>> Back to Nature Festival Oct 17-19

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

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

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:clap:

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

Thanks Everyone!

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:clap:

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

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

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!!! 😀

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

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.

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

bump...

Hope everyone is getting excited, B2N is great fun!

bump...

Hope everyone is getting excited, B2N is great fun!

we're excited! and B2N is a very funn & informational very local outdoor event.

we're looking forward to several activities including the new family fun day at seaside.:wave:

remember the Flutterby Wings will be at the B2N Family Fun Day....bring the children.....:clap:

Back to Nature Festival Features Family Fun Day

Fall is the perfect time of year for the South Walton Community Council?s Back to Nature Festival. Held the weekend of October 17-19, the festival will be filled with activities that celebrate the natural beauty of South Walton County. New this year is a Family Fun Day event that will take place on Oct. 18, from 10 am ? 4 pm at the Seaside Lyceum. Entry is free to the public.

Bring the family to the Lyceum green at Seaside, located behind Fusion and enjoy the day with family-friendly fun, nature-oriented activities and information. There will be something for every one.

Interested in conservation, gardening, and education? Come see what local individuals and organizations are doing to protect our natural communities. See the progress of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in connection with the Nokuse Plantation. Learn about different birds with the Audubon Society. Take a tour of the Seaside Neighborhood School?s edible Corner Garden. Learn about the local Montessori Academy. View the Coastal Dune Lakes Documentary, a short film about these rare bodies of water located in South Walton. Arix Zalace will share the importance of using turtle flashlight stickers on night beach walks. Find out what the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, IFAS-Sea Grant Marine Science, Friends of St. Andrews Bay, and the Master Gardeners do. They will have a variety of touch tanks, displays, and information available on site. Our local radio station, 30A Radio will also be at the event to answer questions about their station.

Interested in good food that?s good for you? At the Family Fun Day, you can be sure to stay energized, hydrated and ready for the next meal by visiting one of the local food vendors. Raw & Juicy will be offering fresh fruit and vegetable juices and other raw foods for purchase. You?ll have an opportunity to talk to Jen about the benefits of eating raw foods. Off the Vine will be there to quench your thirst with fresh lemonade and provide information about their home produce delivery service. If homemade ice cream is your passion, Twin Oak Farms will be dishing it up -- made with organic and local ingredients. They?ll also have preserves, chutneys and local produce. For the Health of It, our beloved local health food store, will be present with goodies and information from their shop. For coffee lovers, Amavida will offer samples of their freshly roasted, fair trade and organic coffees and for the kids, fair trade coffee sack races will be happening throughout the day. Natasha Johnson will have her good-for-you custom herbal tinctures available for purchase.

Interested in learning ways to reduce your impact on the planet? Artisan, Compass Builders, CFH Design Studio, and eco-broker Bruce Johnson are knowledgeable, local sources for green building, design and realty. They will have information available on how we can all incorporate green practices into our lives and homes. Discover how simple it is to use a solar oven, a rain barrel, and a small worm farm on your property.

Interested in art, music, and fun activities to do with the kid?s? There won?t be a shortage of things to do or see. Enjoy the music of James Wisniewski as he engages the audience with flutes and other musical instruments from around the world. Join Sundog Books for a book signing and story telling. Make a flower lei with Grove and see Fisher?s Flowers Reclaimed Art & Living Jewelry. Be sure to check out Perpetual Imagination?s science toys and demonstrations. Abrakadoodle will offer a class ($15), ?Green Kids in a Colorful World? from 1:30 to 2:30. Stop by and learn to play a new card puzzle game, ?Foto Feud Card Game?, invented by local resident Debby Pozza.

As some of you know, the Flutterby Festival has been postponed. In response, The Cultural Arts Association and Sponsors Porath & Associates PA and Seagrove on the Beach Realty, will host a butterfly wing-making booth at the Family Fun Day. Ending a day of making wings, the children will have an opportunity to show off their beautiful creations at the official "Parade of Wings" that will take place at 3:00 pm, at the Seaside Lyceum.

Another interesting activity for all ages is the Art Miles Mural Project sponsored by the Seaside Institute. Anyone can come out and help work on the mural that will be on display at the Lyceum during the Family Fun Day. The mural is part of a larger, 12-mile mural that will be assembled in Egypt in 2010 in support of the UNESCO Decade for the Culture of Peace. This is an exciting opportunity for our area to be part of something much larger than ourselves.

Please join us in making this a fun event and showing support for the SWCC and the work they do for our natural and human communities. The SWCC will also be accepting registrations to other Back to Nature events during the Family Fun Day. The Family Fun Day is sponsored by South Walton Environmental & Low-impact Living (SWELL).

remember the Flutterby Wings will be at the B2N Family Fun Day....bring the children.....:clap:

Our wings from last year wore out- time to make some new ones!!

"Awaken the Day" sounds really cool, watching the sun rise at the beach. Philip Ellis does a great job!

BACK TO NATURE kick off event is tonight, Friday, at Bud and Ally's in Seaside, in the herb garden, 7-9 p.m. Free food and cash bar, You can register for events if you haven't yet. Also, remember the all day Family Fun Day on the Lyceum ground on Saturday.

BACK TO NATURE kick off event is tonight, Friday, at Bud and Ally's in Seaside, in the herb garden, 7-9 p.m. Free food and cash bar, You can register for events if you haven't yet. Also, remember the all day Family Fun Day on the Lyceum ground on Saturday.

we enjoyed family fun day at seaside today! it was great fun!!

We went to Seaside planning to attend the Family Fun Day for a few hours, but ended up staying until the end at 4 pm! My kids had a blast- painting on the amazing Art Miles mural, making butterfly wings (thanks Goodwitch), listening to the always awesome Jimmy Wz and our new favorite singers from California- MaMuse. The day ended with puppies and kids running wild.:wub:

Caught up with lots of new and old friends- this was a great event and we are looking forward to next year.

A little advice- don't attempt a sack race/pumpkin head relay at age 44. I am hitting the Advil bottle and heat pack now!:shock: I did beat RepComic - but he had a hard time at dress-up part of the relay, and clearly had issues with wearing a pumpkin on his head.