Nature

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College announces the fall session of its award winning eco-tourism initiative, Discover Roads Less Traveled: Eco-Adventures of Walton County.

“CBA’s eco-tours are intended to bring participants to local, off the beaten path environmental wonders,” states CBA’s eco-tour coordinator, Brandy Foley. “We hope that these tours will entice individuals to experience our local environment from a different perspective.” 

A giant red sun peeks over the oat-covered dunes, casting long shadows and illuminating a distinctive track in the sand, unbroken from dune toe to surf. The track was made in the midnight hour by a massive sea turtle on a mission.

Expectant mamas like her have been visiting SoWal beaches since prehistoric times, returning each year to the same spot where they hatched. Repeating the cycle by building a nest and burying dozens of eggs in the warm, incubating sands.

The WaterColor Boathouse is a special SoWal place that offers a fun and exhilarating approach to getting fit and staying fit. The team at the BoatHouse offers a refreshing alternative to the same old trip to the gym. The serene spot on Western Lake is a great place to touch base with your inner self as well.

Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated group of locals, South Walton has added an entire layer of recreation through artificial reef environments. The South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) has installed the first set of near shore reefs off our beaches.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a wonderful place to explore any day of the year. You'll love taking advantage of some of the weekly events at the park this summer. What a great way to get out and explore one of South Walton's most beautiful coastal areas directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park admission fees are waived for Summer 2015.
 

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College announces the summer session of its award winning eco-tourism initiative, Discover Roads Less Traveled: Eco-Adventures of Walton County. Voted Best Outdoor Adventure in the 2015 Perfect in South Walton- Best of the Best list, the summer tour line-up falls nothing short. Don’t miss the chance to get outdoors this summer and explore!

The Gulf World Marine Institute stranding team recently released a fully rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle into the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach. The stranded sea turtle was rescued in March of this year and was found to be emaciated and lethargic. After a few months of rehabilitation at Gulf World Marine Institute the sea turtle was medically cleared and then released back into the Gulf on June 24, 2015, along with a few human friends standing by for support.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a wonderful place to explore any day of the year. You'll love taking advantage of some of the weekly events at the park this summer. What a great way to get out and explore one of SoWal's most beautiful spots. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park admission fees are waived for Summer 2015.