Category: Wildlife and Nature

There’s nothing like a personal encounter with nature to remind us that we should be thankful for all that our planet has given us. The amazing diversity of life throughout Wakulla County is an integral part of this area, and there are many places where you can get a first-hand view of these species.

Looking to the skies

Birdwatchers and ornithology enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise when they come to Wakulla County. Because of the diversity of our natural environment, including an abundance of rivers, lakes, coastline, and forests, a wide array of different avian species call our county home. Some of them live in Wakulla County throughout the year, and others can be spotted during specific seasons as a part of their migration patterns.

One of the premier places for bird watching and photography in the county is the stunning St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to the north-south migratory bird flyway, so you’re likely to catch a variety of different species as they make way to their summer or winter homes. The refuge is also ground zero for the monarch butterfly migration in early autumn, and you might catch majestic eagles and osprey nesting in the trees throughout the spring.

A wonderland of marine life

Waterways are central to the environment of Wakulla County, and the marine species that call this area home are a reflection of the importance that the lakes, rivers, springs, and ocean have to these lands. Wakulla Springs State Park is one of the most notable areas for marine species viewing, as the park offers glass-bottom riverboat cruises throughout the day when the water clarity is high. You may also spot a manatee swimming through the waters of the park between October and January.

The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea is also a place where you and your children can interact with aquatic animals and learn about their role in the ecosystem as well. This lab features numerous touch tanks, and showcases many species that are unique to the North Florida coast.

An incredible forest ecosystem

You might not want to spend all of your time near the water, however, because there is a remarkable number of land animal species that live throughout many areas of Wakulla County as well. This region is home to some dense woodland areas, where you might catch a glimpse of animals such as white-tailed deer, feral hogs, and bobcats.

Take some time to explore the massive Apalachicola National Forest, where you are permitted to hike anywhere within. If you’re lucky in the fall, you just might spot a wild turkey roaming the forest floor.

This November, enjoy the beauty of nature in Wakulla County. As the Florida heat begins to cool off, now is the perfect time to appreciate and be thankful for the outdoors. Stay with us awhile and enjoy restful nights away from the big city or bright lights.

In a guest post by Don Morrow, he shares his findings of the first St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Tour of the season. It’s time to get down to St. Marks and go birding.

The first St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge tours of the season took place on a sultry Fall day. This is a transitional time; those migrants that pass completely through our area are finishing up, while the winter resident species are coming in. I had five duck species today and eight this week. I’ve had Raccoon, Deer, Coyotes (calling) and a Black Bear this week.

Adding in some early morning recreational birding today I logged 71 species. Some highlights of the day were:

• Double Dikes
• King Rail & Sora (calling predawn to the North)
• Large cloud of Tree Swallows in the early morning
• Vermillion Flycatcher (male hanging in the area for the winter)
• Stony Bayou I
• Plovers (Black-bellied and Semipalmated)
• Greater Yellowlegs
• Willet
• Ruddy Turnstone
• Sandpipers (Western & Least)
• Dunlin
• SB Dowitcher
• Terns (Caspian & Forster’s)
• Stony Bayou II
• Wood Duck
• Northern Pintail
• Blue-winged Teal
• Northern Shoveler
• American Wigeon
• Merlin

We had a female Bobolink along the levee separating Mounds Pool I and III. Over the last few days I’ve been getting Catbirds, Phoebes, Marsh & House Wrens, Swamp & Song Sparrows along the levee edges. I’ve had Kestrel and Peregrine Falcons and also lots of cool butterflies.

The temperature is about to decrease and bird diversity at the refuge is about to increase. The winds following the front should bring down other ducks, Yellow-rumped Warblers, RC Kinglets and lots of other avian goodies. We’re Americans. This is your refuge. As soon as the front passes, get down to St. Marks and go birding.

Good Birding

-Don Morrow

Wakulla County has many things that draw folks to our small part of Florida, World Record pole-vaulting fish and deep freshwater springs, saltwater fishing, lighthouses, and the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory. But what many people don’t realize is that Wakulla has some of the darkest skies in Florida.

