Americana Under the Stars at Topsail every Thursday

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is hosting a musical event on Thursdays. Americana Under the Stars, a new weekly concert series will showcase singer/songwriters from across the country.

An open mic showcase for local musicians will perform 5 – 6:30 p.m. (performers must be present to sign up). At 7 p.m., the featured band will perform.

Admission to the park is free and there is a suggested $5 donation to the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Enter through the main park entrance off of 30-A and park in the day use parking area, from there it is a short hike down to the amphitheater. Feel free to bring your own food or beverages. A family and pet friendly event fun for all ages.
May 16th – Grant Peeples
May 23rd – Rebekah Pulley
May 30th  – Bob Patterson
June 6th – James Hawkins
June 13th – Lucky Mud
June 20th – Kelly Hundley
June 27th – Jackson Creek/ Dunn Deal
July 4th – Lucky Mud
July 11th – Brian Smalley

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. For more information, call (850) 267-8330 ::MAP::

————————————————————————————————–

Learn about beach mice at Topsail May 25

Time: 1 p.m.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be having on Saturday May 25, 2013 a Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse program at 1:00PM.  Come and join us for a slide presentation and learn how we manage the habitat and behavior characteristics of the Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse.  Meet at the Day-Use parking area off of Hwy 30A to take a short hike to the clubhouse.

$6.00 entry admission per vehicle. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. For more information, call (850) 267-8330 ::MAP::

————————————————————————————————–

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center hosts presentations every Saturday

Sat., May 25 – Marine Touch Tanks
Throughout the day from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Experience a hands-on  marine touch tank and learn all about these slimy, sticky, and prickly creatures of the gulf.  Children of all ages will enjoy learning while meeting these marine organisms up-close!

Saturday, June 1 – Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters
Program from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Come and see Nonie and her ark of animals. Nonie gives a hands-on approach to understanding the important roles animals play in our environment.
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center offers education on a better understanding of our environment; with its focus on the importance of biodiversity, ecosystems, conservation, preservation and restoration of our natural resources. Hours: Open June and July (Closed August) Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pricing:  $ 8 Adults, $5 Children (3-12 years old)
Free (under 2 years old)
*Additional $2 for “World of Wonder” Experience
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is located at 4956 State Hwy. 20 East, Freeport, FL. 32439. To learn more, go to www.eowilsoncenter.org

————————————————————————————————–

Memorial Day celebration at Gum Creek Cemetery May 27

On Monday, May 27th, beginning at 8 a.m., Gum Creek Cemetery will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Remembrance and Celebration event to recognize and celebrate the lives of those lost in battle, as well as our active and retired service men and women.
The guest speaker for the event will be Ron Hargrove from the WWII Military Vehicle Federation Museum.
This year will mark the 18th anniversary of the program.
All public is welcome to join in the celebration. Gum Creek Cemetery is located just off SR-83 north of DeFuniak Springs.

————————————————————————————————–

Choctawhatchee Catfish Roundup May 31 – June 1

Area businesses in the Caryville area are hosting a catfish tournament from 4 p.m. on May 31 to Noon on June 1, 2013. The tournament will be held at the Choctawhatchee River at Caryville Landing on Hwy. 90. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on May 31.
1st place: $750
2nd place: $500
3rd place: $250
$100 for the largest flathead and $100 1st place youth division. For information, contact Steve Herrington at (850) 624-9504 or Bobby Taunton at (850) 849-1621.

Download rules: catfishrules

————————————————————————————————–

Nature walk at Hammock Bay June 1

Time: 9 a.m.

Every wonder what the name of that pretty flowering plant is? Is that climbing vine poisonous? What is the name of that beautiful bird? Those questions and more will be answered as you take a walk in nature at Hammock Bay with wildlife expert and ecologist Joe Wyatt. Suited for all ages, Wyatt gives walking nature tours the fist Saturday of each month at 9 a.m.

Walk along the many trails at Hammock Bay and discover more about our natural world. The trail system includes a bat house, purple martin houses, many bluebird houses, a wood duck house, a butterfly house and more. Download nature trails map.

Meet at the Lake Club clubhouse. Hammock Bay is located on State Road 20, approximately 1.5 miles West of downtown Freeport. ::MAP::

For more information call (850) 496-1864.

————————————————————————————————–

Camp Helen State Park history tour June 1

Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Camp Helen State Park invites you to their history walk at Camp Helen State Park. Come learn about the early history of the park and local area while wandering on a guided tour around Camp Helen’s restored historical buildings. The history walk takes place the first Saturday of each month.

