New interpretive signs embellish South Walton’s coastal dune lakes

September 3, 2015

Interpretive sign at Alligator Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Interpretive sign at Alligator Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Educational interpretive signs now embellish five of the 15 coastal dune lakes in South Walton. Stallworth, Alligator, Eastern, and Deer Lakes have joined Western Lake with educational messages along the 18.6-mile Timpoochee bicycle/walking trail.

At the suggestion of the Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board (CDLAB), and with the educational resources of Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), the Walton County Tourist Development Council (Visit South Walton) installed the informative signage. The first sign was placed on Western Lake along the trail on Scenic Highway 30A. It was was so well visited, four more were installed.

Each sign is unique, just as the lakes themselves. If an individual was to visit each lake, they would learn something new at each stop. The signs also contain a general overview of our rare coastal dune lakes.

Coastal dune lakes. Click to enlarge. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Coastal dune lakes. Click to enlarge. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

“The coastal dune lake interpretative signs found along 30A are a great tool to educate tourists and locals alike about the unique coastal dune lake ecosystem. Each sign elaborates on the coastal dune lakes and the importance and rareness of the ecosystems the individual is currently looking at. The signs are an important tool for educating the public in hopes of developing a community of stewards who care about our local natural resources,” said Brittany Tate, CBA

Four more installations are slated for Spring 2016.

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