Many people have never thought about our skies other than to help determine if it’s good fishing weather. What I mean by dark skies is actually light pollution. Light pollution is that ugly glow caused by light in the night sky that keeps us from seeing night time sky constellations which include the Milky Way, our galactic neighbor. To simplify, light pollution experts created a scale called the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale. This scale will rate your ability to see constellations with the naked eye. The scale rates any location worldwide with a class rating of 1 through 9. 1 is an excellent dark-sky site like the middle of Antarctica, through 9 which is an inner-city sky similar to Central Park in New York City.

Now that I’ve bored you with the technical mumbo jumbo, I will jump into the interesting stuff. What is awesome is that most all of the skies above our heads here in Wakulla fall between a class 2 and class 3 and to give you an example of how dark we have it [in Wakulla], Tallahassee skies fall between a class 6 and 7. These dark sky areas benefit us in so many ways.

First dark skies benefit nature. Light pollution can affect an animal’s nocturnal abilities and navigation capabilities so migrating birds have it easier when we have less man-made lights to confuse them. Second, scientists say that light pollution has an effect on human health and anyone who has had a migraine headache can agree “no light is better”. Third, and in my humble opinion the most important, our dark skies down here in Wakulla gives us the greatest ability to see our stars and galactic neighbors in the Milky Way.

I love to photograph the night sky and find that it’s quick and easy to shoot from my back yard or take the 10-15-minute drive to one of our local coastlines and I can gaze and photograph all night long. We have some of the best views anywhere from St. Marks to Mashes Sands Beach. Those night skies are what many in night photography are jealous of. Many astrophotographers or night photographers must travel hours to get views that we have here in Wakulla.

So do yourself a favor and next time you head out on a clear night look up and savor another reason why Wakulla is such a great place.

Written by Michael Simmons of Flying Rotor Films

So what is all the excitement about in June? What does the “new moon” have to do with fishing? Why is Wakulla celebrating such an occurrence? Simple, some of the brightest minds in fishing know it is the best time of the year to explore our coast!

June is the perfect month to get salty. The weather will be at its best. The May winds are gone, and the July heat has not arrived. Expect warm to hot days, but also expect water temperatures to be perfect for a swim. Bring your mask and snorkel and explore the most pristine grass flats on earth. It could be a great time to scout your location for the July opening of scallop season?

What about the fishing? Well, every fish that swims in the gulf will be here in June! All you need to do is pick your target species. From giant silver tarpon, to the shallow water golden redfish, the bay will be alive with hungry fish! If you need a speckled trout fix, Wakulla is the place. How about a short offshore trip for kingfish, cobia, black sea bass, and gag grouper. Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, and Wakulla is a quiet door into the best fishing in the state. So, if you’re looking to catch the ingredients for your next set of fresh fish tacos, then June is the month!

There are several public boat landings in the county. All have great access to fish, and ample room for parking. Wakulla has no shortage of local tackle shops, marine fuel, fishing guides, marine repair facilities, and full-service marinas. If you are bringing your own boat, our hotels welcome boaters. If you are looking for some local fishing knowledge, just ask.

The “New Moon in June” signifies the beginning of summer fun, and enjoying the gulf coast. The new moon this year is June 24. The week proceeding, and the week following are historically awesome weeks for catching fish. If you are new to the area and bringing a boat, kayak, or just fishing from shore, buy the Top Spots Map Number N231. It is a great reference for getting familiar with the coast and the hottest fishing spots. Most local tackle shops will have a copy. While your there, ask for the local favorite fishing rigs. Better yet hire a guide to get you straight to catching fish!

Consider the “New Moon in June” as your invitation to explore Wakulla County.

It is my office most days, and it is spectacular! Hope to see you on the water.

Capt. Mike McNamara
St Marks Outfitters
850-510-7919 call/text
redfish@stmarksoutfitters.com

Archeologists confirmed what they believe to be remains of the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The discovery was made Friday afternoon at Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla County, Florida

Authorities were first notified after a young girl playing at the springs happened to come across the remains of this thought-to-be-fictitious creature. The creature first came into prominence in the first-ever 3-D movie in 1954, filmed at the spring.

