Northwest Florida Audubon Academy – Sept. 12, 2015
Field Trip Details: Ron Hauser will be the leader for the Field trip to Panama City Beach Conservation Area. At least 76 species of birds have been reported from field trips there over the past 3 years. The walk will begin a little after 7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time and it will last 1.5 hours. The address is 100 Conservation Drive, which is about 1 mile west of Hwy 79 off U.S. Hwy 98. (There is a La Quinta motel at the corner of Conservation Drive and Hwy 98.) The park is at the end of the road. There is a parking area where we will meet and walk about 3/4 mile along pine flatwoods trails and boardwalks through cypress/tupelo wetlands. The Conservation area is approximately 30 minutes from the University of FL IFAS meeting place spot so we will finish up promptly at 9:00 in order to give folks time to travel and sign in.
From the website: Panama City Beach Conservation Park
The City of Panama City Beach has established the Panama City Beach Conservation Park in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the enjoyment of bikers, hikers and nature lovers. The Conservation Park is 2,912 acres of total area (908 acres uplands and 2,004 acres wetlands) with 24 miles of trail length and 1 mile of boardwalks. The Conservation Park serves two fundamental principles:to protect and balance our natural resources while providing outdoor recreational opportunities. The 2,900+ acres of West Bay Ecosystem is protected by the management and utilization of the City's reclaimed water to rehydrate the wetlands. The Conservations Park's forestry management practices will also lead to ecosystem restoration and habitat improvements as certain species are removed and native species are reintroduced. In addition, to the functionality of the park, there are many trails on site from which you can observe native wildlife roaming freely. Be sure to bring your binoculars and cameras for bird and wildlife watching as they are drawn to the rehydrated wetlands areas.
Hotels:
Near the Field trip:
The first one is very close to the birding field trip. La Quinta Inn & Suites, 17710 West Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Fl 32413. Phone 850-249-1112 Best available rate today $109 with AAA, and AARP at $98.10
Need the meeting (across town). The La quint Inn & Suites 1030 East 23rd St, Panama City , FL 32405. Phone 850-914-0022. Best available rate today $75, AAA, AARP $67.50