South Walton Turtle Watch Group volunteer Dawn Ratcliffe gets ready to release loggerhead turtle into the Gulf.

Juvenile turtles get second lease on life

South Walton Turtle Watch Group volunteers Sharon Maxwell and Dawn Ratcliffe successfully released two rehabilitated loggerhead turtles into the Gulf of Mexico on June 30.
The two turtles, approximately 3-years-old have been recovering from pneumonia at Gulf World for the last 4 months. The turtles were discovered washed ashore last March.
Good luck little one!



Jason Hatcher of Freeport donated his time and 20 ft. Kenner Center Console boat for the release of the turtles. Jason captained his boat more than 4 miles offshore for the release, to ensure the turtles would not encounter fishing boats for the first leg of their new journey.
For more information about the South Walton Turtle Watch Group go to seaturtlewatch.com

WaltonOutdoors.com is an online zine for outdoor enthusiasts in Walton County, Florida and the surrounding area. Lori Ceier can be reached via email at lori@waltonoutdoors.com

Local environmental advocates team up to educate public

Local environmentalist Arix Zalace has a message to share. As the producer of turtle-safe flashlight filters, Arix has teamed up with the South Walton Community Council and created a four-and-a-half minute educational documentary to enlighten both children and adults about sea turtles and the dangers they face.

The SWCC has underwritten the documentary, and the DVD is available for distribution free of charge for local educators and the public.

The colorful and informative video explains the importance of our sea turtles in the balance of the sea, and the struggles they face to survive.

It also describes how humans can ensure a healthy future for the ancient creatures by taking sensible measures, such as filling holes in the sand and not leaving items or garbage on the beach.

Anita Page, Executive Director of SWCC hopes the video will enlighten beach goers to do the right thing when visiting the beach during turtle nest season May 1 – Oct. 31.

“We hope this is educational – empowering people to make the right decisions such as using turtle safe lighting,” Anita said.

Sharon Maxwell, president of South Walton Turtle Group is pleased with the video and getting out the message as well.

“It is so good to see a public minded group in South...

First loggerhead turtle nest of the season found in Seacrest

Turtle Watch volunteers taped off nest area of loggerhead turtle. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Turtle Watch Group volunteers find loggerhead nest

The first loggerhead turtle nest of the 2009 season was found in Seacrest Beach in Walton County on May 17. The nest was found by Turtle Watch Group volunteers Wayne Lofton and marked by Valerie and Wayne Lofton early Sunday morning. It appears the turtle scaled a man-made mound to find her place.
For more information, go to http://www.seaturtlewatch.com or
Click here for story about Turtle Watch Group

South Walton Turtle Watch prepares for new season

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles, are among the oldest creatures on earth, and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years.
However, they face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some of the things sea turtles must face as each species struggles to stay alive.
We are fortunate to have a local group of dedicated volunteers, South Walton Turtle Watch, who monitor our beaches on a daily basis during the turtle season.
Led my Sharon Maxwell, the group was formed in 1995. There are 40 members, which 25 have state-issued permits. The volunteers walk the beach in the early morning hours, and have a designated area each monitors for turtle tracks and nests.
Leather back turtle nest with tracks.



It is a complicated process once a nest is discovered. First, it must be determined that it is a true nest and not a false crawl. The tracks are measured and it is determined by the size and markings what type of turtle it is. If a nest is too close to the tide line, it must be moved to prevent the drowning of the eggs. Then there is a barricade constructed to mark off and protect the nest. And it is all done before 9 a.m.
The group continues...

Dog lovers abound in Walton

Dog n 1. A domestic carnivorous animal that typically has a long muzzle, pointed ears, a fur coat, and a long fur-covered tail, and whose characteristic call is a bark. Latin name: Canis familiaris

Why is it that we love dogs? For many, having a dog in their life is a given, they are playful, energized with full of unconditional love.
As a source of information, the following is a collection of resources for man’s (and woman’s) best friend.


A special place to play
In 2006, a long awaited Bark Park was established by a group of ambitious volunteers. The park boasts 2 acres of play area, with one section for large dogs and another for small.
The off-leash park is located on J.D. Miller Road, in Santa Rosa Beach.

The park is a non-profit organization, and with more than 100 members, and is busy with playful K9s most any afternoon.


Pat Carlyle is the president of Bark Park organization, and has two standard poodles along with a newly adopted boxer mix. She hopes for continued volunteerism to keep the park up and running.


“The Bark Park relies solely on donations and memberships,” Pat said.


The Bark Park has upcoming fundraisers planned for 2009, along with hosting canine training classes. Members of the Bark Park receive discounts from local vendors such as pet sitters and groomers.


The...