with a white chest and white tips on his feet. He is a cutie for sure. We are looking for our forever home where we can be the center of attention.

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 Blaze 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 brand new facility located on 10 acres of farm land.

Posted under Home/Garden