SCIENTIST BOB WALKER speaks with the group of local education professionals during their hike along one of Nokuse Plantation’s nature trails. The center is now under construction on the 48,000-acre Nokuse Plantation, a privately-owned conservation area. On March 31, M.C. Davis, owner of Nokuse Plantation, welcomed the group, consisting of Walton County school principals, county school district staff members, representatives of the Pandhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC), and other guests. Attendees got a look at buildings under construction for the nature center, along with classrooms that will house interpretative exhibits about wildlife, insects, plants, and other aspects of local native communities. Biophilia center director Christy Scally and scientist Bob Walker served as host and guide to the hikers. (Photo by Dotty Nist)