Education

This year’s excessive rain opens our eyes to the impact Mother Nature has on living creatures, both human and non-human. Human behavior is directly affected by the amount of sunshine we receive daily, not to mention the fresh air and exercise, all critical to our health and happiness.

We wait for the sun to pop through the clouds so we can grab a boat or a board and head for the water. Our bodies in motion don’t know what to do with too much indoor time, especially here in paradise.

End of July Update: South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) is reporting the most current count of sea turtle nests is up to 55. Some of the first nests of the season are approaching 50-60 days and we should start to see hatchlings and/or their tracks to the water any day.

You know Seaside. The pastel houses and the picket fences. Families pedaling to the ice cream shop, bike following bike following bike. It seems impossible to imagine, but long before what you see today, Seaside was just a dream. A dream of one man.

Alys Beach is truly one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Florida but did you know about the nature preserve situated on the northern portion of the community? What a perfect time of year to get outdoors and explore one of South Walton's hidden gems.

Mark your calendar and plan to join eco-tour guide Snookie Parrish for a nature hike through a wetland preserve and trail at Alys Beach! Tour dates are set for March 12, March 19, March 26, and April 2 from 1-2pm. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at Fonville Press to begin your adventure. 

South Walton was once home to a large black bear population. Hunting and development nearly eliminated Florida's largest land mammal. But lately we've seen bears return to the area in large numbers.

Just like it is for SoWal vistors and locals, Fall is an active time of year for Florida black bears as they stock up on calories for the coming winter. Though black bears don’t really need to put on pounds to survive the state’s usually mild winters, they behave as if they do need to – eating about three times as much as usual.