The solstice brought a big storm to Cedar Key and the Lower Suwannee. It did not keep about 25 Friends members and friends from their Winter Solstice gathering.  The temperatures weren't bad . . . about 55 degrees. The wind, on the other hand, was about 30mph and pretty hard to deal with on the fishing pier as we watched for the sun to set over the end of the parabolic dune and into the underworld.

The group walked the Shell Mound Trail, avoiding the plaza area which was under water from the storm. The new interpretive panels were in place, except for the last one on the fishing pier. After the walk, as the clouds rolled in, folks gathered in the only wind-sheltered spot . . . the entrance to the outhouse . . . for hot tea and cookies before going out on the windy pier and hoping, unsuccessfully, for the clouds to part.

Next year will be even better.

See more photos of the event by Libby Cagle and by Roger McDaniels on the Friends Facebook page.

The Refuge staff work regularly with other wildlife and naturalist professionals to maximize the impact of all agencies' smaller staffs and lesser resources. Annually, Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys Refuges supports a get together to celebrate this crucial professional cooperation. Friday, Dec 7. was the day. Thanks to Bob Lewis for the photos.

Every Thursday at 9 a.m. a group of Friends volunteers will work on the Refuges and in the area to control Brazilian Pepper plants. Last Thursday was the first work day. Seven volunteers and Vic Doig, their Refuge coordinator met at the West entrance to the Lukens Tract. The morning started out in the low 40's but the sun was out so things warmed up nicely for work out in the bush. The tide was also way out this morning. The crew could almost walk out to the surrounding islands.

Volunteers are needed every week. Call Roger at 352-543-5232 for information.