Friends' President Message - Tom Baird

If you are reading this newsletter, you likely value wild places and enjoy your time in nature. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of your special places. But did you know there are 560 national wildlife refuges, with at least one in every state? Each is unique and designated to help preserve certain habitats and protect certain species. The very first wildlife refuge, or ‘Federal Bird Reservation’ as it was called then, was little three-acre Pelican Island here in Florida. Designated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was selected to help save the brown pelican. There was obvious value in the concept and the national refuge system grew.

One hundred and nineteen years later, wildlife refuges not only protect thousands of different species, but also host 48 million visitors annually nationwide. St. Marks NWR welcomed 300,000 visitors annually pre-covid, and we are well on our way to having those numbers return. Our visitors come from not only the U.S., but internationally. Besides wildlife and the spectacular views, many come for specific things, such as our lighthouse, the alligators, or are drawn by the Area X phenomenon. St. Marks NWR returns to the local community roughly $5 for every $1 spent on the refuge as visitors purchase gas, meals, hotels rooms and rental fees in order to visit. St. Marks NWR not only benefits wildlife, but the local economy as well.

We on the board of the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge take our responsibility to support the St. Marks NWR seriously. We also have a good time while doing it. To learn more, visit our website https://www.stmarksrefuge.org/. Join in the fun. Find some time to volunteer, and help with various activities from environmental education, to Nature Store sales, or be a lighthouse docent, or help with maintenance and trail clearing. Put your talents and skills toward maintaining the irreplaceable St. Marks NWR.

Text courtesy Tom Baird, President, Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, Photo courtesy Phillip Pollock, Friends volunteer

Refuge Manager's Message - Terry Peacock

What is going on with Lighthouse Road?



Recently, there have been two maintenance activities occurring on Lighthouse Road. These projects are mowing the road shoulder and a contract for the paving the road. I will do my best to address common concerns regarding these restoration efforts.

Why did we mow/mulch Lighthouse Road? I’ve gotten this question a great deal in the last few weeks. The fact of the matter is Lighthouse Road is a road, and all roads require routine maintenance to best serve the community using them. Since we had not mowed in several years, much of the roadside had grown up in brush and small trees. This tall, thick vegetative growth caused a serious safety issue around the curves in the road. When the brush and vegetation are too close to the road, it causes a hazard since drivers cannot see pedestrians, wildlife, or even other vehicles in the road or coming around the bend; this could result in serious accidents. Vegetation was also cleared around the parking areas and road entrances for the same reason. Another reason the brush and trees were removed was they prevent the growth of fine fuels, such as grasses and forbs. Now that some of the dense woody vegetation has been removed, we hope to be able to maintain the roadside using prescribed fire. Fire has been historically used in this region to maintain the habitat for wildlife, however, effective fire behavior requires fine fuels and is prevented by the brush and small trees.

Why now? The timing of the mowing was strategically scheduled based on two factors. The first consideration was the monarch migration. We did not want to remove food sources, so we waited until late into the migration season. The other consideration for timeframe was the road re-surfacing contract. The machine that we used for mowing the has tracks on it that can damage roadways. Typically, a person must place boards beneath the machine to protect the asphalt. However, since the road is going to be replaced, the mower could be used without having to protect the road surface. This made the work much safer for refuge staff since it did not require someone placing boards under the tracks to protect the road.

What About the Asphalt? This road re-surfacing project has been in the works for several years. It was funded through the Federal Highway Administration. There have been some issues encountered with the contractor, but we are working to resolve those, so progress should begin shortly. According to the contract, they have until April to complete the work, but the hope is that it does not take that long. Good road reconditions provide efficient, safe travel in cases of emergency, such as wildfires or health emergencies, both of which have occurred in the last year. The contract also includes expanding the Lighthouse parking lot, the activity that is located on the pool side of the parking lot. This addition will allow more visitors to enjoy the refuge at a time. It will also prevent the need to park in non-approved areas, which can degrade the edges of habitat.

