Friends' President Message - Tom Baird

Because of the Covid shutdown, the Friends have not held the traditional Annual Meeting in two years. Virtual meetings and video reports have had to suffice. I’m happy to announce that this year we can return to having the popular Friends Annual Meeting in person. Save the date of Saturday, June 3 for the 2023 Friends Annual Meeting to be held in the Environmental Education Building at the Refuge.

When you attend, you will be introduced to new refuge staff, meet and hear first-hand from the biological interns, learn about the highly successful new pre-school environmental education program, learn about the expanding lighthouse visitation schedule, be introduced to the Friends board members, and hear directly the from refuge manager Terry Peacock on the status of the refuge. Plus, there will be refreshments and the usual chance to catch up with friends and colleagues who use the refuge.

More details will be coming as the date approaches, including a detailed Constant Contact invitation to all those on our mailing list. For now, save the date and we look forward to seeing you in June.

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

Refuge Manager's Message - Terry Peacock

I am pleased to announce that we have selected our new biologist. Amanda Sheppard officially started in her new role on April 9th. You may have already met her since she has been housed on our Refuge for several years. We are looking forward to having her on-board and she introduces herself below.

All five biological interns that the Friends have been gracious enough to fund this year are on the Refuge and hard at work. Their salamander pond occupancy trapping was completed in March and the results are looking very promising. They are seeing the highest population counts since Hurricane Michael. Later this month, the interns will begin field efforts with red-cockaded woodpeckers as nesting season gets underway. And they are rearing salamander larvae as well.

The interns thoroughly enjoyed sharing their experiences with Friends Board members last month. And they had a great time showing Board member Nancy Brand how they conduct their salamander trapping when she had a chance to join them in the field. They all very much appreciate the unique opportunities these positions provide to expose them to endangered species that many people will never get to encounter as well as helping to jump start their careers. 

Text courtesy Terry Peacock, Refuge Manager, Photos courtesy Nancy Brand

Introducing Amanda Sheppard, Refuge Biologist

My name is Amanda Sheppard, and I have been working with FWS for about 16 years now. Most of those years were working in Region 5 on refuges like Great Dismal Swamp, Moosehorn, and the Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex. As one would imagine, I did all kinds of work on those refuges, some examples include: Delmarva fox squirrel monitoring (a threatened and endangered species which was delisted under the Endangered Species Act while I worked on the refuge), vernal pool monitoring, forestry inventories and monitoring, hunt stations, invasive management and monitoring, eagle surveys, muskrat trapping program management, water control structure management for waterfowl and shorebird use, waterfowl surveys, woodcock monitoring, butterfly surveys, led an adaptive management wetland elevation monitoring, bat surveys, etc. I transitioned to Region 4 as an Inventory and Monitoring Biologist (stationed physically at St. Marks) and have worked to support refuge science on refuges in this region for the last 6 years. I am ecstatic to be working on refuges again!

Your Support Makes A Difference

Your donations support the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge by allowing the Friends to continue to fund internship positions like those for endangered species, and soon for the Lighthouse. Consider joining the Longleaf Society today by clicking the image below to keep these import initiatives going.

Lighthouse in the Spotlight

Text by Desiree Cureton and Tom Baird, Photo by Tom Baird

Historic properties are a puzzle, especially when adapting for modern use. Previously unairconditioned, lighthouse keepers of the early 20^th century relied upon open windows and doors to ventilate spaces. When buildings are altered for climate control, changes will occur within the building itself. At the St. Marks Lighthouse, air conditioning was added during the 2018 renovation for the comfort of visitors but also to allow the storage of displays and artifacts. Once federal facilities were closed during COVID, including the lighthouse, the air conditioning system could not be monitored. This caused leaks and damage to some of the interior finishes. Right now, the Friends and Refuge staff are working with historic preservation specialists and mechanical engineers to reduce humidity to acceptable levels in both the keeper’s quarters and the tower itself. You may see the monitoring equipment on your next visit to the lighthouse. In the next few months, visitors will also see improvements as exterior finishes are repaired, including some deteriorated floor boards on the front porch.

On March 21 WCTV reporter Madison Glaser visited the St. Marks Lighthouse to learn about its history and the experiences of the wonderful volunteers that greet and inform the public. Volunteer Allen Van Brunt is shown describing some of the exhibits in each room of the keeper’s quarters. The segment aired on March 22. Watch it here https://www.wctv.tv/2023/03/16/looking-bright-opportunity-st-marks-searches-new-lighthouse-keeper/

We are excited to continue the preservation of this historic landmark for future generations to enjoy and we look forward to sharing some exciting announcements about the lighthouse, including announcing the new Keeper in the next issue of Reflections.

Gardening with Pollinators in Mind: Tips for Success

Text by Khadejah Scott, UF/IFAS Extension Agent,

Photos Courtesy Katasha Cornwell

Pollinators are essential to our ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in the reproduction of plants, which in turn supports biodiversity and food production. However, pollinator populations have been declining in recent years due to factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Pollinators are affected by how homeowners manage their yards and neighborhoods at both local and regional scales. The great news is that even small actions by individuals can make a difference. Gardening with pollinators in mind is an easy and effective way to help support pollinator populations and ensure the continued health of our ecosystems. Check out these tips for increasing native pollinator abundance.

