Historic logging (some 0f it very intensive) occurred on this land over 40 to 120 years, before it became the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in the late 1970s. Since the land became the Refuge, forest restoration has been a primary goal. The forest is coming back with a vengeance. Our three-pronged forest restoration program uses prescribed fire, herbicides, and mechanical treatments.
We are grateful for the community's support in the work we do. If anyone has questions feel free to call me on my cell phone: 703.622.3896.
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When Friends hosted the “Shell Mound - Plants and Peoples” walk with the Cedar Key Garden Club, we realized how many different resource items about Shell Mound are here on Friends website. Here is a summary:
Friends' Jeopardy Quiz
Member(s) that live the farthest from the Refuges Who are Heidi and Mark Sterk from Belgium? Number of U.S. States with LS&CKNWR Friends members What is 28 U.S. States? International Countries with LW&CKNWR Friends members What are Belgium and Canada? How did the Sterks happen upon our Refuges you ask? They came to the Nature Coast lured by the nature. They were fortunate enough to meet Friends members Richard and Anne Herman and go boating with them, Another Friends member, Mark Gluckman provided kayaking information about the Refuge and the nearby wild areas. They also were intrigued by the tracking of Suwannee, the swallow-tailed kite, that Friends sponsored. Like the Sterks from Belgium, several members from Canada make up our international contingency. On U.S. shores, 28 states are represented. Friends members come from far and wide to marvel at the Refuges’ diverse wildlife, hike the trails, kayak the waters, tour the islands, fish and hunt in the waters and woods, and learn the ways of the ancient ones who came before us. Many come solely to help protect all that is precious on these remote lands and waters. Working the Friends table at the Cedar Key Chamber’s Welcome Center, it quickly becomes apparent to the volunteers that visitors to the area are unaware of the geographic range of the Refuge lands surrounding them. These one-on-one conversations with visitors and even locals, is one of the best ways to get word out about the important activities and accomplishments that the Friends contribute to the Refuges. But that’s not the only way – the Friends website, word of mouth, participation in regional festivals, and annual meetings also help to spread the word and promote new members, which is the life blood of the organization. So please consider joining! The Refuge has scheduled 2 more Open Houses at Seahorse Key for 2022.
Open Houses are free once you arrive at the Refuge island. However, visitors must arrange their own transportation. Shuttles are provided for a fee by tour companies in Cedar Key, or visitors can arrive by private boat.
Important Information Seahorse Key is an island almost 3 miles from Cedar Key. Access is only by boat. There are no amenities, such as food or water on the island. Rest room facilities are limited. Should there be a medical or other emergency requiring professional assistance or evacuation, response times could be lengthy. Please plan with this in mind.
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Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
P. O. Box 532 Cedar Key, FL 32625 friends@friendsofrefuges.org We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
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