Annual Meeting 2017 -- Dry, Sunny, Crowded, Fun!

For the first time in three years . . . It Did Not Rain! We had cool breezes in the morning as people began to arrive early to visit the Photo Contest, explore the Friends Booth, take a morning walk on the River Trail, and shoot the breeze with Friends' friends.

By 10:00 when the program was beginning, almost 100 people had taken their places in our Refuge pole barn, including Dan and Sheila Frisk who drove down from Tallahassee for the day. He is now the Manager of the Refuge Complex that includes our Refuges, St. Vincent, and St Marks.

Outgoing president Maria Sgambati provided an overview of accomplishments of the past year and the financial status of Friends. Incoming president Russ Hall highlighted hopes and expectations for this next year. Former president Greg Lang presented the slate of officers and directors, asked for nominees from the floor, and led the members in the vote for the new board members. Refuge Manager Andrew Gude gave the feature presentation on The Lower Suwannee Refuge: Past, Present, and Future. The presentations are linked to the photos.

After lunch, catered by Treasure Camp of Fowlers Bluff, the results of the Photo Contest were announced. Twenty-nine photos were entered. More than half were sold in the silent auction, with the rest going back to their owners. The winners were:

• First Place: Ted Adams for his Great Egret
  
• Second Place: Ann Kamzelski for her Flamingoes
• Third Place: Frank Morgan for his Green Heron and Bill Dummitt for his Oystercatcher

Ted and his egret

Bill's oystercatcher

In the afternoon, Refuge staff member Dalton Pelt provided a demonstration of techniques used in prescribed burns. Maria Sgambati and new board member Linda Tyson led a guided walk on the River Trail. Russ Hall led a walk on the Tram Ridge Loop Trail.

Many furry friends came this year.