Emerald Coast Herons

The Emerald Coast Herons Project celebrates creativity and community across Okaloosa County through a vibrant public art trail.  The heron was chosen because it is symbolic throughout the county. The great blue heron is found in our inland rivers, lakes, and beaches.  They can be seen while hiking the Florida Trail, fishing on the bridges or piers, sunning on the beach, boating in the bays, and kayaking in the local rivers.  Okaloosa County is home to several heron rookeries, including the one on Okaloosa Island at Veterans Park and next to the coast guard station.  Herons can be found throughout the area in both summer and winter.  They are elegant, beautiful and stately, a beautiful piece of art in nature which we hope to help preserve through our public arts.

In 2023, OPA commissioned 20 unique five foot tall fiberglass heron sculptures, each standing five feet tall and hand-painted with one-of-a-kind-designs by local artists. The 2024 Project added 10 more herons to the siege. These herons now proudly reside at city halls, libraries, museums, and public buildings throughout the county, sparking joy, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. The next project is currently planned to take place in 2026. Email us at herons@okaloosapublicarts.org for more information. 

Whether you’re local or visiting the area, the Heron Trail invites you to discover these colorful sculptures, learn about the artists behind them, and support OPA’s mission to bring meaningful art into public spaces.