Festivals & Events, Wildlife and Nature

The biannual Wildflower Walk is a favorite among wildflower aficionados and those who just enjoy a pleasant nature walk. This year’s fall edition is taking place on September 28 at 9:00 AM at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Everything you need to know about the Wildflower Walk

Every spring and fall, when the flowers are in peak blooming season in the region, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge plays host to the Wildflower Walk. This special event is guided by wildflower experts who take you on a nature walk unlike any other. Not only will you get to observe a stunning array of diverse and colorful species of flowers, but the guides will be there to help you identify particular species and provide some history of the wildflowers that populate Wakulla County. The Wildflower Walk is also a rare “Behind the Gates” activity at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, where you have an opportunity to explore areas that are not typically accessible to the public.

The stunning flora of Wakulla County

From alligators to butterflies and towering oak trees to small weeds, many kinds of wildlife flourish throughout the year in Wakulla County, but viewing the abundance of wildflowers during the peak blooming season is a truly unique experience. You might spot milkweed, which is an important source of food for the monarch butterflies that migrate through the Florida panhandle in the fall on their journey to Mexico. While many azaleas have gone to seed by the time of the fall walk, summer azaleas, also known as swamp honeysuckle, are usually still thriving. Wild blue irises accentuate the green landscape with a pop of bright violet. These are just a few of the wildflower species you might encounter!

Explore the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and beyond!

One of the best things about participating in the Wildflower Walk is that you get to see parts of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge that you normally wouldn’t otherwise. After the walk is over, there’s still so much natural beauty to discover within the refuge itself, and across the rest of Wakulla County. Whether you want to indulge in more soothing nature walks, glide through a river in a kayak, or explore historic sights, there’s an adventure waiting for you here. Visit our accommodations page to make arrangements for your travel and discover just how much fun the natural world can be in Wakulla County.

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