Celebrating & Educating: South Walton Coastal Dune Lakes Week Is November 2-6
Walton County officially designates a week each year to celebrate, educate, and honor our lakes and their ecological and economic importance.
Walton County is home to 15 named coastal dune lakes along 26 miles of coastline. These lakes are a unique geographical feature and only found in a few places in the world. The coastal dune lakes in Walton County share an intermittent connection with the Gulf of America. This intermittent connection allows for saltwater fish species and other organisms to enter the lakes, making them important habitats for both fish and wildlife species.
In effort to educate the public on the importance of the coastal dune lakes both ecologically and to our economy, the Walton County Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board is hosting several coastal dune lake activities during the week of November 2-6, 2026.
Learn more about South Walton Coastal Dune Lakes.
Perhaps the most unique and precious features of SoWal are the coastal dune lakes found in our area’s beach dune system.
The rare lakes are reportedly found only along the coasts of New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and in the United States along the coasts of Oregon, South Carolina, and Northwest Florida. South Walton’s 15 coastal dune lakes hug the coast, embedded in our dune ecosystems. Most lake levels fluctuate due to rainfall and when overly full, open to flush fresh water in to the Gulf.
Monday, November 2 | 9:00–11:00 AM – Coastal Dune Lake Native Plant Tour
Explore native plants and learn about their role in protecting our coastal ecosystems.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002520182773?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday, November 3 | 1:00–2:00 PM – Coastal Dune Lake: Jewels of Florida’s Emerald Coast — Movie Matinee
Learn more about the beauty and ecological significance of Florida’s coastal dune lakes.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002654877649?aff=oddtdtcreator
Wednesday, November 4 | 9:00 AM – Deer Lake Restoration Tour
Discover local restoration efforts and learn about the importance of preserving our coastal environments.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002529952996?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thursday, November 5 | 9:00–11:00 AM
CBAEP Coastal Dune Lake Cleanup – Help protect our natural resources by participating in a community cleanup!
Friday, November 6 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Grayton Beach Ecosystem Tour – Explore the diverse ecosystem of Grayton Beach and learn more about the natural habitats that make our coast so special.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002536296971?aff=oddtdtcreator
Let’s celebrate, explore, and protect our coastal dune lakes! These unique natural treasures are an important part of Walton County’s environment and heritage. Join us in learning how we can help preserve them for generations to come.