The staff are very thankful that there are so many community members who are passionate about St. Marks and the well-being of the plants and wildlife on the refuge. We assure you these projects have been carefully planned and implemented to improve conditions for both visitors and the refuge habitats. I think you will all be pleased with the new road once the construction is over. Please bear with us during this work in progress. The road will be open during the asphalt work so respect the flaggers. 

Text courtesy Terry Peacock, Refuge Manager

Andrew Morris soars high for St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with Eagle Scout project

Text and Photos by Cyndi Johnstone - Volunteer

On Saturday, October 29^th, Andrew Morris with members of Boy Scout Troop 16 (Tallahassee) arrived at the refuge to deliver several benches they made as part of Andrew’s Eagle Scout project. For his Eagle Scout project, Andrew organized fundraisers to obtain money for the materials needed to build the benches. Andrew exceeded his fund raising goals and presented the extra funds to the Friends of St Marks with a $550.00 check.

Part of becoming an Eagle Scout is developing leadership skills. Andrew supervised and worked with Troop 16 members to build these benches. Unloading the benches required problem solving. And, athletic ability. Remember these young people when you rest a spell on these benches. They attempted the impossible and achieved it. Congratulations Andrew on your Eagle Scout Badge.  

Monarch Butterfly Festival Was a Huge Success

After a two-year absence, the late-October Monarch Butterfly Festival returned in a big, big way. By all accounts of Refuge staff, Friends, volunteers, and visitors, this could have been the largest crowd ever to attend this beautiful, and significant event.

In this past year, the Monarch Butterfly was placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Therefore, Monarch awareness was undoubtedly very much on the public's mind. Perhaps that, and beautiful weather made this festival special. And, thank you to all the volunteers who came out in force to help - it couldn't have happened without their assistance.

Here are just a few snapshots of the excitement that was in the air throughout the entire day.

Text and photos, Phillip Pollock, Friends Volunteer

Quilt Raffles A Huge Success - Winners Drawn at Monarch Festival

The quilt raffles generated $730. Wowza! Thanks again to Moreen Gourdie and her friend Thelma who made and donated the two quilts. The smaller quilt in the left photo was won by Lisa Hughes (right, with Refuge Volunteer Cydni Johnston delivering the prize). The larger quilt on the right was won by Russel and Robin Frydenborg.

Text and Photos Courtesy, Rita LeBlanc, Nature Store Manager

Rabbit Tobacco? What's in a Name?

As plants go, this Sweet Everlasting flower has one of the more provocative common names ever - Rabbit Tobacco. It is a robust plant in many states, and I must be behind the curve, because I just discovered it recently. It is a beautifully white flower, with a stem that's faintly bluish in color. To me, it has an almost ghost-like appearance. This plant's flowers and buds are attractive, and it is the larval host to the American lady Butterfly. The Rabbit Tobacco name is probably a hold-over from days gone by, where it was thought to be interesting to smoke (corncob pipe?), mostly by curious boys or girls. No you can't get high from it, nor is it particularly noteworthy otherwise in the smoking process. However, on a cool, breezy day at the Refuge, it's a beautiful, interesting plant to discover and add to your life-list of plant specimens.

Text and Photos Courtesy, Phillip Pollock, Friends volunteer

There are still Monarch Bookmark sets available if you didn't get to the Festival

by local artist & Refuge Friend, Phillip Pollock

* Set of 2 bookmarks on heavy watercolor paper. $10 per set and free shipping available through online purchase.

* Bookmarks are giclee art prints and come in their own presentation holder.

* Size: 2.25" x 8.25"

* Only available at the Friends Nature Store (or online)

A unique and very special gift!

Friends Support Pre-K Program at Wakulla Education Center

With a generous donation from long time supporters, the Friends Board established a new pre-K program. Principal Hernandez shares appreciation in the following letter:

As the principal of Wakulla Pre-Kindergarten I would like to thank you, Heather Bevis and your whole team for helping our students learn more about their environment. The events and activities you have provided are creating students that want to be outside more, learn about their local environment and participate in group activities. We are seeing an increase in group activity participation and knowledge of what is around.