Limit The Amount Of Lawn

Reduce the amount of mowed grass around your home, particularly in corners and other low-traffic areas. Simply by choosing not to mow, you will be providing many pollinators with shelter and food. Unmowed regions eventually have more plant species than mowed areas do. More pollinator species are attracted by this plant variety.

Add Diversified Plantings

One way to start your garden is by choosing the right plants. Diversity is the key to a good pollinator garden. Because each pollinator has its techniques for sourcing nectar and pollen, flowers should be as varied as the pollinators that visit them. Native plants such as Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella) are an excellent option as they provide food and shelter for local pollinators. Together with native plants, you may also grow annual ornamental flowers in smaller gardens that will thrive and provide an excellent source of nectar and pollen, like zinnias (Zinnia elegans), or sunflowers(Helianthus annuus). Another best option is also to use culinary herbs. For instance, basil (Ocimum basilicum) and oregano (Origanum vulgareare) are fantastic nectar sources if you allow them to flower. One creative way to create a pollinator-friendly garden is by incorporating a variety of textures and colors. This can include adding different heights, shapes, and textures to your garden, as well as incorporating a variety of flower colors. You can also choose plants that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a consistent food source. This will attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Eliminate Pesticides Whenever Possible.

Gardeners may choose to use pesticides in some circumstances to get rid of bothersome insects. It is crucial to take the pollinator effect into account before incorporating pesticides into a pest management program. Use the least harmful pesticide you can if you must use one. Before making a purchase, thoroughly read the label, and use the product as directed. If possible, spray at night when bees and other insects are inactive.

Provide Nesting Habitat

When planting for pollinators, it's also important to provide habitat and nesting sites. This can include leaving areas of bare ground for ground-nesting bees, providing nesting boxes for bees and other insects, and planting shrubs and trees that provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

Think Vertically

In a small area, vines can significantly expand the habitat that is available by climbing up a trellis or lattice against a wall or fence. Numerous native vines such as the Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) can go in large containers and are excellent sources of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Include Bird Feeders and Bird Houses

An enjoyable way to observe birds up close and get in touch with nature is by using bird feeders. Additionally, they enhance the natural food sources that birds can find near your garden. Bird houses also provide shelter to cavity-nesting species and increase the species of birds in your apartment. 

Add a Water Source

Finally, make sure to supply a source of water for your pollinators. This can be as simple as a shallow dish or bowl filled with water or a small fountain. Just be sure to change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.

The previous tips are a simple and effective way to support the health of our ecosystems and ensure the continued survival of pollinator populations. For questions about gardening with pollinators in mind, contact UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County or one of the local environmental conservation organizations. 

Green Anoles – Quiet Refuge Inhabitants

Green Anoles are pleasant little inhabitants of the refuge that are members of the lizard family. They are not aggressive in any way. In addition, they are not always seen because of their slow movements and their coloration, but when you do see them, they just kind of appear.

Recently, I was birding at the Headquarters Pond and spotted this beauty. As I recall, the display of its brilliant throat is what gave him away. The Green Anole is the only native anole in Florida (or in the US for that matter). I’ve always wanted to get a photo of the bright orangish-red neck pouch on this lizard. Apparently, the throat patch puffs out either when trying to attract a mate or when it’s attempting to establish territory. Only the male possesses the crimson neck. Head bobbing often accompanies this colorful display. And, while effective, it can also be its demise by attracting predators. 

Green Anoles can quickly change color from green to brown, and this can occur as a defense mechanism, camouflaging itself based on the habitat they occupy. Typically, these Refuge residents average about 4-5 inches, but they can reach 8 inches in length. This is a good time of year to see them, so on your next visit, be on the lookout, especially in the green foliage.  

Text and Photo Courtesy of Phillip Pollock

Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters Tour Dates

The Keeper's Quarters Tours will continue into April. Tours are free and are available from 10am to 2pm. No reservations required. We appreciate the dedication of the volunteers who give their time to share their passion with the community.

Currently the last scheduled tour is Saturday, April 22 but we anticipate additional dates being announced soon. Please check the Friends Website starting in May for additional tour dates and times.

Photos Courtesy of Katasha Cornwell

Newest Refuge Resident

The bird tours might be done for the season, but there are still wonderful treasures to discover on your own at the Refuge until the fall. For instance, this great horned owlet (right) about to fledge from the nest, and a soggy parent (above) looking on watching its hatchlings antics.

I am reminded over and over that even on a drizzly afternoon when you might expect nothing of interest to be out and about, the Refuge never ever disappoints. So, any time you need a nature fix, create your own tour and get out and explore the Refuge!

Text and Photo Courtesy Katasha Cornwell

We Encourage our Friends to SHARE!

As almost all of you know, the Friends give 100% of their support to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. An important way for you increase that support is to share our message. Therefore, when you get this newsletter, we encourage you to send it on to a friend. You can share it via email or through various other social media. Here's the link to the Friends Newsletter page. Scroll to the "current" entry and copy the link.

Text and Photo Courtesy Phillip Pollock

Bird Reports Assist Visitors

Don Morrow and Matt Johnstone, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge volunteers and expert birders, create concise bird-sighting reports on a week-to-week basis. Read their current and past reports by following the link below. Go there now.

Photo Courtesy Katasha Cornwell

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.

Reflections newsletter is a benefit of membership for Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.

It also serves as an important supplement to

the Friends' website.

Both the newsletter and the web site provide members and the public information about volunteer activities and events at the Refuge.

Reflections editor: Katasha Cornwell

Reflections Editor, Phillip M. Pollock