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The Limpkin Times
Apalachee Audubon Society Mission Statement:
Protection of the environment through education,
appreciation and conservation.
October 2017
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With a brand new website, new conservation initiatives, a partnership with a local Title 1 school, exciting programs, and fields trips to some of the most biodiverse spots in Florida...it's safe to say that we are taking flight.
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Brand New Website Launched!
Elizabeth Georges, a new member of the Apalachee Audubon board, has worked long and hard to create a website every one of us should be truly proud of. It's attractive, easy to navigate, and (best of all for those of us who work with it) simple to use. We think you'll love it.
It's easier than ever to find information and, importantly, for casual visitors to join Audubon, receive our newsletter, and learn about the great things we are doing as a chapter.
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October Program
Natural Treasures of The Florida Panhandle: Importance of the Apalachicola Watershed with Dr. Bruce Means
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Social 7:00 PM, Program 7:30 PM
The King Life Sciences Building
319 Stadium Drive, Room 1024
Recently, the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain—a vast natural area ranging from Martha’s Vineyard of Massachusetts to the Rio Grande River in Texas—has been recognized as one of the Earth’s top 35 biodiversity hotspots. Nestled in this 2,000-mile-long region lies a smaller area about 50 by 180 miles that supports the highest biodiversity in the larger region that is widely recognized as one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the U.S. and Canada. There live the most native frogs (29 species), most snakes (43 species), most turtles (18 species), a high salamander richness (30 species), a high number of birds (about 300 species), the forest type with the most tree species (up to 35), very high plant species richness (over 2500 species), and probably more carnivorous plants (30 species) than any similarly sized area in the world.
Largely passed over until the middle of the 20th Century, this main ecosystem, the longleaf pine savannah—accounting for about 60% of the original landscape—has shrunk to less than 2% of its pre-Colonial extent and yet, the region still boasts of a large treasure trove of native ecosystems such as remnant patches of longleaf pine savannah, hardwood forests, swamps and springs, river bottomlands, flatwoods, carnivorous plant bogs, numerous first-magnitude springs, caves and much more. Based on his more than 50 years living in and studying this special region, Dr. Means displays its biodiversity treasures with captivating photographs of its many native ecosystems and unique animals and plants. Because this priceless region is under multiple threats, he discusses why we should care.
Hint for residents of the Florida Panhandle: this fantastic place is somewhere near you!
Dr. Bruce Means is the President and Executive Director of the Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy, a nonprofit organization he and others founded in 1984 that is dedicated to conserving the rich biodiversity--and elevating public awareness and appreciation--of the vast Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. He is an Adjunct Professor of Biological Science at Florida State University and has authored numerous articles, technical reports, and books. Additionally, he has starred in several television specials about his international work in the field of herpetology.
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Saturday, October 13
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
It's that time of year again with migration in full swing and the arrival of our winter residents. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the St. Mark's Rails to Trails main parking lot on Woodville highway OR meet directly at the Visitor Center parking lot at 8 a.m. We will be carpooling, so please indicate if you are a willing driver. There is a fair amount of walking required.
Contact:
Please email Helen Jelks King at
[email protected]
if you plan to attend or want more information.
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Sunday, October 22
Spring Canyon
This field trip heads to Spring Canyon, land owned and managed by Audubon members Tom and Helen Roth. Their property is in the Apalachicola River Basin and is being restored ecologically by the owners.
Meet at the entrance to the property at 9 a.m. (see directions). Or carpool from the DEP/Commonwealth Coppertop Building parking lot, leaving at 8:15 a.m. Helen Roth will go early to the property to greet people at the gate. Donna Legare will meet the carpoolers. The field trip is free, but please call Donna at (850) 386-1148 to sign up so we know how many to expect and how many plan to carpool.
For more information about Spring Canyon and its owners,
click here
.
Contact:
The field trip is free, but please call Donna at (850) 386-1148 to sign up so we know how many to expect and how many plan to carpool.
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Saturday, October 28
Eastern Lake Jackson Landings
A few months ago we explored the western landings of this large lake. This time we will tackle the Eastern landings. Meet at 8 a.m. at Rhoden Cove Landing,located off Meridian Road. We will be carpooling, so please indicate if you are a willing driver. Also, there will be minimal walking required.
Contact:
Please email Helen Jelks King at
[email protected]
if you plan to attend or want more information.
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Birding On A Deeper Level
Few people know the birds of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge like Don Morrow. In his most recent blog entry, he writes about how subtle clues can lead to new insights on the birds we all love. Check out
his entry here
.
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Volunteers Needed For Blessing of the Animals Event
We need help manning an Apalachee Audubon booth at a blessing of the animals event held at Mission San Luis from 10-3 on Saturday, October 7. If you are interested, please email Pat Press at [email protected] .
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You Can Make A Direct Impact On The Next Generation of Birders
Apalachee Audubon is partnering with a school on the south side, Pineview Elementary, to offer lessons about birds and birding to 3rd to 5th-grade students during their after school program. Members, along with volunteers from FAMU and Volunteer Leon, will teach hands-on lessons, designed to get kids excited about birding, nature, and spending time outside.
Visits will take place from 4:30-5:30 at Pineview Elementary on October 13 and October 27.
We will have lessons and activities prepared, and will even be offering a short training session for those interested in helping out. We simply need help from those eager to share their passion with young people.
Please email Peter Kleinhenz at [email protected] if you are interested in being part of this effort!
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Help Us Plan Our Annual Banquet
Our annual banquet in May is a long way away, but it's not too early to plan. We are looking for someone to help us coordinate the planning of the banquet to ensure that it's a success. Please contact Sean McGlynn at [email protected] if you are interested.
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We want to hear from you! Send us your reports from the field, your photos, and birding/conservation related events in the community.
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