APRIL, 2020 NEWSLETTER - FRIENDS OF ST. MARKS WILDLIFE REFUGE
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As most of you are undoubtedly aware, the COVID-19 concerns 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 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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New Executive Officers and Board Members
The April 4 Annual Meeting was canceled as everyone is aware. However, the Friends submitted an electronic vote to current members on two important agenda items. The results are in:
- The following slate of executive officers for FY 2020-21 was voted on and approved: President, William "Billy" Clutter; Vice-President, Phillip Pollock; Treasurer, Bill Everitt; Secretary, open.
- The following slate of new board members was voted on and approved for 3-year terms beginning on June 1, 2020: Preston Earley, Harry Chiles, Kati Schardl, and Rita LeBlanc.
For all of those members who took the time to vote, we thank you very much for your input.
During this difficult national public health crisis, the Board cannot meet face-to-face, but just so you know, we are holding our monthly board meetings through the Zoom meeting environment electronically. Thank you, everyone.
The editor
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Thank You Susan, John and Karen
How do you adequately thank 3 Board volunteers for a total of 15 years of service? It's very difficult, particularly in the case of each of these individuals. Current Friends' Board of Directors' President, Treasurer and Secretary are all leaving their posts at the end of May this year.
Susan Cason
Susan has been on the Board for the past six years, serving as President for the past three. She assumed the role at a very difficult time when a number of very important events occurred. The majority of both the lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters restoration at the lighthouse, the government shutdown, and Hurricane Michael took place under her administration. She held up under the strain in great form. She also initiated several first-time member events and she even led a kayak river trek that participants loved. We will miss Susan's role as president. Thank you, Susan. You're one-of-a-kind.
John Haines
John has served as treasurer for SIX years. Count them....six years. If you have ever attempted to crunch numbers for any kind of business or even in your home, you may have some appreciation for what's involved in balancing the books for an association as large as the Friends' 501(c)3. Keep in mind that this involved a balancing act that took place through all of the lighthouse restoration when State of Florida grant money came to us (along with private donations), totaling nearly 2 million dollars. John, we appreciate you more than you can ever imagine. Thank you.
Karen Willes
Karen has been a board member for three years, serving as Secretary for the past one year. She took the Board to a new level by recording minutes electronically on her laptop during each Board meeting. Her work has been precise. Also, during Karen's time on the Board, she taught a number of the digital Shutterbugs photography classes that were hugely attended. Finally, if you have read Reflections newsletter carefully over the past couple of years, you have probably been thrilled to see beautiful photographs of the pink flamingo a number of times. Hurricane Michael probably sent this beautiful bird our way, and it was Karen who was often there to capture its activity. Thank so much, Karen.
The editor
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Our Interns and Project Sponsors
Are Amazing
The Friends of St Marks Wildlife Refuge has facilitated and supported an internship program at the Refuge since 2014, with over forty interns benefiting from the assistance. The program was initially made possible with the financial backing of Dr. Ed and Hilda Carney. They have
generously continued to support the interns every year since the beginning. But, in addition and over time, other project sponsors have stepped forward to provide additional internships.
There is so much more to be said about both the interns and project sponsors. I won't attempt to do that here, but instead, lead you to our informative website where you can read about both in greater depth. Visit the interns page now, and then use the link on that page to read about the importance of our project sponsors, or just go to the sponsor's page now.
NOTE: While the COVID-19 restrictions for gathering in larger groups and the need for social distancing have been in place, volunteers who have been assisting with the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander initiative were told to stay away from work in this area. However, biological technician and former intern, Chloë
Dubben, has been able to work alone in order to check salamander traps for larvae that are produced in the March time frame. Relocating the larvae and getting them placed in controlled Refuge ponds is a crucial aspect of the life-cycle of the salamanders in order to propagate their numbers. This is just an example of the dedication exhibited by our interns to ensure success in our initiatives. To understand this in greater depth, go to Choë's blog on our website.
Caption above right: Preston Earley was an intern in the Milkweed - Monarch initiative in 2019 and is shown here discussing the milkweed to visitors. He just recently was named to the Friends' Board of Directors. He's one of many success stories regarding all of our interns. Photo courtesy Bill Everitt, Friends' Board of Directors.
The editor
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Friends Need Your Help and Talent
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give
Winston Churchill
Would you like to do more for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge? Would you like to be more connected? You can do all of this and have fun at the same time.
Many amazing volunteers support the Refuge through their volunteer help. The Friends group is a 100% all-volunteer support organization that is passionately committed to the Refuge.
You are reading this newsletter because, at some point, you became a Friends member, or you made a donation, or you told us that you wanted to stay in touch and learn more. And now there are many great ways for you to become involved.
We are looking for individuals who are willing to invest their time for the benefit of and support for the Refuge. The Board-level position of Secretary is one we need to fill, along with bringing new, at-large members to the Board.
In addition, we're also looking for committee members to help in the following areas: membership, communications, computer skills, lighthouse tours, events, and fundraising.
If you are willing to give your time and talent, please send an email to:
[email protected]. Tell us how we can contact you, then give us a sentence or two about yourself and your area of interest. We need your help and would love to have you join us!
Text courtesy Bill Everitt, Friends Board of Directors member; photo courtesy the editor
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Art is Soothing
Sometimes we need art to quiet our minds. what more perfect time to do that than now.
This 1930s art pottery vase was made by the Niloak Pottery Co. The name is derived from reversing the letters of the company name to kaolin, which is the clay (found primarily in central Georgia deposits) used in making the pottery.
The beautiful matt glaze used on this pot is subtle and pleasing . . . It's coloration is perfect to showcase a flamingo. Just in case you have been unable to see our Refuge bird friend, we thought we'd bring this to you for now.
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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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