The young girl, who requested to remain anonymous, told authorities that this fortunate find was accidental. Her ring slipped off her finger while playing near the 2-story dive tower. Looking around the area for her lost ring, she noticed a part of the remains, and called her friends over to look.

“I never did find my ring,” she told local authorities. “But it looks like I found something even cooler!” Archeologists are currently working at the park. They were quickly brought in to preserve the remains, which are expected to go on display at the park later this year.

During a brief interview, Chief Archeologist on the project, Edward Sopp, said, “It’s fortunate that we found the remains where we did. The Spring has a flow rate of 200-300 million gallons of water every day, so we are very lucky that it wasn’t dislodged.”

For more information on the details of this story, please remember that it is April Fool’s Day. While this story may not be true, there are many fascinating features that have emerged from Wakulla Springs.

The current archaeological project (the real one) is open to visitors Tuesdays through Sundays between 10 and 2 p.m. The excavation for this cycle end April 24. To see where the 13,500-year-old mastodons were discovered, take a tour April 15 during the Wakulla Wildlife Festival. Walking With Mastodons is almost sold out.

To learn more about Wakulla Springs, you can explore Visit Wakulla’s Website. If you are interested in becoming more involved in preserving Wakulla Springs for future generations, please go to the Friends of Wakulla Springs Website.

Cutting through the diverse and beautiful north Florida landscape, the Big Bend Scenic Byway is the perfect way to see many of the sights that make Wakulla County such a dynamic natural habitat. This 220-mile highway traverses a variety of different thriving ecosystems, and much of the road lies within the limits of Wakulla County itself.

Parts of the Big Bend have been an important corridor through the Florida gulf coast since the 16th century, when Spanish explorers were among the first Europeans to set foot in the area. Although many centuries have passed, the ephemeral beauty of the environment and the rich wildlife habitats remain for explorers of future generations to discover.

Two exciting and distinctive routes to explore

The Big Bend Scenic Byway is divided into two smaller subsections, each with their own unique attractions and beauty. First is the Forest Trail, which passes through many of Wakulla County’s most popular historical sites and preserved lands. Driving across the Forest Trail will bring you a plethora of wildlife watching opportunities, with convenient stops throughout the Apalachicola National Forest, the Wakulla Springs State Forest, and Wakulla Springs State Park.

Meanwhile, the Coastal Trail hugs the wetlands and marshes just off the Gulf of Mexico, and it brings you front and center with amazing maritime vistas and aquatic wonders. If you just can’t miss the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, you’ll definitely want to take a trip along the Coastal Trail. Each trail is home to numerous sights that make Wakulla County so special, so be sure to explore each one thoroughly!

Natural wonders abound all along the Big Bend Scenic Byway

The Big Bend Scenic Byway is your path to some of the most incredible natural land and abundant wildlife in North America. Upon stopping at one of the numerous protected natural areas in Wakulla County located on the road, you’ll have access to trails and paths rich with opportunities for photography or birdwatching. And you can’t leave the area without taking in some of the aquatic beauty of the Florida panhandle. Spots along the Big Bend Scenic Byway contain marshland, oyster habitats, and seagrass beds home to a diverse array of marine animals and aquatic birds.

Lodging and facilities are conveniently located so you can savor the experience

There is so much to see and do along the Big Bend Scenic Byway you couldn’t possibly experience everything in one day. There are several options throughout Wakulla County for lodging, as well as great restaurants and attractions that will make a memorable trip for the whole family. Don’t forget to download the complete guide to the Big Bend Scenic Byway so you can map out your plan and explore as much as possible on your travels in beautiful Wakulla County.

Visitors can pick up a copy of the Big Bend Scenic Byway Guide at the Wakulla County Welcome Center in Panacea.

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to enjoy nature, come to Florida’s Wakulla Springs State Park. Located south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs has 6,000 acres of beautiful Florida natural areas to explore and see wildlife.

The Park contains one of the world’s largest, deepest freshwater springs and a historic lodge built in the 30s, and is host to a wide variety of visitor activities and events.

