Catherine Badger, a designer from In Depth details a bald eagle for the exhibition hall at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.

Designers work on finishing touches at
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

Other features of the Center include multi-purpose classrooms, science labs, dioramas, and a 160-seat theater. In addition, visitors to the Center will have an opportunity to learn about the natural environment both indoors and out, along an extensive trail system .9-mile long, with a 610 ft. boardwalk that crosses through a hardwood swamp, and around a beaver pond. Grand opening slated for Sept. 12.
The E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center is on the south side of Highway 20 between Freeport and Bruce, approximately 4 miles east of Highway 331.
For related story, Click here For more information about the Center go to: http://www.eowilsoncenter.org/

The Power Of One solar powered car crosses the 331 bridge May 8. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

The Power Of One slows traffic and draws crowd in Seaside


Folks in Walton County got an eyeful of solar technology on May 7 and 9 as The Power Of One solar powered car passed through the area. The car is on a journey across the Americas to make a statement on behalf of the advantages of solar energy.
Starting his trek in Buffalo, New York in June of 2008, Marcelo Da Luz has taken the car on a unique and challenging journey spanning west to Alaska, the Arctic Circle, then south through California and across the U.S. to the Florida Panhandle.
Marcelo and his current assistant, Michael Feith met in Alaska while Michael was on a backpacking trip. Michael follows the car in a pacer van and trailer with their gear.
Michael is doing his college internship about the car and journey.

From Walton County, they will travel east, then south to Key West, and eventually back to Buffalo, with future plans for South America.


Da Luz, a former airline flight attendant, first conceptualized the solar-powered car back in 1987, when he saw “The World Solar Challenge” a documentary...

Documenting the art of nature

Living in the Florida Panhandle, appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds us comes easy. With beautiful beaches, wetlands, rivers and unique coastal dune lakes– the area abounds with Mother Nature’s gifts.


If one is offered the unique opportunity to document the beauty of nature as an occupation, well, it probably doesn’t get any closer to having the perfect career.


I had the opportunity recently to meet such a person – local, award winning cinematographer, Elam Stoltzfus.

Elam at work at Western Lake expanding his coastal dune lake documentary. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors



As the mastermind cinematographer and producer behind Live Oak Production Group, Elam and his company create educational documentaries on Florida’s natural resources. Skillfully using his high definition video camera as a paintbrush, Elam creates stunning work.
Elam started from humble beginnings, growing up on a farm in Eastern Pennsylvania, where being a part of the outdoors was typical day-to-day activity.


“Being outdoors was just an everyday experience on the farm, the creeks and woods and connecting with the soil was a part of life,” Elam explained.


Elam’s father instilled an appreciation for the environment early on. By experimenting with minimal...

State Park offers a perfect place for a picnic and a cool swim

Just outside the Walton County line is one of the coolest places to take a dip in a spring, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. As the water stays a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, both locals and visitors enjoy this nature-made swimming pool, which is a convergence of two underground water flows, producing 14 million gallons of water daily.
This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513 - as legend has it, in search of the “fountain of youth.”
The park has a long history as it has been facilitated as far back as the early 1900s, and at one time, offered a roller skating rink. The State acquired the springs in 1970.

The spring area boasts an open pool with easy access steps entering the water. The crystal clear water shows bream and bass swimming around below.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. The walk offers a closer look at Sandy Creek, where the springs empties into, and eventually leads to the Choctawhatchee River.
Local flora includes mountain laurel, magnolias, cypress, holly, cedar and oak trees. Snakes, fox, and lizards are a common sight in the area as well.
There are...

Walton County school kids busy with spring gardens

Spring has arrived, and local children are busy with their school garden projects. Everything from planting zinnias to decorating outdoor furniture, to harvesting collards, the children are engaging in the excitement of watching things grow, and seeing the fruits of their labor.
I took a look around at a few of the Walton County schools to see what they were up to, and there is much more than mulch getting spread around!
Here is a look at three local garden projects:

Martha Smith’s 4th grade gardeners
At Freeport Elementary School, there is quite a bit of activity going on in the garden.
Ms. Smith’s 4th grade class was busy painting outdoor furniture, watering and checking on the growth of their new sprouts.
Their planting started early in the year, and to date, have Brussels sprouts, sweet peas, corn, sunflowers and pole beans, all planted from seed. They also have planted potatoes, zinnias and pansies.
The class also has new benches and tables. With the raw materials and fabrication donated by parents, the children decorated the new outdoor furniture by hand-painting pastel flowers on them.


Sandi Miller’s 3rd grade gardeners
At Butler Elementary, the students started planting seeds in February for their spring garden. The class also has a garden...