AUGUST, 2020 NEWSLETTER - FRIENDS OF ST. MARKS WILDLIFE REFUGE
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As most of you are undoubtedly aware, the concerns about COVID-19 have changed almost all of our day-to-day activities that we normally take for granted. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, there are no tours, classes or other events scheduled at the Refuge. The Visitor Center is open if you seek information or use of the restrooms (but, the Nature Store is closed). For a more complete Refuge report and to stay updated about the federal government message about activities at the Refuge, please visit the Refuge Public Health Update.
The editor
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Intern and Friends' Board of Directors member, Preston Earley, loves to get out in remote areas of the Refuge. Recently, he's videotaped special areas and noted wildlife along the way. Now the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge invite you to hike with him by visiting the Refuge Rambles area of our website.
The good news here is that if you care to join him, you don't have to battle the insects or the heat . . . . Just let him do the heavy lifting and sit back to enjoy the imagery and his narratives. Thus far, there are three blogs that comprise these 'rambles'. The first is Cathedral of Palms, on the Florida Trail within the Wakulla Unit of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Then, two recent blogs take you to visit the 19th century town of Port Leon, and finally he encounters two water moccasins that he discusses in 'A Word About Snakes'.
All three of these blogs are very instructive about the regional ecosystem, what you can expect to see and where these ramblings take you as you tag along. Expect to find more of these blogs on our website in the weeks and months ahead.
The editor
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 WeatherSTEM Cameras
On July 16, two WeatherSTEM cameras were put in place at the Refuge, located at the east end of Levee Trail in the lighthouse parking area. One camera provides a view of the lighthouse and the second looks toward the pier, with a view out into the bay seen in both.
This new WeatherSTEM station was a joint effort of Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the Wakulla County Department of Emergency Management, The Florida Division of Emergency Management, and WeatherSTEM.
So, the next time you want to visit the Refuge, you can check to see what weather conditions exist directly in the area of the lighthouse before making the drive. Also, if you suspect that conditions are right for a beautiful sunset or other weather event, you may be surprised at the live view available right from your home at any given time, like seeing a double rainbow (below) 
Text and photos, the editor
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 Nature Store Update
This has been an interesting 3 months for the Nature Store. After closing on March 19 due to the pandemic, then reopening in an online format, lots of learning has taken place. From a slow start of selling just our ever-popular t-shirts, the offerings have expanded to include caps, our awesome mesh vest (12 pockets-great for fishing, hiking, birding, and photography!), tote bags, a robust selection of earrings, and most recently, the beautiful enamel wildlife pins. However, if there's anything the Nature Store has carried that you want, please contact us at
   
Text and photos courtesy Nature Store Manager / Board of Directors member, Rita LeBlanc
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Prescribed Burning
If you have been driving into areas of the Refuge in the past weeks, you probably have noticed evidence of prescribed burning. These controlled fires are calculated and timed. There is a science behind successful burns, and the burning is critical for the health of a forest ecosystem.
Importantly, prescribed burning greatly reduces accumulated, combustible forest fuels that build up in forest understories. Out-of-control wildfires pose a much reduced threat to advanced-growth trees and animal populations with the debris taken away knowledgeably. In addition to the simple, aesthetic appearance of cleaning the understory terrain, planned burning favors animals that feed off of the understory plant life. The new, native plant growth is more palatable, and it's also a higher quality food source for animals. There are other benefits that result from controlled fires, as well, but these are some of the most important benefits.
Text and photo, the editor
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MILKWEED
Asclepias Lanceolota
Very soon the summer wildflowers will be disappearing, giving way to the fall and cooler times of year. However, conditions are still favorable now for some good finds. Here's a nice example of Asclepias lanceolata. This beautiful botanical specimen was located along the Wakulla Beach Road portion of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Just in case the Latin name evokes English word associations, yes, the name is partly derived from the lance-shaped leaves that show nicely in this photo.
Text and photo, the editor
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This large flamingo vase from 1997 is the work of former Tallahassee potter, Robin Rodgers, who now resides in Atlanta.
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When you are visiting
the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge,
Distance
Yourself
Responsibly
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NOTE: Lighthouse Light Extinguished Due to
Fall Bird Migration
Fall migration is on the wing so to prevent the possibility of birds hitting the lighthouse, the light will be extinguished Saturday, August 15. The light will return on November 1 until spring migration begins.
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Birding Surveys Assist Our Visitors
Don Morrow and Matt Johnstone, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge volunteers and expert birders lead in-depth bird tours at the Refuge frequently throughout the year. Both Don and Matt keep us up-to-date on what we can see from week-to-week. To see what THEY see, so that YOU can see them, check out their sightings on our website. Go there now.
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All tours, classes and events are canceled until further notice.
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Have you considered including the Refuge in your will? We would appreciate hearing from you if so. The Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge can provide information and guide you through the process. Just call the Refuge at 850-925-6121, and ask to be contacted by the Friends' Development Committee, or email us. |
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Reflections newsletter is a benefit of membership for Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. It also serves as an important supplement to
Both the newsletter and the web site provide members and the public information about volunteer activities and events at the Refuge.
Reflections Editor, Phillip M. Pollock
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