Participation Requirements:
• Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instruction independently or with the assistance of a companion.
• Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors for a period of 1- 2 hours.
• Must have the ability to traverse wet, sloped, and uneven terrain for .5 -1 miles, independently or with the assistance of a companion.

Fees: The tour is free with paid park admission fee of $4.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Contact: (850) 233-5059 ::MAP::

————————————————————————————————–

Kayak Yellow River & Boiling Creek June 6

The Natural Resource Extension Agents of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) present the 2013 edition of Panhandle Outdoors LIVE, a series of guided field excursions highlighting unique ecological features throughout northwest Florida. Trips begin in March 2013 and run monthly through November 2013, and participants can choose to attend as many or as few of the individual events as they wish.

This trip will lead participants on a 6.6 mile kayak trip through Boiling Creek to Yellow River.  Boiling Creek is a clear, sandy bottom, meandering creek located on the Eglin Air Force Reservation.  Boiling Creek gets its name from underground springs and the water is so clear, that many paddlers compare a trip on Boiling Creek to paddling in an aquarium. Some spots on the creek are 9 feet deep. Originating in the Conecuh Forest, Yellow River is one of the swiftest rivers in Florida. Gulf Sturgeon spend summers in Yellow River and a resting site is near the confluence of Yellow River and Boiling Creek.  Many species of plants can be found along the banks, including white-top pitcher plants, floating water lilies, submerged grasses, cypress trees and more. Various animals including birds, reptiles, fish and mammals may be spotted along this path. This trip is a 6.6 mile serene paddle on Boiling Creek to Yellow River.  Participants should plan for moderate kayaking. Bring hat, sunscreen, trail snacks, rain gear, and a dry bag for binoculars, camera, etc. We will meet at 9:30 am central time, just off of I-10, at Exit 31 at a location to be announced.  Space is limited to 15 participants.

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. central/10:30 a.m. eastern and runs to 4 p.m. central/5 p.m. eastern.  Depending on location, moderate walking, hiking, swimming, and/or paddling may be involved.  Lunch, park entry fees, and rentals will be provided for each participant (18 and up only) at a cost of $30.  Registration is available at http://panhandleoutdoorslive2013.eventbrite.com, and space is limited, so register early! Necessary equipment and clothing will vary based on weather and location, but participants should bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a camera to each trip. Transportation to each location will be facilitated by carpooling, and some counties may be able to provide transportation. For more information, please contact Brooke Saari, Okaloosa/Walton County Extension by phone 689-5850 or email bsaari@ufl.edu.

————————————————————————————————–

Digital Graffiti comes to Alys Beach June 7-8

Red Bay Grocery and Nick’s Seafood Restaurant present Bream World Championships June 15

Red Bay Grocery and Nick’s Seafood Restaurant present the 5th Annual Bream World Championships Sat., June 15 at Red Bay Grocery.

Entry fee is $25 (up to 3 anglers) additional anglers $10 ea. Prizes will be given for largest bream, heaviest stringer, junior angler, lady angler, largest non-bream species. Cash award divisions: Largest bream, heaviest stringer, largest non-bream species. You can sign up at Harbor Docks, Red Bay Grocery or Nick’s Restaurant.

Bream Tournament rules

Tournament starts at 5 a.m. and all weigh ins must be completed between 4 – 6 p.m. at Red Bay Grocery.
Tournament weigh-in (all fish weighed become property of tournament)
Awards party and fish fry (All registered anglers get a plate) 5 p.m. – til all anglers get a plate.

We don’t take no crappie! No warmouth or rockbass either!

Prize Categories:
Biggest Bream: 50% of total entries spilt 70/30
Heaviest Stringer: 30% of total entries split 70/30
Largest Non-Bream Species: 20% of total entries split 70/30
Junior Angler: prize package
Lady Angler: prize package
Optional Cash Awards (win new takes all)
Biggest Bream $5
Heaviest Stringer $5
Largest Non-Bream Species $5

————————————————————————————————–

Pleasant Ridge Arena hosts Neigh and Bray fun show June 15

Pleasant Ridge Arena in DeFuniak Springs is hosting a Neigh and Bray Fun Show. Sponsored by owners Diana and Rex Brannon, young children will enjoy stick races, and lead line while the more seasoned riders will compete in pole bending, barrel racing Western and English pleasure and more. There is a class for everyone and every breed. The Neigh and Bray show is held the third Saturday of every month. To find out more, go to their website at http://www.pleasantridgearena.com. Phone: (850) 892-5398. Free to spectators.

