Behind the Scenes: Friends and Refuge Work Continues

9/17/2026

After taking a short summer sabbatical from its regular meeting schedule, the Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges Board reconvened in September with plenty on the agenda. While there was no August board meeting, both Friends volunteers and refuge staff have continued moving a wide range of projects forward.

On the refuge: Lots of moving parts

Refuge staff have been busy with habitat restoration, road improvements and visitor access. Work is underway on roads and fire lines, hurricane debris is being cleared, and habitat restoration projects are moving ahead. Plans are also taking shape for another round of longleaf pine planting, with the Friends helping support next year's seedlings.

Invasive Brazilian pepper and feral hogs remain on the management list, too. And yes, even the bears have gotten into the act—discovering that the corn intended for hog traps makes a pretty good bear buffet!

Trails, roads and paddling

Improvements are underway that should make exploring the refuge easier. Dixie Mainline Road is receiving attention, kayak access at Sanders Creek has been cleared, and work is being planned for additional trail and paddling opportunities.

The Friends are also developing a calendar of walks, bike rides and kayak/canoe outings. There’s plenty to explore, and we’re looking for members who would like to help lead the way.

Seahorse Key remains a major focus

The return of the Seahorse Key Open House was a big success, with nearly 300 visitors making the trip. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the most common complaint was essentially, “When's the next one?”
Good news: another open house is being planned!

Meanwhile, engineers are studying erosion issues around the historic cemetery and lighthouse area. The Friends and refuge are also looking at ways to continue sharing the remarkable history of Seahorse Key with visitors.

What’s happening at Vista?

The Vista property remains an active topic for both the Friends and the refuge. Work continues to sort, protect and relocate historic materials from the site, while discussions continue about the Friends' potential role in interpretation and other projects there. Much remains to be determined as we wait for safety inspections, assessments and review of the facilities by the FWS that will be a major determing factor on if how projects can safely move forward. The planned Vista dock is also moving through the engineering and planning process. And, in a bit of unexpected refuge archaeology, survey work turned up something nobody knew was hiding in the woods: an 8-by-30-foot amphibious World War II-era DUKW “duck boat.” You just never know what you'll find out there!

Atsena Otie Key and More

The Friends and refuge are continuing to explore opportunities for trail improvements and other visitor projects, while coordinating with the Water Management District on longer-term goals for the island.

The Friends' own work is expanding as well. Plans are taking shape for a calendar of guided walks, bicycle outings and paddle trips, taking advantage of improving refuge roads and the new Cedar Key paddle trail. The organization is also preparing for a busy season of public outreach, including the Cedar Key Seafood Festival in October and additional programs leading into the winter and spring.

And Behind The Scenes...

The board is also working on some less visible, but important, business: renewing the Friends' partnership agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, refining the types of projects the Friends can undertake, strengthening communications, preparing merchandise and recruiting additional volunteers and board members.

So yes, August was a sabbatical. But it wasn't exactly a vacation for the refuges or for the people who care about them. September is here, the Friends are back around the table, and there's plenty happening on the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges.

Stay tuned—and come join us!

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