Rare Coastal Dune Lakes of South Walton county, Florida & The SWCC that helps protect them.

South Walton is Mother Nature's wonderland.  Really. Chock-full of ecological treasures, we are spoiled rotten when it comes to natural beauty - from the characteristic nearly pure quartz white sand on our beaches that literally squeaks under your feet and doesn't ever get too hot to walk on, to the fifteen rare coastal dune lakes found only in four other places worldwide. (see video below).  Throw in the fact that close to 40% - a staggering 56,000+/- acres - of South Walton is designated state park land (Read: Protected Land) and it's pretty apparent that it is imperative those who live here embrace the importance of being good stewards.

Enter the South Walton Community Council (SWCC).  Founded in 1995, SWCC is a nonpartisan non-profit comprised of those with a vested interested in preserving, protecting and enhancing the unique quality of life and natural environment in South Walton county. 

From the SWCC website:
"Through educational programs and other activities, SWCC helps to preserve South Walton's natural assets:  Beaches, dunes, coastal dune lakes, floodplains, wetlands, forests and native vegetation.

To protect the quality of our South Walton Community, SWCC:

• Conducts community forums
• Communicates issues and concerns through member updates
• Monitors development activities
• Collaborates with public and private organizations
• Works on the preservation of neighborhoods
• Supports county and state agencies responsible for overseeing environmentally sensitive and neighborhood compatible development."

They also hold an annual weekend event - the Back To Nature Festival -  to encourage people to get outside to experience the extraordinary natural diversity here and to raise awareness of the importance of preservation and protection.  The 8th Annual Back To Nature Festival will be held this fall  and is a an approved event of Autumn Tides, a series of fall events supported by the Beaches of South Walton.  

For more information about SWCC, including membership and upcoming events, visit their website at www.southwaltoncc.org, email info@southwaltoncc.org, or call 850-314-3749.

dimensions: Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County from WFSU-TV on Vimeo.