Location: Pleasant Ridge Arena is located at 1917 Pleasant Ridge Road in DeFuniak Springs.

Show starts at 4 p.m. and is free for spectators.

http://www.pleasantridgearena.com. Phone: (850) 892-5398

————————————————————————————————–

Explore the saltwater marshes of St. Andrews Bay Aug. 15

The Natural Resource Extension Agents of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) present the 2013 edition of Panhandle Outdoors LIVE, a series of guided field excursions highlighting unique ecological features throughout northwest Florida. Trips begin in March 2013 and run monthly through November 2013, and participants can choose to attend as many or as few of the individual events as they wish.

In the middle of the south’s spring break capital lies a pocket of nature rarely touched or explored. In this is adventure we will visit a coastal wetlands mitigation bank with a variety of swamps and marsh habitats. Armies of Fiddler crabs march across salt flats avoiding tide waters and predators. We’ll see a variety of coastal birds and estuarine fish. You’ll enjoy finding the tranquility of nature moments from the busyness of Panama City Beach. We will be using kayaks and hiking. Sunscreen, water bottle, and bug repellent are a must. Lunch and snacks included. (additional details soon).  Space is limited to 15 participants

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. central/10:30 a.m. eastern and runs to 4 p.m. central/5 p.m. eastern.  Depending on location, moderate walking, hiking, swimming, and/or paddling may be involved.  Lunch, park entry fees, and rentals will be provided for each participant (18 and up only) at a cost of $30.  Registration is available at http://panhandleoutdoorslive2013.eventbrite.com, and space is limited, so register early! Necessary equipment and clothing will vary based on weather and location, but participants should bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a camera to each trip. Transportation to each location will be facilitated by carpooling, and some counties may be able to provide transportation. For more information, please contact Brooke Saari, Okaloosa/Walton County Extension by phone 689-5850 or email bsaari@ufl.edu.

————————————————————————————————–

Explore the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Sept. 24

The Natural Resource Extension Agents of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) present the 2013 edition of Panhandle Outdoors LIVE, a series of guided field excursions highlighting unique ecological features throughout northwest Florida. Trips begin in March 2013 and run monthly through November 2013, and participants can choose to attend as many or as few of the individual events as they wish.

In this adventure will visit the center of Apalachicola’s seafood industry and coastal resources. Highlighting the trip will be Apalachicola National Estuarine Reseach Reserve. The new Apalachicola Environmental Education and Training Center is nestled along Apalachicola Bay amidst scrub live oaks and saw palmetto. It features 18,000 square feet of learning space, including two working wet and dry research laboratories. Representing the river, bay and gulf habitats found in Apalachicola, the center features three large walk-around tanks that each hold over 1,000 gallons and house a variety of native plant life and creatures. (Additional details soon)

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. central/10:30 a.m. eastern and runs to 4 p.m. central/5 p.m. eastern.  Depending on location, moderate walking, hiking, swimming, and/or paddling may be involved.  Lunch, park entry fees, and rentals will be provided for each participant (18 and up only) at a cost of $30.  Registration is available at http://panhandleoutdoorslive2013.eventbrite.com, and space is limited, so register early! Necessary equipment and clothing will vary based on weather and location, but participants should bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a camera to each trip. Transportation to each location will be facilitated by carpooling, and some counties may be able to provide transportation. For more information, please contact Brooke Saari, Okaloosa/Walton County Extension by phone 689-5850 or email bsaari@ufl.edu.

————————————————————————————————–

Explore Blackwater River State Forest Oct. 3

The Natural Resource Extension Agents of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) present the 2013 edition of Panhandle Outdoors LIVE, a series of guided field excursions highlighting unique ecological features throughout northwest Florida. Trips begin in March 2013 and run monthly through November 2013, and participants can choose to attend as many or as few of the individual events as they wish.

