On the beautifully crisp, clear-skied Saturday morning of March 16, the Friends and refuge staff hosted their annual open house, efficiently transacted Friends business, orchestrated an illuminating speaker, amply fed everyone, and offered an abundant number of adventurous afternoon activities. BUSINESS BRIEFS The Friends Past President Peg Hall energetically reported the group`s growing membership numbers and treasurer`s healthy balance of nearly $15,000 as of December 31, 2013. NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS The members approved the slate of new officers: President Jay Bushnell, President Elect Bob Hudson, Past President Peg Hall, and Treasurer Jerry Salamon. They further approved new directors: Hidden Coastlines owner Jane Conners, Mittauer Associates Vice-President Greg Lang, Retired United States Air Force Engineer Roger McDaniels, and Assistant Director of the University of Florida`s Seahorse Key Marie Laboratory Jennifer Seavey. NEW INITIATIVES Hall overviewed the Friends 2013 Initiatives, all designed around member interests, and circulated sign-up rosters for those willing to work on these initiatives. Several, not all, initiatives follow: art; education in Dixie County; Seahorse Key; Refuge Restoration; Paddling Project; Shell Mound Archeology; the River Trail; trail guides; science symposia; Facebook pages; website and news briefs. For more information, do visit the Friends website at friends@friendsofrefuges.com. OYSTERS AND OYSTERCATCHERS IN THE BIG BEND; PAST AND FUTURE Supported by Sea Grant, University of Florida, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Nature Conservancy, and others, Dr. Peter Frederick, Research Professor at UF`s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, spoke to the local and worldwide oyster and oystercatcher issue. Oysters, says Frederick, are "ecosystem engineers," as they are able to build habitat more extensively than other creatures. Now, some 85% of oyster reefs worldwide are endangered. Threats come from overharvesting, pollution, development, reduction of freshwater into estuaries, erosion from boat wakes, disease, oil spills, changing climate, and storms. Florida`s Big Bend area has had a net 66% oyster bed loss in the last 30 years alone, most significant, reported Frederick. This oyster bed loss seriously effects American oystercatchers, 25% of which winter in the Big Bend area. Frederick discussed reef restoration with derelict clam bags, oyster corral construction, and entrainment or getting freshwater back inland into marshes. His only competition being a nearby "unquietable," clattering ice machine, Frederick`s presentation rose will above it with a rapt, involved audience. LUNCH Mouth-watering beef, ribs, chicken, and iced tea comprised lunch. Desserts, brought by members, were as varied, plentiful, and delicious. SILENT AUCTION The Silent Auction deposited dollars into the Friends` coffers. Auction items included: food certificates from Pat`s, Kona Joe`s, the Market, and many other local restaurants; lodging certificates from Old Fenimore Mill, Faraway Inn, Seahorse Landing, and many other local places; arts, gifts, and jewelry from Salty Needle Quilts, Island Arts, Cedar Key Canvas, and other local shops; books; nature tours from Tidewater Tours and others; and other items. AFTERNOON EVENTS Because the Suwannee River was high, boat rides and paddling along Sandfly Creek were regrettably cancelled. Several airboat rides took their place, however. Members enjoyed hayrides, self-guided River Trail walks, fire equipment demonstrations, and visits to the special Operations Response Team trailer. |
