President's Message

With this newsletter, we find ourselves in a period of transition. With COVID restrictions gradually lifting, the Refuge Visitor Center is now open, and hopefully, the Refuge can host large meetings and events again soon. Likewise, the Friends board is in a transition period. We are losing some long-standing and highly capable members, gaining new members and current board members are taking on new roles. We are losing Phillip Pollock as president. With the COVID shutdown, Phillip guided the Friends through one of the most difficult times in the Friends history, not only keeping it strong, but winning the National Friends Award for 2021. Fortunately, Phillip will continue to be the newsletter editor for a few more issues as a new communication team takes over.

As I remarked at a recent meeting, when I was previously on the Friends board, it was a Model A. I come back and it is a Tesla. New software systems now support the work of the Friends more efficiently and securely. This includes everything from membership, accounting, website design, Nature Store inventory and sales and so on. This is all thanks to the foresight and hard work of current board members like Bill Everitt.

During this period, we are determined to bring back the Refuge and the Friends stronger than ever. The Refuge is hampered by staff losses mainly through retirements. The Friends are helping by sponsoring interns to take up the slack and supporting a biologist under contract until FWS can fill a permanent position. The Friends exist to support the Refuge, and our new budget supports all aspects of bringing the Refuge back, including environmental education, visitor services, conservation and so on.

But the work of the Refuge and the Friends ultimately relies on people – volunteers. Our 21^st century technology can only do so much. Both the Refuge and the Friends will need volunteers – to help in the Visitor Center, Nature Store, at upcoming events like the planned Monarch Festival, maintenance, environmental education, and docents to reopen the historic lighthouse. If you were volunteering before COVID, we’d like to see you back. And if you are a regular visitor to the Refuge, consider volunteering. Even an hour or two a week can help. Bring your talents and skills to the Friends board. We welcome your participation.

And if you are tired of all the COVID restrictions, come spend a day at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the peace and quiet, fresh air, and grandeur of this magnificent place. I hope to see you there!

Text courtesy Tom Baird, President, Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Manager’s Message

As Covid restrictions are being loosened, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is looking forward to the resumption of full operations. We’ve been challenged by both staff shortages and Covid use guidelines, but the Visitor Center is now open and plans are underway to reopen the lighthouse. Environmental education camps are planned for this summer and bird tours and other events will gradually be resumed. Keep in mind that the Refuge is always open for your outdoor enjoyment. Whether you are a birder, biker, hiker, or just crave a peaceful view, come visit your beautiful Wildlife Refuge. We welcome you back!

Terry Peacock, Refuge Manager

Ol' Blue Goes on a New Adventure

We have been enjoying and exploring the Refuge for over a decade, and during this time we have established many well-worn running routes, birding spots and hiking trails we tend to visit regularly. But occasionally, the Refuge offers up a new and exciting adventure. This spring we wanted to find a new paddling route, so we pulled out Jody Walthall’s Canoe and Kayak Guide for the Refuge (available at the Nature Store for a nominal fee) and were surprised to find that kayaking the East River from the put in at the spillway just south of East River Pool was an option. I have crossed that spillway many times on foot, but it never crossed my mind to paddle there.

So, on a blustery mid-Spring afternoon in March, we hauled Ol’ Blue, my partner’s trusty 40 plus year old canoe he got when he was about 12 years old (originally blue, now yellow), down to the Refuge and parked at Road #104. From there, we literally lugged, tugged, and drug the hefty craft down to the water’s edge along a little footpath. I highly recommend using a canoe dolly or other system if you decide to paddle this route.

But never ones to make things too easy on ourselves, we trekked back to the car to grab the safety gear (personal flotation, whistle, water, cell phone) and my still new-ish fun toy (a 600mm camera lens) and of course binoculars.

Once in the water we were able to relax and immediately enjoy the always immersive St. Mark’s scenery. The saw grass, cabbage palms and tall pines along this untouched coastline just bring one to a place of calm and wonder.

Not long after being on the water, we hit a dead end, checked our map and realized we missed the correct turn not long after the route begins. Turns out there is a decent cabbage palm there to act as a good landmark if you are paying attention. Back on the route, we headed into the wind and wound around the marsh. The tide was out so we were able to find a small sandy area to stop for lunch. As we paddled on after our quick break we were excited to see several Red-breasted Mergansers feeding (lower right photo). We also saw a few fishermen that found their way into East River and osprey flying overhead, with one willing to pose for the camera.

Given the fairly hard headwind, we cut it a little short of where Jody recommends turning for the route in the guide, but we ended up clocking 4.7 miles (including the wrong turn) as well as several buffleheads and a nice sized gator near the take out. All in all, it was a pleasant new adventure that we look forward to trying again, and it was a good reminder that even though you might visit the Refuge regularly, surprises remain if you look for them. 

