Join the South Walton Community Council for a fun weekend of nature based activities Oct. 15-17. The Back to Nature Festival offers visitors and locals an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Walton County.
Kayak the dune lakes, take a river safari, go on an ecology walk, or bring the family to Seaside for a day of family fun.
Most events are about two hours long and cost $10 unless otherwise noted. Events will be closed after maximum participant limits are reached so register early! Registration will begin in mid-September. To register, Click here
Friday, Oct. 15
6 p.m. – Welcome Night at Bud and Alley’s - Come to the welcome night for the 9th Annual Back to Nature Festival at Bud and Alley’s Restaurant in Seaside! Enjoy a strolling dinner with complimentary house selected wine or beer and cash bar. You will have the opportunity to meet event leaders and fellow nature enthusiasts, register for events, and preview selected items for our silent auction to be held on Saturday. All proceeds from the silent auction and a percentage of proceeds from the strolling dinner go to benefit the mission of the SWCC, to preserve and protect our natural environment. $25 per person.::MAP::Read More…
Bring your snorkeling gear and explore Cypress Spring. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Take a short paddle to a cool spring
Don’t have all day but interested in finding a great place to cool off? Head up to Vernon and take a short paddle up to Cypress Spring from Culpepper Landing for a refreshing dip in a magnitude 2 spring.
The paddle upstream is approximately .75 mile and moderate as the Holmes Creek has a fairly slow current in this area. You will see the spring run’s clear water on the left. Paddle a short distance and you will have arrived at Cypress Spring. The spring run is full of native water plants including spatterdock and pickerelweed. Turtles and fish are abundant as well.
The spring is located on private property so paddling or boating is the only access to this clear spring.
Culpepper Creek boat ramp has adequate parking and picnic facilities.
Directions:
Take Hwy. 79 to Vernon. Take CR277 (blinking light) for 2 miles to the Washington County Boat Ramp (Culpepper Landing).
Florida Trail Association – Choctawhatchee and Western Gate Chapters
Activities August/September 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…
Not only our most valuable water sources, spring fed waterways provide extraordinary adventure
Some of the most beautiful places to explore Northwest Florida are along our spring fed waterways. These creeks, streams and rivers provide incredible recreation and eco tourism along with the valuable drinking water our communities rely on.
Florida boasts more than 700 springs, with close to 40 in the Walton, Holmes, Washington and Bay counties. Blue Spring and Jackson spring in Holmes County feeds into the Choctawhatchee River and is Florida’s 12th largest spring with 122 million gallons per day discharge. Holmes Creek has more than a dozen springs and is the largest tributary into the Choctawhatchee River. The Gainer Springs Group on Econfina Creek (including springs locally known as McCormick and Emerald) is the most significant, measuring a first magnitude flow of 114 million gallons a day (mgd). Econfina creek feeds into Deer Point Lake which is the major source of water supply for Bay County.
Karst diagram courtesy U.S. Geological Society
What are springs?
Springs are portals where water in the earth’s aquifers, rises to the surface and escapes into our streams, lakes and coastal waters. There are two general types of springs in Florida, seeps (water-table springs) and karst springs (artesian springs). The springs in Northwest Florida are karst springs. Karst topography is a landscape created by groundwater dissolving into sedimentary rock such as limestone. This creates landforms such as shafts, tunnels, caves, and sinkholes. The Dougherty Karst Plain underlies our area.
What is a spring classification?
Springs are most often classified based upon the average discharge of water. Individual springs exhibit variable discharge depending upon rainfall, recharge and groundwater withdrawals within their recharge areas. One discharge measurement is enough to place a spring into one of the eight magnitude categories. However, springs have dynamic flows. A spring categorized as being a first-magnitude spring at one moment in time may not continue to remain in the same category. This can result in a spring being classified as a first magnitude spring at one point in time and a second magnitude at another. Read More…
The West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club offers a variety of paddles in the Northwest Florida Panhandle. If you are interesting in becoming a member, you can go to their website at www.clubkayak.com/wfckc or contact Wes Mosteller at wesjane@earthlink.net
Guests are welcome on trips as long as they have the skills to safely navigate the waters being paddled. Guests must sign a waiver form and have an Eglin Recreational Pass if the trip is on the Base. Paddlers must supply their own boat.
