Guided tour of wet prairies and rare plants in the Point Washington State Forest April 16

March 29, 2016

pitcherplantspointwashingtonCourse #6226, course reference #20210

Time: 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College announces the spring session of its award winning eco-tourism initiative, Discover Roads Less Traveled: Eco-Adventures of Walton County.

Led by local experts and professional naturalists, Discover Roads Less Traveled offers visitors and local residents opportunities to explore, discover and experience the diverse natural resources that make Walton County so unique.

The eco-adventure schedule offers a range of activities for both tourists and locals alike. For more information about the 2016 spring eco-adventure schedule, including individual tour descriptions, please visit www.basinalliance.org and click the “Eco-Tours” link. Registration is available by phone at 850-200-4160, or walk-in at the South Walton Campus of Northwest Florida State College, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

You will visit several wet prairies in Pt. Washington State Forest. Observe and identify pitcher plants, sundews and other carnivorous plants, plus many other native plants that are typically found only in this kind of habitat. Several of these species are threatened or endangered. The history and ecology of the prairies will be discussed, as well as, the role of fires in these precious ecosystems. This tour is led by an accomplished biologist who has been involved in describing and mapping wet prairies in south Walton County.

Moderate difficulty, walking about a mile, including over boggy ground that may have some standing water.

Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant, and hat. Wear long pants and closed-toed sturdy shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) that can get wet and muddy. A walking stick and camera are recommended.

Space is limited to 15 participants. Minimum of 4.

Location: Meet at South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549. Vehicle caravan to event location.

Fee: $15 + $2 forest entry fee at entrance of park