The Monarch Art Trail (MAT) is an outdoor sculpture project created by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation (StJCF). The art trail honors the magnificent Monarch Butterfly and it's amazing flight ability of up to 2,700 miles and its generational migratory pattern route through SoWal.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the western end of Scenic 30A should be at the top of your must do list. No visit to South Walton is complete without seeing our masterpiece of a park, where wild coastal forest and serene dune lakes meet the glorious Gulf.
The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center recently released seven rehabilitated sea turtles back into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico after having spent time at the CARE Center.
The turtles were returned home to the Gulf at Topsail Hill State Preserve State Park, where several hundred locals and tourists gathered and cheered. Even a group of dolphins joined in the celebration, swimming alongside the turtles as they made their way back into the Gulf.
To further our community's commitment to protecting and preserving our quality of life and environment, the Walton County Tourism Department established Keep Walton County Beautiful in 2024 as an official affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. The preservation of Walton County’s natural landscapes allows residents and visitors to enjoy the area for generations to come.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the annual reminder that juvenile black bears might be seen in unexpected areas as they leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new locations of their own to settle down. Spring also marks a general increase in activity for bears after limited movements in winter.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that as we enjoy our beaches this Memorial Day weekend and beyond, nesting season is underway for our state’s imperiled sea turtles and shorebirds along our coasts.
The South Walton Turtle Watch team is hard at work each and every day protecting and assisting our sea turtles for another successful sea turtle season!
Sea Turtle nesting season in South Walton is May 1st through Oct 31st each year. One of the most extraordinary things about South Walton beaches are the sea turtles that nest here. They need our help and protection to survive.
Join the Biophilia Center for a Public Day, in partnership with the Bay County Audubon Society, on April 13th for their presentation of “On Safari” with Big Tom. Doors will be open to the public from 9am to 2pm, featuring presentations at 10:30am and 11:30am. Don’t miss out on the excitement! Explore exhibit hall, hang out with Turtle Bob in the Reptile Room, check out food trucks, and have a blast.
Pay at the door. Admission: $10. Ages 4-12: $7.
Bio-Members get in FREE!
Celebrate Earth Day with Sandestin on Saturday, April 20 at Baytowne Marina. Beginning at 7:30AM, help clean the shoreline by removing plastics and other debris harmful to local wildlife, bay water and natural resources along the Sandestin boundary of Choctawatchee Bay. Refreshments will be provided.
7:30 - Gather, mingle, meet and greet with morning refreshments
7:45 - Welcome and appreciation
7:50 - Start Pickup
9:30 - Raffle Costa Sunglasses and Prize
10:00 - Gather collections and take a picture!
The E.O Wilson Biophilia Center will benefit from the Sip for Sustainability initiative this Earth Day in an effort to preserve our beautiful Florida ecosystem.
