If you joined the fun at the Cedar Key Seafood Festival, you saw captivating art and crafts, ate homemade crab cakes, and maybe you visited the Cedar Keys Light Station; the celebration offered many opportunities. Jeri Treat spent Saturday volunteering and had her own take on things. "There was so much to learn about; I had no idea all that was going on at the Refuge," Member of the Refuge Friends group, Jeri volunteered to staff the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges booth along with some Friends Board members, Refuge staff and volunteers. The volunteers not only gave away beautiful posters, but Vic Doig, Fire Crew Supervisor handed out a story book for youngsters that gives a lesson on the success of prescribed burning. After hearing volunteer John Lohde tell passers-by about the variety of free ranger programs, Mrs. Treat reported, "I wouldn`t have known about the new classroom at the Lower Suwannee without having worked with John and Vic. And Ranger Pam is giving live bat programs again! That`s a great way for kids to learn how beneficial bats are!"
Five days later, Bob and Jeri Treat with sister, Dinah Yarborough, with her boys Cotton, Blaze, and Jett in tow, arrived at the Lower Suwannee Refuge Office just in time to see the large classroom being delivered. Staff will soon build a deck so the large double doors can open onto the outdoor learning area. Homeschoolers, clubs, 4-H, scouts, as well as schools on field trips will be welcomed into the new learning space. "I`m thrilled with the new classroom", said Ranger Darty. "Soon, it will be stocked with back packs, field guides and binoculars, we`ll have a powerful spotting scope, skeletons and skulls of native species, microscopes, games, mounted animals, paints, cameras, native bee blocks to observe, and even some toys for toddlers. Our first homeschool group has already made their reservation." "Our nephews came away with posters and Florida Activity Guides that will connect the boys to the out of doors and Florida`s wildlife. They`ll be back", reported Jeri.
To make your reservations for the classroom, or for more information about free Refuge programs, call 352/493-0238, ext 223. |
