Course Description: Take a walk on the wild side at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge where you will meet wild animal ambassadors, learn facts about Florida’s native species, and see the magic of wildlife rehabilitation. The tour is on Friday, January 24 from 10:30 - 12:30.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on Friday, January 24, 10:30 - 12:30 at: Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge 3051 Cloptons Circle Navarre, FL

Class Leader Bio(s): ECWR Conservation and Rehab educator, Emma, will be our guide. For three years, she has been passionately inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and connecting people of all ages to Florida’s native wildlife.

Course Description: This one-time tour will be a cultural and environmental experience. Veterans Park includes 1700 ft. of ADA accessible paved sidewalks and wooden boardwalks along the Choctawhatchee Bay coastline. Monuments of women who have served and made significant contributions in the U.S. Military are arranged along a picturesque trail of our native wildlife and vegetation’s natural beauty. This tour is on Wednesday, February 26.

Notes: This one- time tour will meet on Wednesday, February 26, 10:00 to 12:00 at:Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island1300 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.E. Fort Walton Beach, FLPark on the northeast corner of the Emerald Coast Conference Center

Class Leader Bio(s): County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel has been recognized many times for her illustrious and altruistic contributions to our community. Carolyn led the idea for the park by advocating for the preservation of its natural beauty while simultaneously giving recognition to the women who have served the United States in combat.

Course Description: The 3rd Planet Brewing Co. was founded by two Air Force veterans in 2015 and now produces around 2,000 barrels annually. The brewery has received many awards, including the Finest Craft Brewery in NW Florida. During the tour on February 25 at 3:00, the head brewer will explain the brewing equipment, the brewing process and the types of beer produced.

Notes: This one-day tour on Tuesday, February 25 at 3:00 will meet at the brewery:3rd Planet Brewery Co.1400 E John Sims ParkwayNiceville, FL The brewery garage door will be lifted upon arrival and will be the entrance to begin the tour. After the tour, feel free to choose from the many selections of beer in the taproom (at your own expense).

Class Leader Bio(s): Brian Detweiler is the Head Brewer and a co-owner of the brewery.

Course Description: This tour will show the operations of the 911 center. It is the primary answering point for all of Okaloosa County for sheriff, fire and medical rescues. This tour is on Thursday, February 27.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on Thursday, February 27, 10:00-12:00 at: 911 Center located on the Northwest Florida State College Campus100 E College BlvdNiceville, FLThe building is located next to the Raider Arena.

Class Leader Bio(s): Capt. Leslihan Suhi-Moore is an 18-year veteran with the sheriff's department. Prior to leading the 911 center, she worked in criminal investigations and was a patrol officer.

Course Description: This one-day tour will be a leisurely walk through the Fort Walton Beach Veterans Park Rookery to observe and identify local bird life. Our guide is an experienced member of the local Audubon Society. The rookery is a beautiful one-and-a half acre park and the home of a heron rookery and many other bird species. The Audubon Society has identified over 240 species of birds that migrate through our area. Each fall, the rookery is on the migratory path of the Monarch butterfly. Come enjoy nature on this educational walk through the park at 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, FWB. This tour is Friday, February 28, 9:30 to 11:30.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet Friday, February 28, from 9:30 to 11:30, at the NE corner of the Fort Walton Beach Conference Center parking lot, 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Closed-toe shoes and binoculars are recommended.

Class Leader Bio(s): Our guide, Jim Anderton, is a member of the Audubon Society. He has led many bird walks in the rookery and other local locations. Jim is highly experienced at locating and identifying birds as well as identifying them by sounds.

Course Description: We will start at the Pavilion and walk the Turkey Creek Nature Trail’s one-mile boardwalk and back. Our guide will assist in plant identification and wildlife sightings while we stroll along the floodplain forest edge of the stream as bald cypress, red bay and Atlantic white cedar tower overhead. This tour is on Monday, March 3, 10:00 to 12:00.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet Monday, March 3, from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Turkey Creek Pavilion, 340 John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Class Leader Bio(s): Sheila Dunning is the Commercial Horticulture Agent with the University of Florida Extension Service of Okaloosa County. Sheila has a vast knowledge of Florida’s natural resources and shares that knowledge through her many publications and presentations.

Course Description: This guided hike will cover some of the different ecotones at the state park, plus plant life, trees, animals, history, various water sources, etc. The ranger will showcase different areas, inspiring visitors to leave with an appreciation of the park’s many natural resources. Students should be aware of uneven terrain that will need to be navigated on portions of the hike. This tour will meet on Tuesday, March 4 at 10:00.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on Tuesday, March 4, 10:00 to 11:30 at:Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park 4281 State Road 20Niceville, FL

Class Leader Bio(s): Evan Hill is a certified Florida Master Naturalist and has been a Park Ranger for the Florida Park Service for several years.

Course Description: Join us to tour this 10 acre nursery with a huge variety of both indoor and landscape plants which grow well in NW Florida conditions. Their specialty is variety; they have everything from annuals for patio gardens to trees and shrubs for permanent planting, and terra cotta or glazed pottery.This one time tour will meet on Wednesday, March 5, at 5908 Houston Lane in the front of Crestview Nurseries in Crestview.

Notes: This one time tour will meet on Wednesday, March 5, at 5908 Houston Lane in the front of Crestview Nurseries in Crestview.

Class Leader Bio(s): Stacey Taylor is a former Master Gardener who has been with this family owned business for ten years.