On Saturday, January 18, 2020, speaking to a sixty-member audience at the Library Lecture Series, Dr. Samantha Gibbs introduced Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy, Cedar Key’s very own, twenty-seven-year-old, conservancy. Then she delivered a comprehensive, impressive tour of the Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy’s properties…. via oystercatcher, that unmistakable shorebird seen on our islands and beaches...and the FNCC logo.  Before the hour had passed, Gibbs impressed upon the audience how meaningful FNCC is to the very foundation and conservation of Cedar Key.

Dr. Gibbs, or “Sam” as she is known to locals, is a most impressively credentialed speaker. Employed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife as its national veterinarian, Sam has earned not just one Ph.D., but two: one in infectious diseases and another in veterinary science. Knowing Sam, as most Cedar Keyans do, she may well be on her way to a third.   Traveling all over the world in her scientific pursuits, she deals with rhinos in Africa, other animals in Indonesia, and manages wolf populations from helicopters in the American West. And….so much more. 

Pictured here on the right is Dr. Gibbs, right.

Gibbs addressed FNCC’s mission: to acquire land in trust for preservation, conservation, and/or public recreation and encourage, assist, and educate local governments, communities, and organizations acquire environmentally endangered, historic, or archeologically significant lands. She further articulated the organization’s goals, projects, and accomplishments.

The oystercatcher tour of the areas protected by Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy began with the orange-billed wader gliding over the organization’s first venture: Atsena Otie. The black, white, and brown feathered creature then soared over other protected properties familiar to all Cedar Keyans and visitors: the Cemetery Point Park, the Earl M. Starnes Observation Area, and the Trestle Trail. The Nancy Taylor property, Jones Estate, and Robert Cull Preserve are further protected and regularly monitored by FNCC members. The recently acquired Doris Hellerman properties along G Street are pivotal in Cedar Key’s Living Shoreline ventures.

Gibbs clearly made the point that FNCC energetically and assertively lives its mission “of acquiring land in trust for preservation, conservation, and public recreation.” Reflection on the above properties protected by FNCC declares that fact. All Cedar Keyans and visitors know well Atsena Otie, G Street, Cemetery Point Park, and the Trestle Trail.

Gibbs urged the audience to join the FNCC as members and, perhaps, even more. She suggested ways that they might help protect lands with land donations, conservation easements, land purchases, and collaboration with, partners, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, and the Florida State Parks.

Gibbs closed with an invitation to the FNCC’s annual meeting on February 17, 2020, at the Island Hotel Patio, from 4 to 6 pm, when members and prospective members may enjoy one another, a light hors d’ oeuvres, and a libation.

To preview the Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy, click here: http://www.floridasnaturecoastconservancy.org/

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