The IBIS Online
The quarterly newsletter of FAVOR - The Friends and Volunteers of Refuges, Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys NWR .

Alert: The oil spill is just off shore of several refuges in Louisiana. Federal, State and County officials are coordinating with the Coast Guard in identifying key areas for protection in the event we have oil closing in on our shores.

BP has a volunteer # 1-866-448-5816 and a wildlife hotline # 1-866-557-140. We have been asked by the region to provide staff expertise and availability to the region for assisting these refuges. We will also document current conditions of our refuges with surveys, photos etc.and then continue that effort. If in the oil path, we will need to have oversight capability on any wildlife rescues, spill containments and cleanup operations.

This may take significant manpower coordinating rescue and cleanup crews to prevent additional damage to the fragile marsh and marine ecosystems. Please have those that are interested in volunteering contact Pam (493-2038 x223) or Jay (493-1807) with availability, expertise, boat experience etc. and any special training or experience in hazmat/hazwoper (or willing to train) or other expertise in oil response etc.

The agency will be looking for folks with specific experience on top of just a list of general volunteers. Folks can also contact BP as well. As we gear up for this more information will be provided.

Thanks to the Friends! Daryl Magnuson

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

It was great seeing everyone at the annual meeting. With outstanding fellowship, goodfood, an educational and informative speaker and fun programs, it does not get any better than that. The Friends Board recognized Kenny McCain and his lovely wife, Rose with chef aprons and a diner date for two at the Island Room, for all the wonderful food they have prepared for us over the years. We continue to expand our active base of volunteers. As we increase in membership, we develop a stronger advocacy base for conservation. Equally important, we expand the fellowship of folks who share our interests and we have more fun. As you have seen, this commitment to conservation involves working closely with other organization with the same interest. Programs sponsored by the Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Cedar Key Garden Club,and the Cedar Key Library are just a few organizations with whom we cooperate. Our motto is “We are all in this together.”

Sincerely,
Jay Bushnell, Your President

ANNUAL MEETING IN PHOTO REVIEW

It was great to see everyone. Although it was a little chilly, it turned out to be a fun day. Of course, some folks were lucky with the raffle. David Tegeder’s presentation on the Cross Florida Barge Canal was both informative and entertaining. The book, Ditch of Dreams: the Cross Florida Barge Canal and the Struggle for Florida’s Future, David coauthored with Steven Noll, provides a case study on how politics and personalities can affect history. After David’s presentation, everyone was treated to Kenny’s chicken, ribs and swamp cabbage, supplemented with the fixings provided by the Friends members, yum. The afternoon was filled with field trips, historical descriptions of life on the Suwannee, and refuge habitat management demonstrations. Now let’s relive some of the moments.

<< Left Donnie Tummond finally receives the duck stamp she won in the raffle. As Jay stressed, the purchase of Federal Duck Stamps is one of the best conservation programs available with $.99 of every dollar going to conservation.

Right >> CD Tummond describes early life on the Suwannee to over 30 folks, which illustrates a major interest in learning about our heritage.

Below >> Friends T shirts and water bottles for sale

Right >> One of the many lucky raffle winners.

LOOKING FOR YOUR PLACE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE?

Being a member of the Friends Group in itself strengthens our advocacy base. All of us should take pride in our membership. Don’t be bashful let others know what a great organization we have. They will want to join us too. They can get an application from our web page, www.friendsofrefuges.org . Better yet, get an application for them. The diversity of our membership has provided a rich pool of different strengthens. Our ability to continue to nurture the strengths of our members will enhance our organization. For some of you who have the time and would like to become more actively involved we are looking to recruit you. Listed here are some of areas we have identified where we would like to expand our active participation base:

New Electronic Communications Role: The Friends group would like to upgrade its presence on the web and perhaps start being active on Facebook. We are establishing a new E-Communications role that focuses on getting timely information out to the members. We have technical support and do not need web design or coding skills, but we do need someone to keep the site content fresh, fun, interesting, and useful. Is there a member who might be willing to consider taking on the E-Communications, or helping with it? If you would be willing to talk about the possibility, please contact Peg Hall @ peg@peghall.com or 352-339-4710

