Lisa Miller and Phoenix, a red shouldered hawk.



A look at the dedicated volunteers that nurse injured wildlife back to health


Ever wonder what to do if you found an injured bird, turtle or squirrel? As we edge closer to spring, this could be the case, as sometimes young are found abandoned, or a baby bird has fallen from a nest.
It is comforting to know that there is help available, and there are two groups in the Walton area that are able to nurse the animal back to health.
Wildlife Rehabilitators Partnership of Northwest Florida is a full-time volunteer organization that has been rehabilitating injured wildlife in the Niceville area since 2005.
Founding members Lisa Miller and Kim Henderson operate an all-volunteer network of animal rehabilitators, and are certified by State of Florida and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to handle rehabilitation of animals.
Miller harbors many of the injured or abandoned wildlife at her home, which a large portion of, been converted into a sanctuary.
“We have the ability to watch over the animals 24/7,” Miller explained.
“Our mission to rehabilitate and release. The animals that are not able to be released, we incorporate into our educational program.” Miller continued.
The group gives interactive presentations about wildlife to groups as a service...

A Boer goat kid awaiting auction.



Paxton comes alive the first Saturday of the month


As times get leaner, many are looking into finding creative ways to find a bargain. One way to find the real deal, is to take drive to the Rockin S Auction the first Saturday of the month.
Held at the old livestock building on U.S. Hwy 331 in Paxton, the auction comes to life around 8:30 a.m. as a stream of trucks and trailers pour into the site loaded with everything from household items and tools, to goats and chickens, to fresh eggs and preserves.
At any given auction, there are between 1,500- 2,000 transactions, and it gets started promptly at 9:00 a.m., sometimes carrying on to the wee hours of the next morning.
Locals Dale Anderson, wife Tonya, Chris Short and wife Regina started the Rockin S Auction about four years ago. After two years, the Short’s opted out, and the Anderson’s took full reign. Chris continues to assist Dale and Tonya in the auction operation.
Dale Anderson and Henry Alford of Rockin S Auction. Lori Ceier/Walton Outoors
Everyone involved in the auction has full-time jobs, Dale Anderson works for Gulf Power, Tonya runs the Anderson farm, and household, and Chris runs an insulation business in Opp,...

Local horsewoman recalls trail rides on South Walton beaches

Folks that have lived in South Walton for more than eight years, will probably remember the Brand “N Iron Corral on U.S. Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach.
One would often spot horsewoman, Lanna Williams, along with her young riders sauntering along the beaches and trails in the area.
Williams remembers when a trail ride to the beach was a refreshing treat for both the riders and the horses.
“The horses loved getting in the water,” Williams recalled.

Locals and horses enjoy the Gulf of Mexico.
Photos courtesy Lanna Williams

Since the 60s, Williams and her family ran the 8-acre Brand ‘N Iron Corral, offering pony rides, riding instruction, boarding and a western store.
“We were the only place on U.S. Hwy 98 for miles,” Williams said.
A popular place to come learn to ride, Williams noted her students enjoyed the sport so well, many continue to ride as adults.


Locals Heather Marse and Jimmy Ferguson in front of the Brand ‘N Iron Western Store. Circa 1968

In 2002, Williams sold the property in South Walton moved the Brand ‘N Iron to its current location. It is now located on 80 acres, off of U.S. Hwy 331, just north of Rock Hill Road in DeFuniak Springs....

A look into the equestrian experience in the Walton area


Ceely Barfield on her Paso Fino, and her mom Cissy in the background.


Learning to ride
It is easy to notice that local equestrian Allison Richards loves horses. She speaks the language of horsemanship with confidence as I watched her guide two young riders during a recent lesson.
With the years of knowledge under her belt, it is easy to understand why. Riding since she was 10, Richards started riding in a pony club. She quickly progressed, and began teaching the sport at age 14. Her diverse background has included the equestrian program at Sweet Briar College outside of Lynchberg, Va., and fox hunting in Cincinnati and Virginia.
Richards works with students on a contract basis. Along with riding skills, Richards teaches good horsemanship, which includes stable management – grooming, basic veterinary horse care, stall cleaning and proper nutrition.
Isabelle Meadows and Savannah Burden, both 10, have each been riding horses for more than five years, and are currently two students training hunt seat style with Richards in Santa Rosa Beach.
Currently, Richards is working on USHA Training Program Certification, which establishes and promotes standards, good horsemanship and credibility to the horse training environment.
Allison Richards can be reached at 561.635.9696....

Lori Ceier with lion cub.

Florida Chautauqua Assembly: A Journey into Africa in DeFuniak Springs Jan. 29-31

The Chautauqua Assembly in DeFuniak Springs is a four-day, conference-style event featuring keynote speakers, performances, special events, and day sessions. With a variety of subjects, it is a must for anyone interested in an educational experience.
I took in the exhibits at the Walton County Fairgrounds and was delighted to find a wide array of wildlife exhibits as well as the free-standing displays about Africa created by Walton County students.
The wildlife exhibitors include Brian Staples and his son, who are working with Jim Fowler from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom fame. I had the unique opportunity to interact with a female lion cub under their supervision. Fortunately for me, she was most interested in getting a good belly rub.
Brian and his son were most gracious in allowing me this opportunity.

from Walton Outdoors on Vimeo.
Also hosting a display was master falconer Dr. Robert Gordon of Winged Ambassadors. Dr. Gordon had a great horned owl, a screech owl, and two hawks in his entourage.
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge shared the stories of some of their permanent residents from the refuge, including a barred owl, and a fox.
There are several other...