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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Music & Adventures in May

May 2, 2014 by SoWal Staff

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a wonderful place to explore any day of the year, but the special events at the park are special indeed. Here's the inside info so you can make plans this Spring to attend some of the weekly music events and park ranger programs coming up in May at our Florida State Park located on the west end of Scenic 30A in South Walton.

Americana Under the Stars is every Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m and the evening of music starts with an open mic in the amphitheater. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 to the Friends of Topsail Hill. Bring a chair and refreshements and enjoy some music in the park. This is family/ pet friendly and fun for all ages.

Adventures in the Park A variety of programs are presented by park rangers throughout the year on wildlife, adventure and natural resources. March adventures in the park include:

Friday, May 9 | 11:30am-1:30pm | Campbell Lake Canoe Tour Take advantage of a unique opportunity to paddle Campbell Lake. Located within the heart of Topsail Hill, Campbell Lake is the largest of the parks two coastal dune lakes. You will join the ranger as he leads you to various points around the lake and discusses what makes this lake as well as the others in the area so unique. No outside canoes or kayaks are allowed on the lake so space is limited to 10 people for each trip. A sign up sheet will be available in the ranger station from April 26 until May 8 and will be on a first come first serve basis. Meet at tram stop 1 by 11:30am on May 9 to catch the tram to the lake.

Saturday, May 10 | 9-10:30am | Breakfast with a Ranger Topsail Hill invites you to a special breakfast with guest speaker Susan Leveille of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is a non profit organization that helps to rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured wildlife indigenous to northwest Florida in accordance with good wildlife management practices. This will be a fun and informative program for all ages. Upon entering the park, the staff at the ranger station will direct you to the clubhouse. Breakfast is provided for a suggested donation of $5, or you may bring your own, all proceeds go to the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

Friday, May 16 | 2-3pm | Alligators These formidable creatures were once hunted to near extinction, but have made an incredible recovery. Come learn the full history of Florida's most famous reptile at this informative slideshow presentation. This is an all ages program. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park's clubhouse. Entry fee is $6.

Friday, May 23 | 2-3pm | Animal Tracks This all ages program is designed to be a hands on learning experience in the art of tracking. You will learn different types of tracks and which animal makes them. You will get to make your own tracks using the same techniques used at the parks and you will go on a short hike to see tracks in the wild. This program will take place in the clubhouse and will utilize the surrounding area as you track different animals. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park's clubhouse, entry fee is $6.

Friday, May 30 | 2-3pm | Lizards Come learn more about our areas lizards, You've likely seen them at your house, in the forest, or just about anywhere you go, lizards scurry about and eat lots of insects. This program will cover which lizards you will find in the area, what they eat, where they live, and if they are native or not. This program will take place in the clubhouse, upon entering the park the staff will direct you to the location. This program is suitable for all ages.

All programs except Breakfast with a Ranger and Americana Under the Stars 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