Creative skills in design and/or writing: Do you enjoy creating artful and informative displays? Do you have experience with photo journalism? Do you have editorial experiences? There is a need to continue to update our hard copy story board descriptions. We also need a good pamphlet, a DVD presentation about the uniqueness of our Refuges, and help with public releases about programs, presentations and events. Interested? Contact Marci Wilcox, 813-215-0050, marciwilcox@verizon.net

Organize and lead outdoor adventures: For you that enjoy the outdoor experiences available in our Refuges, here is an opportunity to be active in participating, organizing or guiding outdoor activities. The types of activities could be doing bird censuses, plant censuses, working the butterfly garden, hiking, bike rides, paddling, or nature walks to name a few. Maybe you have a new activity you would like to try. Interested? Contact Joan Stephens, jstep624@hotmail.com, 352-463-1095

Wildlife photography: We are truly fortunate. Our Refuges and the surrounding area provide some of the most outstanding wildlife photo ops. We have had photo safaris lead by professionals but what we would like to do is develop a group of folks who love to take wildlife photos. Ones skill with the camera does not have to be professional. It would simply be an opportunity to share your interests and in the process hone your skills in taking photos and developing them. Interested? Contact Bob Hudson, 352-332-6373, bobhudson@bellsouth.net

Historical Research: There is a need to tell the stories about the prehistory and history of the refuges. When riding through the refuge, have you ever wondered about the history of the area? Who were the pioneers that carved the roads or lived on the islands? How did they subsist? Imagine living on the Suwannee River or life on the saltwater marshes where folks made a living by fishing or off timber in the early 20th century! What are the stories to be told about the formation of the Refuges themselves or the formation of the Friends Group? For you who have an interest and/or skill in historical research, here is an opportunity to apply your talents. Interested? Contact Jay Bushnell djbushne@bellsouth.net or 352-493-1807

Participation on the Board: Your board is made up of folks who work closely in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. We work hard (and of course, play) to develop our commitment to conservation. If you have the time and interest, contact one of our board members listed at the end of this issue.

WHOOPING CRANE OPPORTUNITY
by Donna Bushnell
Thanks to our manager, John Kasbohm, several members of the board were able to take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit the whooping cranes at the Chassahowitzka NWR. What a treat! These birds are descendants of the 21 individual whopping cranes alive in 1941.

Today the species numbers are close to 500, but they are still threatened by power lines, oil and chemical spills, drought, disease and wetland habitat loss. Each year new chicks are raised in Wisconsin and are taught their migratory route to and from Florida by following an ultralight aircraft (that looks like a crane) for 1200 miles across seven states. Preventing exposure to humans and human voices is critical to the success of the cranes in the wild. So we were able to observe the 15 birds from a camouflaged hut in a remote area reached by airboats. We watched as a researcher dressed in a crane costume fed and recorded information about the cranes. The researchers do this twice every day, making sure that the birds are resting at night in safe areas. Once they head north, the researchers track them from the ground to be sure they get back to Wisconsin safely!

It was definitely a unique and special opportunity for board members. For more information about the whopping crane population and how you can help this project visit www.bringbackthecranes.org

CEDAR KEY ART FESTIVAL
by Joan Stephens
Even though we got blown away early Sunday morning, we still managed to pass out a lot of materials about the Refuges. Thanks to Bob & Carol McCallister, Marci & Jim Wilcox, John & Donna Thalacker, Debbie Lyon-Dye, Joyce DeHaan, Peg & Russ Hall for helping set up and man the booth. Also thanks to Ron Black, Bob Hudson and Marcella & John Bamford for offering to help on Sunday afternoon. There was some great art. Several folks commented on the outstanding quality of the art. Our very own board member, Sean Dowie won first place ribbon for his photography. You that participated in his photo workshop at the annual meeting will recognize the photo of ibis along the shore line. Congratulations Sean!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please RSVP so that you can be contacted if an event is cancelled. When you call, you can also get more information and directions.

Monday, 3rd-Bird/Nature Walk
9:00 a.m. @ Fire Station on CR 349 near Town of Suwannee-Joan Stephens-352-463-1095.

