BeautifulDestin.com Conservation of Beaches of South Walton

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South Walton Beach Nature

Protected nature - Beaches of South Walton is home to a number of endangered or threatened animals and plants. In fact, there are five extremely rare plants that are found only in the Panhandle of Florida that can be observed at Topsail Hill State Preserve. They are: the Large-Leafed Jointwood, Godfrey's Golden Aster, Cruise's Golden Aster and Gulf Coast Lupine.

Threatened animals found in Beaches of South Walton include the American Alligator, Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Snowy Plover, Piping Plover, Southeastern Kestrel and Least Tem, Protecting endangered species such as the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Green Sea Turtle, nest along South Walton's beaches from May through August, and are top priority with residents.

Volunteers comprise the South Walton Turtle Watch Program, an organization that locates turtle nests, protects them until hatching and, if necessary, helps baby turtles make it safely to the water. Posters, signs and brochures can be found throughout Beaches of South Walton educating residents and visitors on ways to protect our native wildlife and vegetation.

Ecological communities - The natural communities in South Walton include beach dunes, mesic flatwoods, scrub, scrub flatwoods, depression marshes, wet flatwoods, coastal dune lakes and estuarine marshes. Each of these natural communities is home to an abundance of native animal and plant species.

As with most things in nature, the health of all wildlife in Beaches of South Walton is dependent on the health of each of these natural communities. Local environmental groups, such as Beach to Bay Connection, are working with state agencies and Walton County to ensure the continued health of these areas.

Florida attracts more out-of-state visitors to view wildlife than any other state. Visitors to Beaches of South Walton who want to explore the natural environment can do so in many unique and memorable ways:
Off-Road Biking: a bike is the most practical way to get around.
Hit the Trail: Beaches of South Walton's trail system provides miles upon miles of adventure, whether you're heading out on foot, bicycle or horseback. From the novice explorer to the expert trail trekker, the options seem limitless. Deer, turkey and migrating birds, as well as other wildlife, are abundant throughout these wilderness areas.
Nature Walks: Visitors can get a birds-eye view by exploring the area's park systems and forests through organized nature walks and expeditions.
At Topsail Hill State Preserve, sweeping views of the coastal dune lakes, Lake Campbell and Lake Morris, will take viewers' breath away.

South Walton, Florida - When you hear the word '"beach" you think of summer. And, naturally, summer is the peak season along Beaches of South Walton. However, fall and winter are quickly becoming popular due to the many "perks" this time of year offers. Rates drop, sunsets are spectacular, temperatures are mild, crowds are few, and festivals are plentiful.

Beaches of South Walton are conveniently located a short drive (15-30 minutes) from either Destin and Panama City Beach.