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On a crisp Tuesday morning—just on the chilly side of cold—the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges gathered at the Shell Mound archaeological site for a guided walk and workday along the Dennis Creek Trail. Led by board member and longtime naturalist and volunteer John Thalacker, the outing blended environmental education, hands-on stewardship, and the simple pleasure of being out and about in a remarkable natural setting.  Plan ID Locations The group of about nine volunteers set out with a sense of motivation, enthusiasm and curiosity. Shovels, rakes, loppers, and garbage bags in hand, the crew set out to conduct trail maintenance, identify plants and cleanup along the way. As they walked, John Thalacker and his wife Donna, an artist and naturalist, shared their knowledge of native plants, pointing out species that thrive in this coastal ecosystem and explaining their role in the health of the trail and surrounding habitat. Dan Wilcox served as photographer, cataloging the unique flora identified for use in future plant information and identification signage.  Most of the group. Photo courtesy of Dan Wilcox  John and Rick check out a sign In addition to maintaining the path, the group took time to assess the condition and placement of the informational signs along the trail. This review will ensure that the content remains accurate, relevant, and well-matched to its location—an important step in preserving both the educational value and historical integrity of the Shell Mound site. The setting itself was the highlight of the day. The trail offered sweeping views, peaceful quiet, and a sense of connection to both nature and history. For two hours, we volunteers worked steadily—raking, clearing debris, and tending the trail—while enjoying camaraderie and shared purpose. Conversations flowed easily and learning unfolded naturally, woven into the rhythm of walking and working together.  A picture is worth a thousand words... But being there is infinitely better!  Post walk chat By the end of the morning, the Dennis Creek Trail was a little cleaner, a little more cared for, and ready to welcome future visitors. Equally important, those who participated left with a deeper appreciation for the environment, the value of volunteer stewardship, and the simple joy of working together in a spectacular natural place. Get Involved!Events like this are just one way the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges support the Refuge and build community. If you are looking to volunteer, learn more about local ecosystems, or simply spend meaningful time outdoors, consider joining the Friends group. If you are already a member, volunteering is a greaty way to get involved and is a great way to give back, connect with others, and experience the natural beauty of the Refuge up close.
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North of Cedar Key, where the marshlands breathe with the tides, Shell Mound rises as a quiet monument to the Indigenous peoples who lived along Florida’s Gulf Coast for more than a thousand years. Built from countless layers of oyster and clam, the mound is more than an ancient midden — it is a story of community, gathering, and the deep relationship these coastal peoples held with the land and water. Come join us on December 21st 4:30pm - 6:30pm to recognize Winter Solstice. A day significant to the Native peoples who lived here. We will conduct a walking tour of Shell Mound and Friends board member Lukas Desjardins, M.A. Anthropology (in progress), who is currently conducting field work at Shell Mound, will speak. Hot beverages will be provided!  For the native peoples, the winter solstice marked a profound turning point. In a world guided not by clocks but by the sun’s arc, the tides, and seasonal abundance, the solstice signaled the moment when the long nights reached their deepest point and the light began its slow return. This shift had practical meaning — the promise of returning warmth, the gradual renewal of fish runs and shellfish harvests — and it likely carried spiritual weight as well.  Archaeological evidence shows that Shell Mound was a center for shared meals, ceremony, and communal life. It is not hard to imagine the solstice as a time when families and clans gathered to celebrate the arrival of new light. Fires glowing across the shoreline, stories rising like embers, linking generations to the rhythms of nature that shaped their lives and today, ours.  Today, when the winter sun sets across Waccasassa Bay, the ancient feeling lingers. The same horizon watched by those early coastal peoples still marks the sun’s return — a quiet reminder that we, too, are part of the old cycles of darkness and renewal.
Meeting Details
Saturday, February 21, 2026 Emmitt's River Retreat in Fowlers Bluff on the Suwannee River 15149 NW 46th Lane, Chiefland, FL 32625 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 
Andrew Gude's Award Presentation . . . Due to the government shutdown, the celebration event for Andrew Gude's selection as the National Wildlife Refuge Association's Refuge Manager of the Year had to be rescheduled. NWRA is a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization working to protect, promote, and enhance all national wildlife refuges. It was decided to combine this special event with our 2026 Friends Annual Meeting which typically occurs in late February. The list of Andrew's character attributes and contributions to our Refuges is long and impressive and can be read in an earlier blog entry linked here.
Now, on to the Annual Meeting. . . We have a change of venue this year. Our combined events will take place at a spectacular setting in Fowlers Bluff on the Suwannee River just down from the Refuge. If you haven't been there you're in for a treat. True, much has changed with the meeting details, but some things remain the same. Agenda will include the election of the new board, financial overview, highlights of the year's accomplishments, and the goals for the year ahead from the incoming president, Tara Barney. However, much has stayed the same including a delicious lunch featuring Kenny McCain's BBQ, Paige Brookins from the River Retreat and staff will provides, sides, desserts, and beverages. Friends' merchandise will be for sale, items from the Vista Camp Main House will also be for sale. Please join us to honor Andrew, celebrate his award and to support Friends' continuing efforts to preserve the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges!
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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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