Report on the River Trail Signage Project

Jay Bushnell and Daniel Barrand setting a sign post on the River Trail

A project of the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys Refuge to improve tree and plant information for visitors reached another milestone this week with the installation of 16 markers on the ½ mile loop River Trail. The markers are located on 4 X 4 pressure treated posts as close to the identified plant or tree as possible.
 
Ten people participated during the 3 hour “Friends Work Day”.  During that time, signs were affixed to the posts, holes dug and posts installed.  In addition, the informational kiosk at the head of the Trail was cleaned and the Butterfly Garden located near the Headquarters (an earlier Friends project) was weeded. In keeping with the long term goal of expanding the information along the Trail, 14 other trees and plants were identified for installation of markers later this spring.
 
Participating this week were: Friends members – Donna Thalacker, Mary and Ed Blazey, Law Fotterall, Doug Smith; Directors Russ Hall and Ed DeHaan; President Jay Bushnell; Director/Project Leader John Thalacker and Forester Daniel Barrand.
 
Refuge manager John Kasbohm, after viewing the Trail, said “I really like the way the signs give information without being intrusive to the environment.  It still feels like you are walking in the woods to the Suwannee River 100 years ago. I also want to thank the Friends group for their work and urge anyone interested in the Refuge to add their support by joining Friends.”
 
Additional signs have already been ordered.  As time goes on, and more foliage is spotted, we hope to add other signs too.  The whole objective is for Floridians and visitors alike to become acquainted with the great outdoor resource the Refuge is in our own backyard.

Anyone interested in participating in this project should contact me at 543-6738.

(Report prepared by Friends Board member John Thalacker)