Sunday, 16th-Wildlife Photographic Outing
9:00 a.m. @ Shellmound-Jay Bushnell-493-1807

Sunday, 23rd-Shired Creek Paddle
10:00 a.m. departing at 10:30 to take advantage of tides at Shired boat ramp off CR 357-bring lunch/water/suntan lotion-2-2.5 hour paddle- Mark Gluckman-352-331-6279

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
New Life Member: Joyce Tarnow

Renewals: Simpkins, Max & Nits Cox, Dale Evans, Mark & Lee Gluckman, Jack & Tina Hardee, Rod & Ginger Hunt, Bill Kilborn, Elaine Hammond & Wm. Kronenberg , George & Dianne Leath, William & Dawn McKinstry, John McPherson, Bill & Terry Merkel, Frank Molitor, Duane & Pamela Morse, Dennis & Beth Ricker, Bill & Donna Rogers, Nancy & Jerry Salamon, Allan & Susan Woodward, John Andrews, Rose Marie Lewis, Jean Rigg, George Sresovich

New Members: Agnes Ballard, Ed & Mary Blazey, Jane & John Crowe, Jim Garrison, Stephen Grogan, Mary Pat & Scott Hankla, Gunther Krutzikowsky, Patrick McElhone, The Pelts, Joe Seeance, Rick Stepp, Ralph & Joan Selby

FRIENDS BOARD
Jay Bushnell - President
Marci Wilcox - VP
Bob Hudson - Secretary
Joan Stephens - Treasurer
Directors - John Thalacker, Sean Dowie, Ed DeHaan, Doug Maple, Richard Herman, Rod Hunt, and Mark Gluckman.

USEFUL WEB PAGES
Tides: www.saltwatertides.com
Flooding: http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/index.php?wfo=tae
Weather: http://www.wunder.com

Your financial support through fund raising activities and Membership dues make it possible for FAVOR to support your Refuges.


			REFUGES Lower Suwannee and Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuges

			VOLUNTEERS Volunteer opportunities for members who want to become more involved

			EDUCATION Education opportunities with teachers, students and community leaders

			CALENDAR Educational and recreational event schedules for the refuges

			MEMBERSHIP Information and application for membership in FRIENDS

	SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRIENDS CONFERENCE April 9-11, 2010 by Jay Bushnell The South East Friends Conference was hosted by the Friends of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge Complex and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Crystal River. Over 160 participants from all over the Southeast attended. You were well represented with Ranger Pam Darty, Marci Wilcox, Manager John Kasbohm, and Jay Bushnell attending. The common theme of the breakout sessions was how to deal with climate change. Without attempting to identify the causes of the climate change, the challenge for refuges is how to adapt. Because of the rapid changes occurring the motto is “Habitats in Motion.” One can read more about the strategic plan at FWS.gov entitled Rising to the Challenge: Strategic Plans. There were graphic photographic examples of how climate change has already impacted refuges along the Atlantic Coast in North Carolina. It occurred to me that this should be a project for the Friends. Assessment of habitat changes will become an important component of a refuges ability to adapt. If we can find old areal photos and compare them to more recent photos we would be able to identify changes. Perhaps the most important message from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife folks was that the Friends groups have been and must continue to be the vanguard for advocacy for conservation. They clearly recognize our importance. It is our resolve to build coalitions. Perhaps a model example of a coalition would be Cooperative Alliance For Refuge Enhancement (CARE). This coalition is made up of 22 organization that include sportsmen and environmentalist. It is also our willingness to lobby our Congressional delegations that distinguishes us. Finally, it is our pride and perseverance to spread the word in our local areas that makes the Friends groups so vital to conservation. The Friends of the Chassahowitzka provide a case study example of how effective a Friends group can be. It was Lace Blue-McLean, her team of Friends volunteers, and community representatives that succeeded in mobilizing the community to acquire Three Sisters Springs. Surrounded by the city of Crystal River, the Springs are a major winter habitat for manatees. Their motto was to think big. Their strategy was to marshal the entire community. They provided ownership of the process to the entire community. They built a coalition of success. Congratulations to the Friends of the Chassahowitzka.