The teachers are able to create lessons and expand on lessons that they have used in the past to promote Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities. As one teacher stated, “She’s given me some great PLT based ideas, and while reading them from the PLT book is good, I really like seeing them in action with the kids and then using them in the classroom.” The moving from theory to practice makes this collaboration worthwhile.

The students have mentioned how much fun the activities are and how they love Ms. Heather to come to school. Students being excited about their opportunity to learn is the key to having a successful lesson.

This partnership has opened doors for us to show our students new things. We thank you for thinking of us and helping us to improve on what we are teaching. We look forward to more opportunities in the future.

Sincerely,

Louis Hernandez, Principal Wakulla Pre-Kindergarten

Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters Tour Dates

The Keeper's Quarters Tours will continue into the New Year. Tours are free and are available from 10am to 2pm. No reservations required. We appreciate the dedication of the volunteers who give their time to share their passion with the community.

• Saturday, January 14, 2023
• Saturday, January 28, 2023
• Saturday, February 11, 2023
• Saturday, February 25, 2023 

Photo Courtesy of Connie Clineman, Refuge Staff

Keeper's Quarters Inspection with Historic Resource Professionals

The Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters are beloved cultural resources at the Refuge and need occasional TLC. The Refuge performs routine maintenance, but it has been a couple years since the Friends have assessed any addition needs that might require our support.

Several Friends Board members gathered in November at the lighthouse to meet with Ken and Desiree Cureton to look over structural aspects of the Keepers Quarters inside and out. The Board delighted in hearing stories about the lighthouse, especially the secret room, which is still "secret" since it is not accessible. Seeing the Keeper's Office and the Tower Room were big hits. We also appreciated learning about possible grant funding opportunities from Ken and Desiree.

A cursory assessment noted several areas that may warrant further attention. The Board agreed that a thorough assessment by Ken and Desiree would provide information to develop an action plan to ensure this treasure stays in the best possible condition.

Photo Courtesy of Desiree Cureton

Welcoming A New Friends Board Member

The Friends Board is please to welcome Desiree Cureton as a Member at Large. Her dedication to the Refuge and cultural resources expertise are superb assets to our mission. Below is her bio. Desiree at top of stairs in photo above.

Desiree is a native Floridian that has lived all over the state, including Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, Sarasota, West Palm Beach and most recently a return to Tallahassee. The Florida Panhandle and its wide stretches of pine and marsh coastline is her favorite region. The St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge, a love first shared with her by her best friend and now husband, Ken, epitomizes that beauty. Here, they spend time hiking the woods or riding bikes along the levies, getting lost in the serenity of the landscape.

Inspired by her archaeologist father to explore the wilds of Florida, Desiree finds most joy in being outdoors and seeing it through an unyielding fascination with history. With a master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia, Desiree has enjoyed a diverse career as an architectural historian for the private sector, preservation planner with the Florida Division of Historical Resources and local governments, and most recently a project manager tasked with integrating renewable energy and indigenous resources. That taught her that wilderness and natural landscapes are just as historically important as the built environment.

When not knee-deep in the woods looking for a lost cemetery or former homestead, Desiree is likely on a boat with her husband drifting along the Aucilla, St. Marks, or Wascissa rivers armed with binoculars in search of the native flora and fauna. She hopes to continue the work of those that came before her to instill a love for the St. Marks NWR so it is preserved and treasured by future generations.

 The Tours are Back 

Wildlife Tours at the Refuge (with an emphasis on birds) are back after

a long break due to covid

Call 850- 925-6121 to make a reservation

Registration opens a month prior to each tour and each person calling in can only

register up to 5 people

Please see the refuge Visitor Tour Guidelines below for additional information.