Text and Photos, Katasha Cornwell, Friends Board of Directors member

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Refuge Work Together to Monitor Shorebird Populations

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff recently performed beach-nesting bird surveys along Stoney Bayou Pool at the Refuge. They often coordinate and cooperate with Refuge manager and biologists to closely observe several shorebird species that are now threatened. While the surveys the Commission conducted related specifically to the Wilson’s Plover, there are at least four other species that are being monitored from time-to-time by both the Commission and the Refuge staff. All of these shorebird species are declining; their populations are being reduced due to disturbances related to shoreline property development and other human intervention.

Shorebird surveys help monitor the extent of the problem biologists face. In the photo taken at top on June 6, Ezra Thompson and Caity Reiland-Smith were searching for breeding adult populations of Wilson’s Plovers and trying to determine their productivity, both in terms of hatch and fledge rates that can be statistically calculated. These surveys require very careful observation since these shorebirds nest in shallow scrapes or declivities in the open stretches of the muddy flats areas, like this Stoney Bayou habitat. (It is often very difficult to see these nested birds due to their camouflaged coloration and low profile in the soil. The nests could readily be stepped on by casual hikers or visitors, so ONLY wildlife officials are allowed access to areas like this!).

In this particular study by the Commission, biologists want to also see if the water levels being adjusted through the dikes surrounding the flats are correct to encourage nesting in this locale. Refuge biologists constantly look at water levels important in bird breeding grounds.

Ezra and Caity discovered evidence that the Wilson’s Plover had, indeed, been nesting and they also found evidence of shell fragments, verifying that young birds are being hatched (see photos at bottom). This evidence is often very minute as seen in the photo at (below, right). Biological studies like this are invaluable in monitoring ways that bird populations, such as shorebird activity, can gain strength in habitats like that of the Refuge and other beach-nesting areas.

In addition to the work exhibited here by Ezra and Caity, you can also take steps to assist in the protection of shorebirds. Please follow these guidelines when you visit open beaches and wetlands where birds may be nesting. For more information, visit the Florida Shorebird Alliance and the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission websites.

• Keep your distance from birds: If they become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close
• Respect posted areas and use designated trails while hiking in natural areas
• Never intentionally force birds to fly to see them better or photograph them
• Keep your pets away from bird nesting areas; keep them leashed
• Keep beach areas clean and do NOT feed wildlife ever
• Spread the word: Tell others about what you’ve learned and ways that they can, as well, help protect all wildlife

Enjoy and protect your Refuge.

Text and banner photo courtesy Phillip Pollock; field guide photo courtesy David Sibley; photos at bottom courtesy Ezra Thompson

Caity inspects a Wilson's Plover nesting scrape along the mud flats at the Refuge

Ezra measures a minute plover shell fragment found at a Wilson's nest site

THE NATURE STORE IS OPEN AT THE VISITOR CENTER

WEEKEND HOURS, FRIDAY 10 AM - 4 PM, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM - 5 PM 

Yes, the Nature Store at the Refuge Visitor Center is open for your weekend shopping pleasure.  As we continue to gain momentum, we are constantly getting in new store inventory.  Our T-shirt designs are outstanding, as you know, plus we have beautiful lighthouse coffee mugs to remind you of your visit to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  

And, of course, it IS that time of year. So, if the bugs are nibbling at your heels, we have just the remedy . . . Picaridin Insect Repellent.  It's fantastic, and it keeps the bugs at bay.  

Join us on your next visit.  We look forward to seeing you.

Text and photo courtesy Phillip Pollock

Lacelip Ladies' Tresses Orchid

This beautiful orchid is a less common plant for those of you who may be adding to your life-list. This particular flowering plant was seen along the Double Dikes recently. It's tight spiral configuration of white/cream-colored flowers that travel along its sturdy stem is probably the best way of spotting this plant from a distance. Another diagnostic aspect of the flower itself is the lace-like appearance of the labellum (lip portion of the flower).

The Refuge is a perfect habitat for this Ladylip orchid species since it prefers marshy, flat woodland areas. Bees are likely pollinators for this plant as the flower shape is very accommodating for bees in their quest for nectar.

Trails at the Refuge offer ample opportunities to find this and other wildflowers. At this time of year, remember to stay well-hydrated . . . . It's hot out there, folks.

Text and photo courtesy Phillip Pollock,

Florida Softshell Turtle

A close-up look at the Florida Softshell Turtle is striking. Its long, pointed nose and tubular nostrils are singular to this turtle species. The leathery shell of softshells is typically a dull brown to olive shade and they have a lower profile than hard-shelled turtles. Adult males are only about half the size of the much larger female. However, the male does have a longer tail than the female. This particular large specimen was seen crossing the road at the Double Bridges. If you attempt to assist softshells as they navigate road crossings, do so carefully as these turtles do have a powerful bite.

Enjoy your Refuge. 

Text and photo courtesy Phillip Pollock

The Refuge Is All About the Animals

NOT About When You Have to be at the Boat Dock

Please Observe the Posted Speed Limits!

Photo courtesy Phillip Pollock