Swimming, camping, weddings, river boat cruises, picnics, and wildlife observation are just some of the many fun things to do here. Register for a ranger-led walking tour of the park to experience the natural beauty of this area up close.

Walk Through Wakulla Springs

Walking through Wakulla Springs State Park gives you a unique perspective on this scenic wildlife sanctuary. Wakulla Springs natural areas provide a front-row seat to observe animals in their environment, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The area’s beautiful forests include hardwoods, cypress sloughs and longleaf flatwoods. Your ranger-guide will tell you about the history of the area, and talk about the wildlife, plants and fungi, and trees that you’ll see along the walk.

The history of Wakulla Springs goes back thousands of years, and spans Paleo-Indian occupants, European settlers, and the beneficence of Edward Ball, who bought the property in 1934 for conservation. The Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Natural Landmark.

Seeing Wildlife

Wakulla Springs State Park’s vast natural areas include riverfront environments, protected wildlife sanctuaries, and deep freshwater springs and cave systems. Home to alligators, manatees, turtles, otters, deer, and birds, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see animals in their natural habitats.

Birders will love the huge variety of birdlife, including herons, egrets, bald eagles, ospreys, black vultures, limpkin, purple gallinules, and more. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.

Join Us

Because it’s a walking tour, participants must be registrants must be physically able to participate independently without any assistance. You must be able to follow the ranger’s visual and verbal instructions, be outside for the two hour tour, and walk for two miles through a variety of terrain, including sandy, wet, and uneven ground.

Registrants will meet in the Wakulla Springs Lodge parking lot and may want to bring water along. Dress appropriately for the walk, including good walking shoes. Breakfast and lunch is offered at the Lodge before and after the tour.

Plan to join us on this guided walk through the Wakulla Springs State Park. Space is limited so you’ll need to call 850-561-7286 to register and reserve your spot in the event. Click here for more information.

Situated on the Gulf Coast is one of Florida’s best hidden treasures. The rivers and beaches of Wakulla County provide an abundance relaxing and adventurous activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, scalloping, and snorkeling. The pristine and natural water makes for one of the best destinations for any kind of vacation.

What Makes Wakulla a Must-See Location?

Escaping to beaches and waterways that are natural and fresh is the best way to cool off and relax over the summer. Far away from the thick city air, Wakulla County provides an easy environment for countless water activities in the heart of unspoiled and fresh nature. The area is devoted to maintaining a natural setting and its rivers, beaches, and springs attract people from all over Florida, as well as neighboring states.

Among the many activities to enjoy, here are some of the top spots to see while you’re visiting:

• Wakulla Beach: This small beach is located at the end of Wakulla Beach Road and is far from average. Wakulla Beach is part of the St. Marks National Refuge, which means this beautiful beach is surrounded by cabbage palms and salt marsh grass. It also features a gentle shoreline, which makes it a perfect location for launching small boats, canoes, or kayaks.
• Ochlockonee River: Not only is the Ochlockonee River one of Wakulla County’s most popular treasures, it is also home to many threatened kinds of wildlife, including the wood stork, orange azalea, and the Atlantic sturgeon. Enjoy skiing, canoeing, or fishing for sea trout, redfish, or largemouth bass in the scenic and relaxing water.
• Wakulla Springs: One of the most popular locations in Wakulla is this amazing crystal clear springs. It also just happens to be the deepest and longest freshwater springs in the world. The 69 degree water is refreshing and rejuvenating, especially when during the hot summer months. Those with an adventurous bend will most likely enjoy a jump from the 22 foot dive/observation tower located at Wakulla Springs State Park. Those who aren’t quite so daring can relax in the shade of ancient cypress trees, which stand regally alongside the spring, or enjoy a pleasant swim in the cool water.
• Shell Point Beach: This unique beach is located on the northern edge of Apalachee Bay and is accessed via Spring Creek Highway. Shell Point Beach is a dream come true for the nature lover. As you walk along this unspoiled beach, you will likely see dolphins and other coastal wildlife. You also won’t find a prettier sunset in all of Wakulla County that the ones seen from this beach. Finally, it is the perfect location for windsurfing, boating, sailing, kayaking, beachcombing, fishing, hiking, bicycling and much more.
• Sopchoppy River: This natural blackwater river runs 47 miles and starts in the wetlands of the Apalachicola National Forest. From kayaking to canoeing, the upper part of this river is one of the best ways to experience the true richness of the natural wilderness of Florida. Winding through a canopy of trees, the calm breeze is an unbeatable and magical experience.
• Mashes Sands: Relax on a secluded beach in a simple park. Overlooking the mouth of the Ochlockonee River, Mashes Sands has tranquil shallow waters that are perfect for families and nature lovers. This paradise includes quiet tidal marsh pools, a fishing pier, and a boat ramp. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, nature photography, kayaking, boating, and fishing.

