What Has Been Happening at the Refuges Recently?

photo by F. Offerle

photo by G. Lang

photo by D. Meeks

Summer is HOT. Refuge work goes on apace.

• International Coastal Cleanup in Cedar Key in September -- The Refuge provided boats and volunteers.
• Archery season -- Currently open and will continue until October 15.
• Providing assistance at other refuges -- Vic Doig, Refuge Fire Specialist and Biologist, was asked to help out at a refuge in Puerto Rico in September. He was evacuated before Hurricane Maria.
• Oyster Management -- Refuge staff members have been meeting with community leaders and partners at the Nature Coast Biological Station to discuss oyster harvest management issues.
• Youth Conservation Corps -- Several local high schoolers participated in the  Youth Conservation Corps program and worked at the Refuge all through hot months. Among their many accomplishments, they helped build bridges along hiking trails both on the Lower Suwannee Refuge and the Crystal River Refuge and a pole barn in the Dixie County compound. If you have a student who might be interested in this opportunity for next summer, email friends@friendsofrefuges and we will be sure the Refuge knows about your interest.