October is Florida Forestry Month. Join us in this celebration for a trip to the Florida Forest Service’s crown jewel, the Blackwater River State Forest.
http://www.floridaforestservice.com/state_forests/blackwater_river.html. Blackwater River State Forest is known for its longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem. The Blackwater River State Forest connects with the Conecuh National Forest to the north and Eglin Air Force Base to the south; it is the largest contiguous ecological community of this type in the world! Longleaf pine communities are rich in plant and animal life, including many classified as endangered, threatened or species of special concern. The forest encompasses more than 200,000 acres in Florida. Participants on this trip will learn about conservation efforts for the Red Cockaded Woodpecker, Longleaf Pine/Wiregrass ecosystem management, Krul and Bear lakes, the Blackwater River and its tributaries and experience the beauty of a pitcher plant bog. Pitcher plant bogs are unique areas containing a diversity of carnivorous plants which lure, trap and then digest insects. The carnivorous plants of the forest include sundews, butterworts, bladderworts, and four species of pitcher plants. Walking will be moderate. Dress for weather conditions, if it has been raining plan to wear water proof shoes or boots. Bring sunscreen, a hat, trail food, rain gear, and a dry bag for binoculars, camera, etc.

We will meet at the Florida Forest Service Center in Munson at 10:00 am central time.
Florida Forest Service, 11650 Munson Hwy
Milton, FL 32570 
850/ 957-6140

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. central/10:30 a.m. eastern and runs to 4 p.m. central/5 p.m. eastern.  Depending on location, moderate walking, hiking, swimming, and/or paddling may be involved.  Lunch, park entry fees, and rentals will be provided for each participant (18 and up only) at a cost of $30.  Registration is available at http://panhandleoutdoorslive2013.eventbrite.com, and space is limited, so register early! Necessary equipment and clothing will vary based on weather and location, but participants should bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a camera to each trip. Transportation to each location will be facilitated by carpooling, and some counties may be able to provide transportation. For more information, please contact Brooke Saari, Okaloosa/Walton County Extension by phone 689-5850 or email bsaari@ufl.edu.

————————————————————————————————–


Explore the seagrasses and manatees of Apalachee Bay Nov. 15

The Natural Resource Extension Agents of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) present the 2013 edition of Panhandle Outdoors LIVE, a series of guided field excursions highlighting unique ecological features throughout northwest Florida. Trips begin in March 2013 and run monthly through November 2013, and participants can choose to attend as many or as few of the individual events as they wish.

Aquarium-clear seagrass beds of Apalachee Bay beckon exploration of creek mouths guarded by palm-studded marsh. Manatees should be feeding on this high-tide expedition. If the wind is down, we will hear them breathe when they gently break the surface of still water.  Join a small, lucky group of intrepid kayak adventurers for this launch from Wakulla Beach. You’ll be guided by Extension volunteer Master Wildlife Conservationist Kent Mayer and Natural Resources Extension Agent Will Sheftall. Bring your own boat, or we’ll provide one for you. The pace will be leisurely, and the distance moderate.  What animals will we see making their living in this remote, pristine corner of St Marks National Wildlife Refuge? Bring your binoculars! What is this magical coastline’s vulnerability to present and future threats? Come look, see, listen, hear, feel, float, paddle and learn. You’ll think anew about humanity’s dependence on North Florida’s fragile and exhaustible water resources, as you drink in this wild and wonderful place.

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. central/10:30 a.m. eastern and runs to 4 p.m. central/5 p.m. eastern.  Depending on location, moderate walking, hiking, swimming, and/or paddling may be involved.  Lunch, park entry fees, and rentals will be provided for each participant (18 and up only) at a cost of $30.  Registration is available at http://panhandleoutdoorslive2013.eventbrite.com, and space is limited, so register early! Necessary equipment and clothing will vary based on weather and location, but participants should bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a camera to each trip. Transportation to each location will be facilitated by carpooling, and some counties may be able to provide transportation. For more information, please contact Brooke Saari, Okaloosa/Walton County Extension by phone 689-5850 or email bsaari@ufl.edu.

————————————————————————————————–

:: Ongoing ::

Seaside farmer’s market every Saturday

Seaside Amphitheater

Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come and reap the benefits of purchasing locally grown food as local farmers and vendors offer their wares. Fresh eggs, vegetables and fruit, honey, breads, cookies, cheeses, milk, organic chickens and broth, handmade jewelry, soaps and more. Buying locally grown food benefits you and our community. ::MAP::

————————————————————————————————–

Upcoming canoe/kayak paddles in Northwest Florida

The West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club and the Florida Panhandle Canoe & Kayak Connection offer a variety of paddles in the Northwest Florida Panhandle.

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 Air Force Base.  Paddlers must supply their own boat.

————————————————————————————————–

Take a hike or a paddle with the Florida Trail Association

Florida Trail Association – Choctawhatchee and Western Gate Chapters

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.

Northwest Florida has two Florida Trail Groups. Click the links below for upcoming events:

Click here for Choctawhatchee Chapter  or Click here for Panhandle Chapter