What's Been Happening at the Refuges Lately?

Refuge Manager Andrew Gude, Assistant Manager Larry Woodward, Forester Daniel Barrand, and Fire Specialist Vic Doig gave a presentation at the Cedar Key Public Library about the Refuge.

The Friends Visitor Welcome Program has been growing in two ways. First, there are Friends volunteers at the front desk at headquarters from about 9 to 4 each day that the Refuge headquarters building is open. Almost 40 Friends members are now volunteers in this program.

At first, we mostly worked on making the space more attractive and welcoming. But as the word had gotten out, more and more visitors are stopping by. About 25 stopped in one day last week! If you want to participate as a welcomer for a half day on a monthly basis, or more often, email friends@friendsofrefuges.org. We would welcome more volunteers.

The Refuge held an Operation Outdoor Freedom event recently. Veterans attended a special, guided, 2-day feral hog hunt event that served as an introduction to the National Wildlife Refuge System's support of outdoor recreation.  The Refuge will continue to work with its partners on future Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and hunting events. 

Refuge staff assisted the State archaeologist in the removal of human remains recently discovered on Seahorse Key.

Work to control Exotic Invasive Species such as Brazilian Peppers continues. Recently 11 volunteers, led by Roger McDaniels from Friends and Vic Doig from the Refuge, spent a day working at Atsena Otie. Other areas in and around the Refuges have also been the site of workdays .

The Refuge staff continue the planning and research to determine the best way to restore hydrology across the Lower Suwannee Refuge into the Gulf. The natural flow was altered decades ago by timbering. Restoration would likely be a significant enhancement to habitat for the local wildlife, fish, and shellfish populations.

Longtime refuge hunter and part-time refuge mural painter, Clint Wynn, has been adding beauty along the Dixie Mainline. Thanks from all of us, Clint.