Nature

New Visitor and Nature Center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Underway

Representatives for the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and Walton County Tourism participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Visitor & Nature Center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on December 20th.

The $4.2 million project will provide education, host events and connect visitors to the park's natural wonders. Walton County provided $285,000 in Tourist Development Tax funds to support the project, which is expected to be completed in late 2025.

Clear Gulf Water Flows Into Western Lake in Grayton Beach, Florida

January 4, 2025 by admin

Most of South Walton's coastal dune lakes open periodically to flow into the Gulf of Mexico after the lakes swell with rain. On rare occasion when conditions are just right, after draining for a few days the lake achieves equilibrium and clear Gulf water flows back in to the lake.

This overhead view is of the Western Lake outfall in Grayton Beach, Florida.

Birds of Different Feathers Flock Together

January 1, 2025 by Kurt Lischka

On a very special Christmas morning, birds of different feathers flock together on Peach Creek Bayou in South Walton County, Florida. Pelicans, coots, ducks, geese, seagulls, and herons whirl and land, takeoff and circle before landing again.

This phenomenon is amazing to see, it lasts for about 30 minutes and happens a few times a year at sunrise during the short Winter in SoWal. Some of the birds stay behind and linger all day. A dozen or so pelicans hang out all morning being lazy and socializing.

Panhandle Outdoor Live: Coastal Dune Lake Lecture & Trail Tour Oct 17

Celebrate Coastal Dune Lake Appreciation month with a tour of the nature trail surrounding Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park on Thursday, Oct. 17th from 9AM - 11AM.

Join University of Florida's Panhandle Outdoor Live team for a guided walking tour of the nature trail. Meet at the beach pavilion (restroom facilities available) at 8:45 am with a lecture and tour start time of 9:00 am sharp. Tour is approximately 2 hours. Admission into the park: $5.00 per vehicle, so car pooling is encouraged.

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