Turkey Creek paddle Sunday, August 22
We will be paddling Turkey Creek on Eglin AFB near Niceville. Turkey Creek is one the best creeks in the Panhandle. It is narrow with lots of twists and turns. If you want practice steering your boat with great scenery in the background, this is it. It is not treacherous, but newer paddlers may be in the brush … a lot. It is also crystal clear and very inviting if it gets hot. No pets allowed.
EGLIN AFB pass required. Bring a pfd, paddle, boat, lunch, plenty to drink, raingear, etc. Plan on about 5 hours or so on the water.
MEETING PLACE: Meet at the Hippie Hole put-in at 10:00 a.m. (E-mail for directions if you need them.) Shuttle leaves at 10:15.
Please let me know if you plan to come so I can alert you in the unlikely event of any change of plans. Call Doug at 850-375-8209 or e-mail at dougwaggle@yahoo.com.
Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous 2010, October 22-24
Mark your Calendars now — for the 2010 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous, October 21-24.
FL Sport Paddling Club (FSPC) proudly continues the Rendezvous tradition of bringing together Florida paddling clubs and paddling enthusiasts for a weekend of fun, friends and paddles.
This year’s base camp will be the Silver River State Park campground from which we will launch four days of trips that canoeists and kayakers of all skill levels will enjoy. Also join the potluck supper, program, nightly campfires, paddlers’ swap meet, and the wonderful exchange of friendship and paddling skills that evolves when so many with like interests come together.
The main event will take place Friday-Sunday, October 22-24, 2010. Make your reservations at Silver River SP now!! Pre-Rendezvous paddles will be held Thursday, October 21, for those who can come early. Trip details and a list of additional accommodations will follow when we have a website set up.
Please help us reach all who may be interested. Send us any additional contacts you may have. Please email Kathy, publicity chair, at KathrynVaughn@ATT.net with your questions, suggestions or information
Boating along adjacent waterways provide a for laid back day up the 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.
An osprey perched on top of a dead cypress tree.
Cypress and juniper trees hang lazily over the water, and the tall cypress provides the perfect perch for wetland raptors such as osprey and swallow-tailed kites. They are often seen scanning the water from above looking for their next meal.
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.
Makeshift campsites scattered along the raised banks of the Mitchell River provide the perfect spot to picnic or camp. Over they years, locals have built shelters and barbecue areas, making these locations great places to pull your boat up and picnic or camp overnight. Read More…
Head up Highway 79 to Vernon for a full day of paddling fun
Holmes Creek is one of the most diverse paddles in the Northwest Florida Panhandle area.
As part of Florida’s statewide system of Greenways and Trails, Holmes Creek flows through a variety of diverse habitats. The upper and lower portions pass high sandy banks while the majority of the tail is through low-lying swamplands.
Rich with flora and fauna, the creek is abundant with turtles and birds, including blue, green and white heron, ibis, warblers and woodpeckers. Read More…
Kevin Griggs, a local outdoor enthusiast from Argyle took this photo of Holmes Blue Spring run spring boil.
“Fishing, boating and canoeing are great on the river up there just have to watch what your doing when the water is low, not sure about swimming in the river I am sure it is done though,” Kevin said.
The Walton County area has an abundance of beautiful spring gems to explore. Thanks for sharing Kevin!
Fall colors are in abundance along the trail at Eden Gardens State Park. Photo by Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
A list of a great 28 – A variety of parks await the explorer in Walton County
Anyone living in Walton County, or the Florida Panhandle for that matter, share something in common. We all live in a place that hosts the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere. The shimmering Gulf of Mexico, the soft white sand, the rolling dunes… this area is a location that is hard to beat.
With many beach accesses and several state parks in the area, the beaches can be enjoyed easily.
