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Check Out Topsail Hill Preserve State Park November Programs

November 6, 2012 by SoWal Staff

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is an amazing place to experience any day of the year. But one of our favorite things to do is hang out with the rangers and get educated. Check out these programs coming up at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the west end of Scenic 30A in South Walton!

A wide variety of programs are presented throughout the year on wildlife and natural resources: Fishing in the Surf, Butterfly Walk, Shorebird Safari, Bombs Away, Sea Turtles, Turpentine, Wildlife Puppet Show, The Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse, Freshwater Fishing, Native Medicinal Plants, Snakes and Beyond, Learning About Burning, Beachcombing, Flint Knapping, Sharks, Coastal Dune Lakes, Ecosystems of Topsail, Birds of Prey, and Alligators. 

Vultures
Friday, November 2
1:30PM-2:30PMCome learn about these often misunderstood birds. They play a vital role in the health of our forests. Meet at the Day-Use entrance off of Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.

Night Hike
Wednesday November 7
4:45PM-7:00PM
There are many creatures that come out after the sun goes down. Come join us for a night hike as we try and spot and hear some of these creatures. The walk begins by watching the sunset, then a 1 mile hike back to the day use parking lot. Meet at the Day-Use parking area at 4:45pm and ride the 5:00pm tram to the beach.

Coastal Dune Lakes
Friday November 9 & 16 
1:30PM-2:30PM
These rare lakes are found in only a few places worldwide, including right here at Topsail Hill. Come learn what makes these lakes so special and what is being done to protect them. Park at the Day-Use entrance and take a short hike to the clubhouse.

Breakfast with a Ranger
Saturday November 10
9:00AM-10:30AM
Come and join the Rangers of Topsail Hill and ask them all the questions you can think of about park wildlife. To cover the cost of food please bring $5, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park or bring your own breakfast. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.

Alligators
Saturday November 24
1:30PM-2:30PM
These formidable creatures, once hunted nearly to extinction, have made a remarkable recovery. Come learn the full history of Florida’s most famous reptile. Park at the Day-Use area off of Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.

Sharks
Friday November 30
1:30PM-2:30PM
Come learn all about Florida’s sharks, which species you may encounter, and how to safely share the water with these beautiful creatures. Park at the Day-Use area off of Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.
 

All programs except Breakfast with a Ranger require a $6.00 entry admission into the park. Call (850)267-8330 for more details.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers a wide variety of natural resources including 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall. Three rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing. Although boats are not allowed, fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Lakes, pristine beaches, old-growth long leaf pines, sand pine scrub, and a variety of wetlands offer a bird-watching and hiking paradise. Visitors may bike, walk, or enjoy a quick ride to the beach on our timely tram service to swim, fish, sunbathe, or beachcomb. Gregory E. Moore RV resort features a (non-heated) swimming pool and shuffleboard courts. Furnished bungalows are available for weekly stays. A camp store offers a variety of camping items, as well as snacks and drinks.

Florida State Parks are treasures waiting for your discovery!

Additional information, photos & video on South Walton area parks:
Parks Of South Walton & Northwest Florida

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