 Overview As is our tradition, Friends' Annual Meeting on Saturday, February 8 will be held at Refuge headquarters, which is located off State Road 347 between Chiefland and Cedar Key. The official address is at 16450 NW 31 Pl, Chiefland, FL 32626.
The Annual Meeting has a few changes this year. First, the date is earlier in February than usual. Secondly, our master barbecuer, Kenny McCain, has a conflict on that date, so we are very fortunate to have contracted with the Fowler's Bluff Treasure Camp for the catering. Be prepared for some delicious items including brisket, smoked chicken, a veggie option, and lots of sides. There will be an optional bird walk led by Refuge Deputy Manager John Stark before the meeting. After the meeting, Board Member John Thalacker will lead an optional walk through the Tram Ridge Trail. This year's Featured Speaker will likely delight all. Desirée Sorenson-Groves is the President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. Her career has focused on protecting and enhancing the National Wildlife Refuge System, first as a grassroots organizer for National Audubon Society, then as the VP of Government Affairs for the Refuge Association. She comes back to NWRA after leading the Defenders of Wildlife's public and private lands programs as their VP of Land & Habitat Conservation. She is a dynamic speaker who will undoubtedly deliver an entertaining and informative presentation. Schedule for the Day's Events 8:00 Optional Pre-Meeting Bird Walk
10:15 Program begins
12:00 Lunchtime
12:45 Optional Post-Meeting Walk on the Cypress Wetland Trail (formerly called the River Trail)
On December 21, 2024, the Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges hosted their annual Winter Solstice event at the Tiki Bar in Cedar Key. Attendees gathered to witness a stunning sunset over the water as part of the celebration. The event featured Dr. Ken Sassaman as the keynote speaker, who shared fascinating facts and stories about the significance of the Solstice to ancient Native American cultures. His talk captivated the audience, shedding light on how these early peoples revered the Solstice as a time of renewal and reflection. The gathering provided a beautiful setting to honor the natural rhythms of the earth while fostering a deeper appreciation for local history and culture.
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Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
P. O. Box 532 Cedar Key, FL 32625 [email protected] We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
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