Walton County offers much more to experience, however, with an abundance of local parks north of the beach offering a touch of nature and beauty all their own.
From the cool, clear water of Morrison Springs in the northeast end of the county, to Lost Lake near Bruce, there is a wide variety of flora and fauna can be experienced in the many parks Walton County has to offer.
Many of the parks have playgrounds and sports facilities, along with walking trails, swimming holes and boat ramps.
So, pack a lunch, or put on your hiking boots, here is a list of a great 28 that are right here in Walton County:
1. Lake Jackson
From U.S. Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs go north on U.S. Highway 331 for 18 miles. Turn left onto Lake Road and follow until park comes into view.
• Boat ramp
2. Lakewood Park – Florida’s Highest Point
Take U.S. Highway 331 north through DeFuniak Springs. Once past DeFuniak, go 18 miles and turn right on County Road 285. Park will be on left side of road.
• Picnic area, restrooms
Cat Island.
3. Cat Island
Take U.S. Highway 331 north through DeFuniak Springs to U.S. Highway 90 and turn right. Turn left on N. 9th Street (SR 83) and travel 3.3 miles. Turn left onto Cat Island Road. Follow this road to its end, approximately 1 mile.
• Picnic area, restrooms, boat ramp
4. Juniper Lake
Take U.S. Highway 331 north through DeFuniak Springs to U.S. Highway 90 and turn right. Turn left on N. 9th Street (SR 83) and travel 2.6 miles. Turn left onto Juniper Lake Road, traveling for approximately 0.8 miles. The county lands sit along both sides of the earthen dam.
• Picnic area, restrooms, boat ramp
5. Wee Care Playground
Take U.S. Highway 331 north through DeFuniak Springs to U.S. Highway 90 and turn right. Turn left on N. 9th Street (SR 83) and travel 1.5 miles.
Turn left onto Walton Road and proceed for approximately 0.4 miles. The children’s park is located on the right, across from Walton High School.
• Playground, restrooms, picnic area
6. Recreation Complex- DeFuniak Springs
Located at 965 Gene Hurley Road, west of DeFuniak Springs off U.S. Highway 90.
• Playground, picnic area, restrooms, ball fields, skating and rollerblading ramps, nature trail
Ducks on Lake DeFuniak
7. Chipley Park (Lake DeFuniak)
Located in downtown DeFuniak Springs on Circle Drive.
• Playground, boat ramp
8. Douglass Crossroad Ball Park
Head east on U.S. Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs for 4.1 miles. Turn right on CR183S for 2.8 miles. Immediately after crossing over I-10, turn left on Douglass Crossroad and go approximately 1.5 miles. The park is on the right.
• Playground, restrooms, ball fields
9. Berrian Lake
From the Walton County Courthouse, Berrian Lake can be accessed most easily by following U.S. Highway 90 into Holmes County and reentering Walton County from CR 181A. Head east on U.S. 90 for 10.5 miles. Turn right onto CR 181A and go for 1.1 miles until reaching Old Mt. Zion Road. Turn left and follow for 2.1 miles until road forks. Follow the right fork for 1.9 miles to CR 181. Bear left and go for 0.6 miles, then turn onto Berrian Lake Road. Continue on this road, following the signs to the landing.
• Boat ramp
10. Cedar Log
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81. Turn left and go right on CR 181 for 2.1 miles then right on Cedar Log Road (dirt) for 1.3 miles to ramp.
• Boat ramp
Nothing better than a rope swing into 68 degree clear water on a hot summer's day.
11. Morrison Springs
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81. Turn left and go past Red Bay to County Road 181C. Turn right and continue for 1.6 miles. Then, turn right onto Morrison Springs Road and follow to its end.
• Picnic area, restrooms, swimming, diving, boat ramp
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81. Turn left and go past Red Bay to River Road, proceed to the end of the road.
• Picnic area, boat ramp
Comander's Landing
13. Bruce Creek Park
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81. Turn left and go past Red Bay to Louis Miller Road and turn right.