Tour Dates 2023  

• Jan. 1 - Matt & Cyndi Johnstone  10 am – 1 pm
• Jan. 7 - Don Morrow  9 am – noon   and   1 pm – 4 pm
• Feb. 5 - Matt & Cyndi Johnstone  10 am – 1 pm
• Feb. 11 - Don Morrow  9 am – noon   and   1 pm – 4 pm
• March 5 - Matt & Cyndi Johnstone  10 am – 1 pm
• March 11 - Don Morrow  9 am – noon    and   1 pm – 4 pm
• April 2 - Matt & Cyndi Johnstone  10 am – 1 pm
• April 8 - Don Morrow  9 am – noon   and    1 pm – 4 pm
• May 6 - Don Morrow  9 am – noon  and     1 pm – 4 pm

Some Things To Keep in Mind

Participants will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot at 1255 Lighthouse Road. We ask that participants please park across the street from the VC parking lot. The tours are three hours long, may have up to twenty five participants, and there are no bathrooms available on the tour routes. Bathroom access will be available at the departure point. It is therefore very important that participants arrive early enough - a half hour prior is not unreasonable - to organize their gear, attend to any other needs, and be ready to go at the designated start time. The tours begin with a brief but important orientation to make the tour safe and enjoyable for everybody; latecomers are very disruptive to this necessary introduction. The tours are frequently fully booked; no-shows at the starting time may be replaced with folks on the waiting list or those hoping for a walk-on. To allow more people to participate we ask that people only sign up for one tour a day unless space is available the day of the tour. Registration opens a month prior to each tour and each person calling in can only register up to 5 people.

To better enhance our tours and events we ask that our guests follow the guidelines listed below.

1. Pets will not be allowed on any tour.

2. For your safety and tour enjoyment, we recommend that all participants wear closed-toe shoes, bring a bottle of drinking water, sunscreen, and bug spray (please apply away from the other participants).

3. For your comfort and enjoyment, we suggest that you dress for the weather, wearing or bringing layers. It is also a good idea to carry a lightweight rain jacket for unexpected showers or cooling weather.

4. Practice “pack it in, pack it out”. Any trash, including biodegradable food and packaging, is to be taken back with the participant and disposed of off-site.

5. Attendees must arrive early enough to use the restroom prior to tour start time. If tour is scheduled to start at 9, it will be pulling out of the meeting area at 9.

6. Leave all plants and animals alone. DO NOT engage in any of the following: -Eating any leaves and/or berries found alongside trail -Approaching, handling, or attempting to feed any wildlife -Collecting any material, with the exception of trash, on refuge property

7. Be aware of your surroundings. The refuge is home to venomous snakes, alligators, burrowing animals, and some endangered species. Stay safe, when getting on and off the tour wagon watch your step and try not to disturb any habitats or animals with loud noises.

8. As a courtesy to all visitors, those that sign up and are no shows will not be allowed to sign up for another tour.

Text, Lori Nicholson, Refuge Instructional Systems Specialist/Environmental Education. Photo, Phillip Pollock, Friends Volunteer

We Encourage our Friends to SHARE!

As almost all of you know, the Friends give 100% of their support to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. An important way for you increase that support is to share our message. Therefore, when you get this newsletter, we encourage you to send it on to a friend. You can share it via email or through various other social media. Here's the link to the Friends Newsletter page. Scroll to the "current" entry and copy the link.

Phillip Pollock

Bird Reports Assist Visitors

Don Morrow and Matt Johnstone, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge volunteers and expert birders, create concise bird-sighting reports on a week-to-week basis. They also are again leading in-depth wildlife tours (with a concentration on birds) at the Refuge throughout the year (see the schedule of tours above in this newsletter).

Read their current and past reports by following the link below.

Go there now.

Photo (Northern Shoveler) and text, Phillip Pollock

Reflections newsletter is a benefit of membership for Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.

It also serves as an important supplement to

the Friends' website.

Both the newsletter and the web site provide members and the public information about volunteer activities and events at the Refuge.

Reflections editor: Katasha Cornwell

Reflections Editor, Phillip M. Pollock