>> Back to Nature Festival Oct 17-19

[Teresa]

Back to Nature Festival Showcases Beauty of Northwest Florida

The beaches, forests, and waterways of South Walton County are the setting for the 7th annual South Walton Community Council Back to Nature Festival on October 17, 18 & 19. Nature lovers from Florida and around the southeast flock to the festival each year to enjoy the unique natural beauty of Northwest Florida.

New to the festival this year will be a Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 18, in the Seaside Lyceum. Bring the whole family for a fun filled day of kid-friendly workshops, demonstrations, booths and events brought to you by several local “green” businesses, all in one convenient location! The Family Fun Day is sponsored and coordinated by South Walton Environmental and Low-Impact Living (SWELL).


During the weekend, some of the ways to celebrate the unmatched nature of South Walton are:

• Kayak along the calm waters of a coastal dune lake and experience the wonder of this rare ecosystem found in only two other places in the world.
• Learn about mole crabs, beach mice, and other elements of beach ecology at Grayton Beach State Park—ranked as one of the best beaches in America.
• See how history and nature blend at Coffeen Nature Preserve--a beachfront facility in Destin where rockets were tested during World War II.
• Honor the sunrise with an early morning yoga/meditation session on the beach.
• Take a river tour and learn about the flora, fauna, and early residents who lived along the Choctawhatchee River.
• Learn the history of the town of Grayton Beach on a walking tour with a long-time resident who will share stories about the eccentricities and experiences of life at the beach in another era.
• Stroll along the beach at night in Grayton Beach State Park and gaze at the stars with a local naturalist who will interpret the infinite night sky. Stay and enjoy a beachfront cookout and bonfire.

Each event is led by local experts who guide participants and helps them understand the ecology and special features of local natural and historic areas.

We also welcome you to join us at our opening night party at Bud & Alley’s on Friday evening, October 17, for cocktails and delectable local treats as well as Native American flute music, animal demonstrations presented by the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, and Q&A sessions with our members.

For more information on the Back to Nature Festival, including event registration, visit www.southwaltoncc.org or call (850) 314-3749. The Back to Nature Festival is an approved event of Autumn Tides, a series of fall events supported by the Beaches of South Walton.


Info provided by Watercourseway - thanks WCW - please help keep us up to date on the BTN events.

 

[DD]

Dammit! I'll miss this by a few days
I would LOVE this!

 

[Kurt]

The BTN Festival is one of the best things going in SoWal. Book early as events fill up quickly!

 

[GoodWitch58]

Back to Nature will also include the Butterfly Wings and Parade for the children --normally held during the Flutterby Festival which had to be cancelled this year.

After my post here on Sowal, many people came forward to help "save" the Parade of Wings.

Seagrove on the Beach Realty, Inc., and Porath and Associates stepped up to sponsor the Parade of Wings.

So, If your children looked forward to Flutterby and making their wings, they can still make wings thanks to the cooperation of the Back to Nature and the CAA , the two sponsoring companies and all the parents and grandparents who volunteered to work together for the children

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18 and come out and make wings and enjoy all the other funn events.

Thanks Everyone!

 

[Kurt]

Back to Nature will also include the Butterfly Wings and Parade for the children --normally held during the Flutterby Festival which had to be cancelled this year.

After my post here on Sowal, many people came forward to help "save" the Parade of Wings.

Seagrove on the Beach Realty, Inc., and Porath and Associates stepped up to sponsor the Parade of Wings.

So, If your children looked forward to Flutterby and making their wings, they can still make wings thanks to the cooperation of the Back to Nature and the CAA , the two sponsoring companies and all the parents and grandparents who volunteered to work together for the children

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18 and come out and make wings and enjoy all the other funn events.

Thanks Everyone!

Thanks Seagrove Girl! = Seagrove on the Beach Realty, Inc

 

[GoodWitch58]

Big thanks too, to Steeling1 and Elitrope! They rock!

 

[SeaGrant Brooke]

I love this festival it is one of my farvorite South Walton events!! I am one of the event leaders, come to the bike tour!!!

