The South Walton Conservation and Development Trust (SWCDT), established by the Florida State Legislature in 1993, created a plan in 1996 to preserve this pristine, pedestrian-friendly area surrounded by open space and greenways.

Fragile Ecosystems Protected from Future Development
The SWCDT was charged with preparing an overall environmental survey of South Walton's 56,000 acres and recommending development plans to determine how the area should evolve. Approximately 25,000 acres are owned by the State of Florida and protected from future development, leaving 31,000 acres to protect and manage responsibly.

An internationally recognized team of town planners, economists, environmentalists and transportation planners produced a blueprint for future development and a vision for the community: diversify the economy, preserve the environment, and keep the unique heritage alive for residents and visitors.

This plan strikes a balance between on-going development and careful preservation of natural resources that make Beaches of South Walton an appealing destination for those seeking a slower pace. Since the Comprehensive Plan includes strict building codes that ban buildings over four stories high, drivers can meander down Scenic Highway 30-A and experience a generous view of the destination's pristine coastline.

These codes were put to the test during Hurricane Opal in 1995. Since most of South Walton's development is new, the code-compliant structures along the shoreline were spared. In addition, sea oat plantings and other restorative measures helped the area bounce back quickly after the storm.

Water Communities Host Colorful Residents
The waterways of Beaches of South Walton are many and varied. The rivers flowing from Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee into the Choctawhatchee Bay are wonderful and exciting to explore. Coastal lakes that interact with the tides create an entirely unique ecosystem. Visitors boating along the river may see an Osprey or a Bald Eagle patiently scouting for its dinner. Florida is second only to Alaska in Bald Eagle populations. The Brown Pelican is one of many species of birds that was nearly driven to extinction, yet currently has returned in large numbers. One of the lakes' inhabitants, the Great Blue Heron, is also a vital component of the ecosystem.

The 17 coastal dune lakes that dot the coastline are so rare they are only found in Beaches of South Walton and remote portions of Africa. They are characterized by the intermittent nature of their connection to the gulf. When the water level, through rain or other inflow, reaches a certain critical height, the lake will "blow out" and release its water into the gulf. At that point, sea water may enter to create an estuary. After the lake water level subsides, the connection to the gulf will disappear until the lake is ready to discharge once more. These fragile ecosystems are an important source of freshwater to migrating birds and other beach organisms.

Sea Turtles live in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and nest along South Walton's beaches from May through August. Of the eight species worldwide, five are found in the state of Florida. Beaches of South Walton has also taken action through scientific and grass roots efforts to protect endangered species including the Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles. The South Walton Turtle Watch program locates turtle nests and protects them until hatching. Lights along the beachfront, which are coded to be less harmful to sea turtles, are a key part of the ongoing recovery effort. Artificial beachfront lights can attract hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the water into the dunes where they could be exposed to predators or end up on a highway. Scientists, residents and scores of volunteers help to preserve the species by monitoring the nests, walking the beach at night, and monitoring the lighting so the hatchlings won't get confused and become stranded high above the sea.

Natural Communities are Popular Attractions
Beaches of South Walton is home to a variety of diverse ecological communities including beach dunes, mesic flatwoods, scrub, depression marshes, coastal dune lakes and estuarine marshes. Each natural community is home to a wide range of native animals and plant species. The importance of preserving local plant life is paramount to the look and feel of South Walton's communities. Many of the 13 beach communities are designed to fit, rather than intrude, into its coastal environment. Respecting the delicate balance with nature, many communities use native plants throughout their landscapes.

The majority of untouched land is dedicated to state parks, forests and preserves. For those who prefer hiking and biking over soaking up the sun, the area offers an abundance of nature trails and bike paths. An 18-mile bike path stretches from Blue Mountain Beach to Inlet Beach, and miles of nature trails traverse the area's five state parks. Topsail Hill State Preserve, named for its 25-foot-high sand dune, is thought to be the most pristine and environmentally protected piece of coastal property in Florida. Visitors can hike to the park's highest point for a bird's-eye view of the Gulf of Mexico, rare coastal dune lakes and bald cypress swamps. Topsail Hill State Preserve is also known for its 14 unique plant communities. In fact, there are five rare plants in the Florida Panhandle that only flourish in the preserve. The park is also home to white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons and coyotes.

With average temperatures of 68 degrees in the winter and 74 degrees in the spring, wildflowers bloom every day of the year. Gulf Coast Lupine, a rare and endangered plant growing near the beach, sends up its striking bloom of blue spikes in the spring. In the fall, the sand hills explode again with the beautiful splendor of wildflowers including golden aster. Attracted to these golden flowers, Monarch Butterflies make their annual fall migration along the Gulf Coast to Mexico each year.

Ecotourists Hit the Road
Florida attracts more out-of-state visitors to view wildlife than any other state. Visitors to Beaches of South Walton who want to explore the natural environment can do so in many unique and memorable ways. Here's a few:

TurtleWalk. Although you may catch a glimpse of a turtle swimming near shore along the Florida coastline, your best bet is to participate in an organized turtle walk. All the walks require reservations and are led by guides or park rangers who ensure the turtles are not harassed or disturbed. There are no guarantees that you will see a turtle; however the program has a high success rate.

Off-Road Biking. While several off-road biking trails developed by die-hard fans provide artificial vertical drops to those who crave a challenge, most off-road biking trails have little change in elevation. Horseback riders and hikers share many of these trails. Don't feel like walking through a no-vehicles-allowed natural area, a bike is the most practical way to get around.

Hit the Trail. Beaches of South Walton's trail system provides miles upon miles of adventure, whether you're heading out on foot, bicycle or horseback. From the novice explorer to the expert trail trekker, the options seem limitless. Deer, turkey and migrating birds, as well as other wildlife, are abundant throughout these wilderness areas.

Nature Walks. Visitors can get a birds-eye view by exploring the area's park systems and forests through organized nature walks and expeditions. At Topsail Hill State Preserve, sweeping views of the coastal dune lakes, Lake Campbell and Lake Morris, will take viewers' breath away.

Click here for a listing of Certified Nature Based Outfitters

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