Did you know that Lake Powell is the area’s largest coastal dune lake and is the only local dune lake designated as a Florida Outstanding Waterway? Coastal Dune Lakes are very rare and occur only in a few places in the world, including Walton County where we have 15 of these precious resources.

Interested in learning more about coastal dune lakes?

The South Walton Community Council — whose mission is to advocate for the preservation, protection and enhancement of the quality of life and natural environment of South Walton — will host Emily Ellis on Thursday, May 22 at 7:00pm at the Coastal Branch Library. Emily will speak about our dune lakes and specifically about the treasure that is Lake Powell.

Set to a compelling soundtrack, her presentation will cover Lake Powell’s history, scenic vistas and waterscapes, followed by a deluge of imagery depicting indigenous flora and fauna. The presentation concludes with an overview of recreation, preservation, conservation and activism. The movie was created for 2013 World Paddle for the Planet, a four-day event which culminated in a 24-hour endurance paddle on Lake Powell.

Emily Ellis is an award-winning painter and photographer. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University in 1989. In 1993, she received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Florida. And in 2010, she completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program.

Emily is a member of the Bay County Audubon Society, Friends of Camp Helen State Park and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, among other organizations. She is one of the Founding Directors and Vice President of the Lake Powell Community Alliance and has worked with the University of Florida LAKEWATCH Program for 17 years as a water sampling volunteer.

For more info, visit South Walton Community Council or (850) 314-3749.