 

[Teresa]

Publication: WaltonSun; Date: Sep 27, 2008; Section: Front page; Page: 1
Nature festival showcases beauty of Northwest Florida

Back to Nature Festival hosts a variety of outdoor activities Oct. 17 - 19


The beaches, forests, and waterways of South Walton County are the setting for the 7th annual South Walton Community Council Back to Nature Festival on Oct. 17, 18 and 19. Nature lovers from Florida and around the southeast flock to the festival each year to enjoy the unique natural beauty of Northwest Florida. New this year is a Family Fun Day on Oct. 18, in the Seaside Lyceum. Kid-friendly workshops, demonstrations, booths and events are offered by local “green” businesses, sponsored by South Walton Environmental and Low-Impact Living.

Scheduled events

OCT. 17 - 7 P.M. WELCOME NIGHT AT BUD AND ALLEY’S RESTAURANT

Come to our free welcome night at Bud & Alley’s in beautiful Seaside! Meet the animals of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy food and drink, event registration, meet event leaders and fellow participants. FREE.

OCT. 18 - 6:45 A.M. AWAKEN THE DAY

Begin your day at the Back to Nature Festival on a serene note by gathering at sunrise to greet the sun as it ascends over historic Grayton Beach. Phillip Ellis of One Hand Clapping guides you in a 30-minute contemplative session intended to set the appropriate tone for the day, and inspire a fuller awareness of nature during other events at the festival. This event is donation-based, with all proceeds benefiting the South Walton Community Council. Attendees should meet at the Grayton Beach boardwalk behind The Red Bar, and are encouraged to bring a beach chair and long-sleeve shirt.

8:00 A.M. - BIRDING AT BAYTOWNE

Tucked inside the Sanctuary on Jolee Island inside the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is a little-known birder’s paradise, a wetland preserve along Choctawhatchee Bay where wading birds and water fowl take refuge in abundance. Learn to identify the birds and hear about their range, life histories, and other information from expert birder Ed Wright. Take sturdy walking shoes, cameras and binoculars. Limited to 20 participants.

9:00 A.M. AND 12:00 NOON CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER SAFARI

Explore the waterways of Choctawhatchee River and Bay aboard the Riverwatch, captained by Kent Mundy of Wetland Wilderness Adventures. Expect to see alliga- tors, turtles, birds of prey and other fascinating wildlife. Meet at Pt. Washington boat ramp on Tucker Bayou at north end of Highway 395. Maximum 6 participants per tour. Fixed price $30.

9:00 A.M. - TRACKING THE WILD CRITTERS

Ever wondered what animal made those tracks in the sand? Or what animals eat, and how they fi nd each other? Take a guided hike through Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and learn how to find animals in the wild and to identify tracks made by raccoons, mice, alligators, and other animals. Event leader Mike Townsend is an expert trapper who works with local parks to protect endangered species of wildlife. Enter the park through the Highway 98 entrance and follow the road to the beach parking area. Limit 20 people.

1:00 P.M. - FALL WILDFLOWERS, BUTTERFLIES AND FOREST ECOLOGY: A HIKE THROUGH PT. WASHINGTON STATE FOREST

Take a fun and informative hike through the varied natural habitats of the Pt. Washington State Forest. Identify the fall-blooming wildflowers that grow amid the native plant communities of sandhills and flatwoods, and learn firsthand the vital role of fire in keeping these habitats healthy. The hike is led by naturalist Christian Wagley and horticulturist Snookie Parrish. Meet at Eastern Lake Trail parking area, on east side of Highway 395 about mile north of Publix supermarket. Limit 20 participants.

5:30 - 7:30 P.M. CAMPFIRE PARTY AND DRUM CIRCLE

Join us beachside in Grayton Beach State Park and prepare hot dogs, marshmallows, and other snacks over the campfire. Eats plus beverages will be provided. FREE to all Back to Nature participants. Meet at beachside pavilion inside park.

