October is Dune Lake Awareness month and as part of the celebration, Walton and Okaloosa County UF/IFAS Extension Agents are joining together to host a Coastal Dune Lake Tour at Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park.  This free event will include a brief lecture and guided tour of the nature trail surrounding the lake.  Laura Tiu, Marine Science Agent, will start the tour with a history of the lakes, the unique ecology and some of the local protections.  Sheila Dunning, Horticulture Agent, will share information on the unique flora in the dunes including which plants have been used by native Americans and pioneers for food and medicine and the trees we find in the dune landscape surrounding the dune lakes and their adaptations to this sometimes-harsh environment.  If you have an interest in our local dune lakes or the tour, you may visit the Walton County Dune Lake website at https://www.co.walton.fl.us/97/Coastal-Dune-Lakes.  If you would like to register for this free tour go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panhandle-outdoor-live-2023-coastal-dune-lake-lecture-and-trail-tour-tickets-722764316527?aff=oddtdtcreator or use our Facebook event link https://www.facebook.com/events/811943803961304.  Feel free to call our office, 850-892-8172, with any questions.

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