Blog Archives

Friends Winter Solstice Event Coming Soon

11/29/2018

The new interpretive panels are in place on the Shell Mound trail. In celebration, the Friends will have a Winter Solstice Gathering on Friday December 21. All are welcome. At 4 p.m., we will meet at the parking area near the fishing pier. We will walk the trail, then go to the fishing pier to watch the sunset.

Last year, it was a cold and foggy Winter Solstice at Shell Mound. It was, nevertheless, rather mystical being there. We will hope for better weather this year, and even if we don't get it, we will celebrate the place, its heritage, and the joy of having a Refuge to protect it for us and for the future.

Almost at sunset, we approached the fishing pier.

Friends member join Dr Sassaman and several current and former students for 2017 winter Solstice

Hogg Island was barely visible

The fog lifted and gave hope that we would see the sunset

The fog returned just as the sun was setting

Work Day at Shell Mound

11/28/2018

On November 28, a group of Friends members, archaeology doctoral students, and Refuge staff members gathered at Shell Mound to install the new interpretive panels on the Shell Mound Trail. Thanks to Roger McDaniels for the photos.

Click on the map to see and download the full brochure about Shell Mound.

Work Day at the River Walk

11/21/2018

The weather was perfect (as it usually is this time of year) when eight Friends members and one newcomer to the area did a major “clean, trim and repair” of the River Trail at the Refuge.

Bill, Roger, John, Linda, Bob, Jay, Boyd

Members Linda and Boyd Kimble and Jay Bushnell did a total cleaning of the kiosk at the trail head; member Roger McDaniels relocated a couple of sign posts for annual plants that had “moved”; President Bill Dummitt polished up the vegetation signs that had acquired a mossy green over the years and added a few signs where the old ones had disappeared; Ed DeHaan used a blower to rid the hand rails and boardwalk of cypress and maple leaves; and Refuge manager Andrew Gude, newcomer Bob Ryan, and John Thalacker reconstructed 20’ of railing on the boardwalk. Please thank these folks for their work when you have a chance.

What a team!! All was accomplished in 3 hours and in parting, “Happy Thanksgiving” was common refrain along with comments that it was an enjoyable way to contribute to the Refuge. We were thankful for the chance. Come and share the beauty!

Thanks to Board member Ed DeHaan for the photos.

Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival - Save the Date

11/19/2018

Vic Doig, Refuge fire specialist, is a member of the steering committee organizing this event. Should be fun. Mark you calendars!