ROSEMARY THYMES | 18
photo by Guy Stevens
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.
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