Sunday – October 19, 2008

OCT. 19 - 6:45 A.M.
AWAKEN THE DAY

Begin your day at the Back to Nature Festival on a serene note by gathering at sunrise to greet the sun as it ascends over historic Grayton Beach. Phillip Ellis of One Hand Clapping will guide you in a 30-minute contemplative session intended to set the appropriate tone for the day, and inspire a fuller awareness of nature during other events at the festival. This event is donation-based, with all proceeds benefi ting the South Walton Community Council. Attendees should meet at the Grayton Beach boardwalk behind The Red Bar, and are encouraged to bring a beach chair and long-sleeve shirt.

9:00 A.M. WESTERN LAKE KAYAK TOUR

Take a leisurely paddle around Western Lake and into the lake outfall as you learn about the unique features of coastal dune lakes. This is an easy trip suitable for beginning kayakers. Led by Broke Saari of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, a non-profi t organization that monitors the health of the lakes. You must furnish your own kayak. If you want to rent a kayak, please call Big Daddy’s at (850) 622-1165 in advance to secure a rental. Meet at the boat ramp inside Grayton Beach State Park. Maximum 20 participants.

11:00 A.M. AND 2:00 P.M.
Coffeen Nature Preserve Hike and Tour

At Four-Mile Village near Sandestin is the Coffeen Nature Preserve, noted for its beautiful forests and lakes and for the Sand Pine Military Trail, where one can view remnants of the military presence dating back to 1944 when the US tested

captured German V-1 rockets here. Participants will enjoy the special treat of visiting areas of the preserve normally not open for visitation. Led by Susan and Bruce Paladini, caretakers of the preserve. Enter Four Mile Village on south side of Hwy. 98, just east of Sandestin and follow signs to parking area. Maximum 20 participants.

4:30 P.M. HOGTOWN BAYOU SUNSET PADDLE

Wrap-up the weekend with a wonderful paddle into twilight! Begin paddling at dusk and wind your way along Hogtown Bayou as night falls. Enjoy the dark night sky, views of marsh and open bayou, and wildlife. Learn about some of the natural features of the bayou, including seagrasses, birds, and an endangered fi sh species that calls the bayou home. You must furnish your own kayak. If you want to rent a kayak, please call The Kayak Experience at (850) 837-1577 or Big Daddy’s in advance to secure a rental kayak. Meet at Charles Cessna Landing on Highway 393 north. Maximum 15 people; beginner to moderate skill levels required.

For more information and registration: www. southwaltoncc.org or (850) 314-3749

 

[Teresa]

BTN kicks off this Friday at Bud & Alley's

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 7:00 P.M. ---OPENING NIGHT OF THE BACK TO NATURE FESTIVAL FEATURES NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC PERFORMED UNDER THE STARS AT BUD AND ALLEY?S RESTAURANT --FREE


All are invited to attend the opening celebration of the 7th annual Back to Nature Festival at 7 p.m., Friday October 17, in the herb garden behind Bud and Alley?s restaurant in Seaside. Robin Horne and friends from Musical Echoes, will perform Native American flute accompanied by guitar and drums. Horne will discuss the legend of the flute, and how the instrument was used in Native American traditions. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary food, cash bar, register for weekend events, meet event leaders and mingle with other participants in this perfect venue for celebrating the beauty of Walton County.

Horne, an active teacher and performer in the Ft. Walton beach area for more than 30 years, serves as the principal flute with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonic of Northwest Florida and Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

In 2001, Horne began her journey with the Native American Flute. Part of that journey has been to organize the Musical Echoes festival in Ft. Walton beach, which has become the premiere Native American Flute festival in the country.

The Back to Nature Festival is a weekend of outdoor and nature-related activities throughout South Walton County, including hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and a free Family Fun Day. For more information on the Back to Nature Festival, including event registration, visit www.southwaltoncc.org or call (850) 314-3749. The Back to Nature Festival is an approved event of Autumn Tides, a series of fall events supported by the Beaches of South Walton.

 

[Jdarg]

Just noticed that Captain Kent is doing the Choctawhatchee River Safari- he is wonderful!