• Boat ramp
Dead River park
14. Dead River Park
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81 follow Dead River Road. Turn left beside the Dead River Cemetery and follow the clay road to the road’s end.
• Picnic area, boat ramp, portable toilet
15. Seven Runs Park
Seven Runs park
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81. The park is on the left (west) side of the road at the foot of the Seven Runs Creek Bridge. The newly opened Florida Trail at Nokuse is just south of Seven Runs Park.
• Picnic area, Boat ramp, Portable toilet
Lost Lake at Tilley Landing
16. Tilley Landing/Lost Lake
Take U.S. Highway 331 north to State Road 20 in Freeport. Turn right and go to State Road 81. Turn left and take State Road 81 until you see the sign on right.
• Primitive camping, portable toilet, boat ramp, picnic area
For more information on Lost Lake click here. 17. H. A. Laird Park
Laird Park in Freeport.
Located on SR 20 West about 1.5 miles west of the intersection of U.S. Highway 331 and State Road 20 West.
• Playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms, short trail
18. Alaqua Creek Park
From Freeport: Head west on SR 20 for approximately 2 miles. Park is on the north side of State Road 20.
• Picnic area, boat ramp, , restroom, swimming, portable toilet
Alaqua Creek park.
19. Alaqua Park
From Freeport, head west on SR 20 for approximately 3.6 miles. Turn left onto Portland Park Road. Follow this clay road to its end.
• Picnic area, boat ramp
20. Choctaw Beach Park
More than a boat ramp, the Choctaw Beach Park offers spectacular sunsets and many public amenities on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay. From Freeport, head west on SR 20 for approximately 12 miles. The park is on the left, fronting the bay.• Picnic area, restrooms, pavilion, playground
21. Freeport pool
Managed by the YMCA
Located behind Freeport City Hall on SR 20 in Freeport.
• Open Mid May – Labor Day, $1 for 3 hours of swim time. For more information call (850) 835-1223
22. Casey Kids Park
Casey Kid’s Park is located next to city hall on State
Road 20 in Freeport
• Playground, picnic area
23. Wheeler Point Park
This easy-to-find park sits at the north foot of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331.
• Picnic area, restrooms, boat ramp
Eden Gardens State park
24. Eden Gardens State Park
This historic park hosts the majestic 110-year-old Wesley House. Completely decorated with period furniture and accessories, Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. Highway 98 on C.R. 395.
• Picnic area, restrooms, pavilions, nature trails, gardens, historic home tours of Antebelum mansion
25. Cessna Landing
Take County Road 393 north from U.S. Highway 98 approximately 3 miles. Cessna
Landing is on the left.
• Picnic areas, restrooms, playground with ball courts, boat ramp
26. Helen McCall Park
Helen McCall Park is off U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach west of County Road 393. Turn south onto Moll Drive and follow to the park.
• Playground, ball fields, restrooms
27. Legion Park
Legion Park is located in Miramar Beach approximately 1 mile west of Sandestin off U.S. Highway 98. Going west turn left on Ponce deLeon Drive. Park is located at the end of the street.
• Playground, picnic area, restrooms, basketball court, shuffleboard court, boat ramp
28. Freeport Regional Sports Complex
Freeport Regional Sports Complex is located off State Road 20 in Freeport, on CR 83A.
Baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, playground, barbecue/picnic areas, playground, restroom, walking trail.
Scenic river in Crestview offers a journey through a wetland hardwood forest
The appropriately named Shoal River offers an abundance of sandy sandbars, (shoals) along with cool water along a meandering 10-mile paddle in Crestview. This 10-mile stretch is the only open publicly accessible run on the river. It is easily accessible with a boat ramp at each end, with put in at U.S. Hwy. 90 and take out a SR-85 in Crestview.
As part of the Florida Greenways and Trails system, the paddle offers scenic views of a variety of wetland hardwoods such as Titi, black gum, live oak, magnolia and coastal plain willow. Fauna includes a variety of birds such as kingfishers, blue herons and egrets, along with an occasional alligator and turtle.
Nature festival a weekend of outdoor fun
