SOUTH WALTON, FL, June 24, 2014 – South Walton, Florida, renowned for its perpetual sun, 26 miles of white quartz sand and turquoise water, also boasts a vast array of ‘beyond the beach’ pursuits in the region’s great outdoors. With 40 percent of the destination comprised of diverse natural elements, the destination provides travelers a bounty of outdoor pursuits to fill their holidays. With 15 dune lakes, four state parks, a coastal forest, miles of trails, and a variety of ways to embrace the wilderness, from kayaking and biking to hiking, sailing and fishing, the region’s ecosploring opportunities are endless.
To complement South Walton’s year-round ecosploring options, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance has launched “Discover the Roads Less Traveled,” a collection of guided eco-adventures available throughout the summer. These include:
Getting to Know the Natives – Garden & Trail Tour
Nature lovers can learn about South Walton’s local flora and fauna on a one mile, two hour guided garden and trail tour at the Native Plant Demonstration Garden and Trail at Northwest Florida State College in Santa Rosa Beach. Held every Wednesday at 3 pm in July, the tour is appropriate for the whole family. Fee is $15.
Dune Walk
Coastal dune lakes are a naturally occurring phenomenon in just a few locations worldwide including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar and the Northwest Pacific Coast of the U.S. With 15 dune lakes, South Walton possesses the world’s highest concentration of these rare systems. And without the beach dunes, there would be no dune lakes. The Dune Walk, a four-mile hike through Morris Lake, hosted by Park Services Specialist Jeff Talbert, provides an up close and personal look at this natural phenomenon. The next hike is scheduled for July 3 with additional dates to be announced soon. Cost: $15 + park fees.
The Bayside Fishing Clinic
A hands-on fishing experience at Kellogg Park, this clinic focuses on techniques for wade-fishing in the bay then allows students a chance to put their new-found knowledge to the test. Held at 3 pm every Thursday in July, the clinic costs $35 per person, with all equipment included.
Canoe/Kayak Tours
South Walton’s four state parks and state forest are home to dune lakes and the Choctawhatchee River system that provide endless inviting settings for canoe and kayak tours. In addition to viewing stunning scenery, flora and fauna, tour guides discuss the history of the area, coastal dune lake ecology, local anecdotes, and preservation efforts to keep the area pristine. Basin Alliance sponsored tours include:
Historical Tour – Coffeen Nature Preserve
With 225 acres of protected land, Coffeen Nature Preserve’s diverse range of natural environments include a forest, marshes and coastal dunes. Prior to its establishment in 1976, the Preserve was WWII site JB-2 missile testing and launching site. Now, it is home to the endangered Choctawhatchee dune mouse and gopher tortoise. Led by caretakers Susan and Bruce Paladini, tours of the preserve include hiking along four trails and a military history presentation with an option to explore the bunkers. Hikes occur on July 16 and July 30. Fee is $20.
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance will be adding more tours throughout the summer, so please check the website regularly. For more information or to book call 850-200-4160.
To complement South Walton’s year-round ecosploring options, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance has launched “Discover the Roads Less Traveled,” a collection of guided eco-adventures available throughout the summer. These include:
Getting to Know the Natives – Garden & Trail Tour
Nature lovers can learn about South Walton’s local flora and fauna on a one mile, two hour guided garden and trail tour at the Native Plant Demonstration Garden and Trail at Northwest Florida State College in Santa Rosa Beach. Held every Wednesday at 3 pm in July, the tour is appropriate for the whole family. Fee is $15.
Dune Walk
Coastal dune lakes are a naturally occurring phenomenon in just a few locations worldwide including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar and the Northwest Pacific Coast of the U.S. With 15 dune lakes, South Walton possesses the world’s highest concentration of these rare systems. And without the beach dunes, there would be no dune lakes. The Dune Walk, a four-mile hike through Morris Lake, hosted by Park Services Specialist Jeff Talbert, provides an up close and personal look at this natural phenomenon. The next hike is scheduled for July 3 with additional dates to be announced soon. Cost: $15 + park fees.
The Bayside Fishing Clinic
A hands-on fishing experience at Kellogg Park, this clinic focuses on techniques for wade-fishing in the bay then allows students a chance to put their new-found knowledge to the test. Held at 3 pm every Thursday in July, the clinic costs $35 per person, with all equipment included.
Canoe/Kayak Tours
South Walton’s four state parks and state forest are home to dune lakes and the Choctawhatchee River system that provide endless inviting settings for canoe and kayak tours. In addition to viewing stunning scenery, flora and fauna, tour guides discuss the history of the area, coastal dune lake ecology, local anecdotes, and preservation efforts to keep the area pristine. Basin Alliance sponsored tours include:
- Western Lake Kayak Tour – July 10, 9 am; $60 per person with kayak rental
- Canoe/Kayak Tour of Campbell Lake –July 15, 1:00 pm; $30 + park entry fee per person
- Explore Morrison Springs Paddle – July 11, 8:30 am; $35 per person and canoe/kayak rental fee of $35
- Chain of Lakes Tour on the Choctawhatchee River – July 25, 9:00 am; - 11:30 am; $60 with canoe/kayak rental / $45 without $45 if bring your own, $60 includes craft rental
Historical Tour – Coffeen Nature Preserve
With 225 acres of protected land, Coffeen Nature Preserve’s diverse range of natural environments include a forest, marshes and coastal dunes. Prior to its establishment in 1976, the Preserve was WWII site JB-2 missile testing and launching site. Now, it is home to the endangered Choctawhatchee dune mouse and gopher tortoise. Led by caretakers Susan and Bruce Paladini, tours of the preserve include hiking along four trails and a military history presentation with an option to explore the bunkers. Hikes occur on July 16 and July 30. Fee is $20.
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance will be adding more tours throughout the summer, so please check the website regularly. For more information or to book call 850-200-4160.