	A SIGNATURE PLAN by Mark Gluckman As paddlers know, our refuges provide outstanding kayak/canoe experiences. Mark Gluckman, an avid paddler, heads up a committee to develop a signature identity for the our refuges by developing a paddling guide. Equally important, the guide will also focus on habitat identification. Here Russ and Peg Hall are working with Mark to prepare a strategy for developing this plan. For the Friends of the Refuge, this guide is an educational tool to help us become better advocates, educators, stewards and ambassadors of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges. In essence, we also become more knowledgeable about our refuges. For Refuge visitors, this Guide is meant to foster wonder, respect, excitement and enhancement of your Refuge. By paddling, they will experience the uniqueness of the 54,000 acre Suwannee Basin and Gulf ecosystems. They will learn about the ecocommunities, the plants that define them, the animals that inhabit them, and the migratory fish and birds that visit our refuges. They will learn about the endangered species that live in the refuge such as the Gulf Sturgeon and newly forming west Indian manatee colony that is seeking its new home in our Refuge. The motto will be “Take photographs and leave with memories.” Although paddle trails will be outlined for all skill levels, experienced paddlers will have opportunities to test their physical endurance and navigational skills. The challenges will include careful consideration of prevailing winds, changing tides and river currents. The waters of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge, be they the mighty Suwannee River and its wonderful tributary creeks, or its saltwater marshes and its islands will provide the paddling experience of a lifetime.


	PARTNERS IN PROTECTION by Pam Darty In early April, Lecanto Elementary School third graders visited the Lower Suwannee for two very different lessons. Thankfully, Ranger Pam Darty was able to enlist the help of Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Outreach Specialist, Jennifer Saranzak . Ranger Pam interpreted the archaeological site, Shell Mound and explained the uses of food, ceremonial, and medicinal plants as well as addressing the benefits of living adjacent to the estuary. Ms. Sarazan’s specialty is marine fisheries so she had some of her group use a seine net to capture fish, shrimp, and miscellaneous marine life while others dug in the mud to find ‘critters’ that live in the salt marsh . They learned that these ‘critters’ are important food for shore birds. With replicas of bird skulls donated by the Friends to the Refuge Education Program, she showed them how wading birds feed with their specialized bills. After each class had participated in both lessons, they enjoyed a picnic. Armed with coloring books and refuge posters, these students carried home the conservation message.

	CELEBRATION OF EARTH DAY by Donna Bushnell Chiefland Elementary School kindergartners celebrated Earth Day with a pine tree planting. Refuge Forester Daniel Barrand partnered with the Division of Forestry - Andrews State Nursery, which donated 160 pine seedlings for the youngsters. On Earth Day, Barrand took co-workers Terry Kelly, Jason Coates, Jaclyn Solodovnick, and Pam Darty to help 150 budding-ecologists learn the benefits of trees for wildlife and people. Terry provided encouragement and Earth Day stickers to decorate the plastic pots. Jason hoisted bagsof potting soil to fill the pots for planting. Jaclyn helped the little ones centering the trees in the pots. Pam echoed the mantra ‘dirt is our friend’, but it was not apparent that these neat and tidy kids believed her. Daniel ended the lesson by having the kids help him plant trees at the school with a dibble stick, a tool of the trade.

	APRIL NATURE WALK April’s nature walk led by Donna Thalacker, provided information about the lives of butterflies from egg through caterpillar, pupae and finally emerging as a magnificent butterfly. These gorgeous creatures play a vital role in pollination. After a short power point presentation, we went out on the Refuge and found a male Tiger Swallowtail feeding on willow flowers. Tiger Swallowtail butterfly females have two color types, some are the same yellow tiger stripe as the male though with some slightly different coloration near the tails, and other are black. We saw a number of different species including a Spicebush Swallowtail and a Phaon Crescent among others. The Phaon Crescent is quite small and flies close to the ground as its larval food is a grass. Next Month, May, will be the last Nature Walk for the spring season. We will start again in the fall. On May 3rd our walk will again be in Dixie County. We will meet at the Fire Station on 349 just before entering the town of Suwannee at 9AM. Please call me if you plan to attend, Joan Stephens 352-463-1095.



	VOLUNTEERING The reason for volunteering is to give something back. We all enjoy the peace of our Refuge but to keep it takes all of us. There are many ways to do this: Advocating for the National Wildlife System. Supporting efforts to keep the funding up to sustainable levels. Educating our children and the community in the necessity of keeping these habitats available for wildlife, for protection of our water and our spirits. Volunteering to achieve these goals by talking and writing to legislators, providing literature from our booth at the festivals, letting the community at large know how important all this is, helping with cleanups and last but not least. Funding these efforts. These are just a few of the things we may do to help the Refuge.