Getting to Know the Neighbors The Flora + Fauna of 30A

Getting to Know the Neighbors

EXPLORING THE FLORA + FAUNA OF 30A

By Fiama Mastrangelo

The Rosemary Beach community built itself amongst some of the most

breathtaking coastal landscapes in the world. In addition to the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Rosemary Beach is also entrenched in a rich natural environment surrounded by four state parks that are lush with native vegetation and various species of wildlife. Grayton Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Eden Gardens and Deer Lake offer natural getaways for both locals and visitors of Rosemary Beach looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Each of the four nearby parks is home to a plethora of flora and fauna that are unique to Walton County. Park visitors may experience sightings of some of the region’s endemic wildlife, including the various sea turtles, tortoises, shorebirds, bears and, of course, alligators. The natural habitats of these critters are just as unique and exciting to explore, especially for outdoors enthusiasts. Within the 30A region, some of the most memorable species of vegetation include scrub oaks, pines and seagrass. Together, the flora and fauna of the region craft some of the world’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems.

photo by Guy Stevens

THE FLORA

The lush coastal vegetation serves as the glue for the landscapes of 30A. Bluestem grass, sea oats, oaks and pines provide stability to the sandy beaches and prevent storm erosion. The rooted vegetation keeps the integrity of the beach structure while sweeping waves and heavy rainfall pull away at the sand during severe weather. Additionally, the vegetation can serve as an important food source for many smaller beach creatures, such as the shorebirds and tortoises.

The picturesque coastal dune lakes are a standout feature in the 30A environment. Nestled just behind the shoreline, these brackish water lakes are extremely rare. According to the Florida State Parks, only four countries in the world have these natural formations. Walton County is one of two regions in the entire United States that contains the coastal dune lakes, the other region being in Oregon.

Walking trails in the nearby state parks feature the spindly scrub oaks and whimsical magnolia trees that characterize coastal hiking paths. Florida State Park describes Deer Lake Park as a home to a wide array of unique flora, such as the pines and deer moss found along the hiking trails. Deer Lake also contains a variety of rare plant life such as Gulf Coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants and Curtiss’ sandgrass.

THE FAUNA

Rosemary Beach is home to many of Florida’s iconic fauna. Sightings of black bears and alligators aren’t all too rare in the 30A area, and they certainly catch everyone’s

The coastal dune lakes of Grayton Beach State Park. Walton County is one of the few regions in the world containing natural dune lakes. Photo by Guy Stevens.

photo by Guy Stevens

attention. The region also houses many endangered species, and serves as an important habitat to nesting sea turtles.

According to Visit South Walton, green sea turtles and loggerheads are the two most common species of sea turtle nests on the nearby beaches. In the spring and early summer months, sea turtles will nest on the beach and lay their eggs. Come late summer and early fall, the hatchlings will make their way out of their shells and into the ocean, guided by the light of the moon. Beachgoers might notice protected turtle nests during this season, and groups such as the South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) may even host special events for public education and outreach, such as the SWTW’s Turtle Talk Tuesdays series.

A relative of the sea turtles can be found above ground on the beaches and parks of 30A. The Gopher Tortoise is a threatened species living all throughout the sunshine state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the gopher tortoise can live 40 to 60 years in the wild, and spends most of its time burrowing near scrub oaks and other vegetation that thrive in sandy soil.

In addition to the many shelled critters of the 30A region, a wide range of shorebirds can be found foraging near coastal dune lakes. Snowy plovers and red knots are two species of shorebirds that populate the regions surrounding the coastal dune lakes. While the native bird species are bountiful enough, Walton County sits in between two major migration routes for birds. In fact, it is estimated that up to 200 different bird species pass through the region each year, making the area a must-visit for avid birdwatchers.

Situated amongst the lush vegetation of local beaches and state parks is a vibrant community of coastal creatures. From alligators to pitcher plants, Rosemary Beach serves as a haven for the richly biodiverse ecosystems of Walton County. Visit floridastateparks. org to learn more about each of the four nearby parks and make reservations for camping and other outdoor activities. ▪

photo by Guy Stevens

Both Loggerhead turtles and their nests are a common along the beaches of 30A.