The natural environment of Wakulla County is something you need to experience for yourself. It has everything a nature lover could ever hope to find in a vacation destination. Its natural beaches and clear springs and rivers make it an ideal location to enjoy all kinds of activities, ranging from mild to downright daring. Find a preplanned trip itinerary or download the visitors guide to begin planning your trip today!

It’s an exciting time for Wakulla’s Working Waterfronts Photo Project.

‘Waterfronts’, which began in 2012, received a grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs last September. The project utilized the talent of local photographers to capture forty-five photos that, as a collective, told the overarching story of Wakulla’s maritime and seafood heritage.

The photographers chosen to participate in the project included Mickey Cantner, Mark Wallheiser, Lynda Kinsey, JoAnn Palmer, and Katie Deal.

Almost two years ago, articles by local writers began circulating online and throughout the area newspaper, The Wakulla News, in search of residents that were willing to tell their stories of fishing, family, and seafood.

The Wakulla Sunday Radio Program produced radio episodes on WAVE 94.1 that highlighted those in the area known for their work within the seafood industry.

Early interviews included residents such as Noah Posey (owner of Posey’s Up the Creek Steam Room and Oyster Bar); Leo Lovel (owner of Spring Creek Restaurant); Bill Lowrie (known for his work with the Big Bend Maritime Museum, and the annual Worm Gruntin’ Festival in Sopchoppy); family members from the now extinct fishing community of Skipper’s Bay; and Sopchoppy resident, Donnie Crum, whose personal interest in capturing the history of his friends and neighbors – many of them fishermen – was the initial inspiration behind the ‘Waterfronts’ project.

Throughout a span of five months, photographers met with fishermen as they loaded their boats and prepared to set-sail during the pre-dawn hours. They met with restaurant owners, photographed workers at crab-picking and seafood processing plants, and made pilgrimages through lonely back-road areas where boat-building, trap-making, worm-grunting, and more took place.

The beauty of the work, the dedication of the workers, and seeing firsthand how one area of the industry could possibly affect the others, was not lost on those who standing behind the camera.

The photographers quickly found that the most compelling aspect of the project were the stories that the workers shared. Many spoke of their family members who had worked within the county’s seafood industry for at least three generations, if not more. Those discussions of family histories, combined with the hopes these residents held regarding the industry and its impact on future generations, are what inspired the Waterfronts Oral Histories Project that will resume later this year.

Wakulla’s Working Waterfronts Photo Project held its public debut in April at Wakulla’s One Stop Community Center. In May it traveled to the 40th Annual Blue Crab Festival, held at Woolley Park, in Panacea.

Later that month the exhibit received an opening at the Lively Technical Institute in Tallahassee. This was of particular importance due to the aspiring photographers that were students in Lively’s Commercial Photography Program, led by acclaimed and internationally published photographer, Russell Grace. Mr. Grace and his students printed, mounted, and hand-framed each picture that now stands in the current exhibit.

In July, ‘Waterfronts’ continued its journey along the coast and was mounted for display at the Apalachicola Center of Culture, History, and Art, in Franklin County. It will remain at this location until mid-August when it returns to Wakulla. A tentative exhibit opening date of Sunday, August 24th, has been set for ‘Waterfronts’ at the Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea.