Panhandle Outdoor Live: 2024 Coastal Dune Lake Lecture and Trail Tour

Celebrate Coastal Dune Lake Appreciation month with a tour of the nature trail surrounding Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park on Thursday, Oct. 17th from 9AM - 11AM. Join University of Florida's Panhandle Outdoor Live team for a guided walking tour of the nature trail. Meet at the beach pavilion (restroom facilities available) at 8:45 am with a lecture and tour start time of 9:00 am sharp. Tour is approximately 2 hours. Admission into the park: $5.00 per vehicle, so car pooling is encouraged.

Learn more about our globally rare coastal dune lakes, their history, surrounding ecosystems, and local protections. Walk the nature trail through coastal habitats including maritime hammocks, coastal scrub, salt marsh wetlands, and coastal forest.

The nature trail is approximately one mile long, through some sandy dunes (can be challenging to walk in), on hard-packed trails, and sometimes soggy forests. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars are optional. Tours may be cancelled in the event of bad weather.

For more information contact: Laura Tiu, lgtiu@ufl.edu, 850-892-8172

Grayton Beach State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Florida, with massive dunes, winding trails, abundant wildlife, and shimmering 100-acre Western Lake, one of many coastal dune lakes gracing Scenic Highway 30A along Scenic 30A in South Walton (SoWal).