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Friends of Refuges
July News Brief 
Board Meetings Continue by Phone

As in April, May, and June, Friends Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting by phone on Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. Members who would like to call in to the meeting can email friends@friendsofrefuges.org for the access numbers. Discussions will include the Swallow-tailed Kite project, proposed trail enhancements, proposed trail-map enhancements, Vista consultant report update, and improving Shell Mound descriptions on tourism websites.
Refuge Asks for Public Comments
  • To allow recognized raccoon dog trial associations to conduct sanctioned “Hound Field Trials” under Special Use Permits
  • Also under Special Use Permits, to allow the environmental release of an insect, "thrips", on Refuge lands for the biological control of Brazilian Peppers.
Read more on Friends website. Deadline is July 24.


Butterfly of the Month

The featured butterfly for July is Sweadner's Juniper Hairstreak.

Read more about it on Friends website.
        
A Pandemic Note from Deputy Manager Larry Woodward

With his usual sincerity and humor, Larry writes to assure us that Pandemic or Not, Our Refuges are Still Wild. Read his full note on the Friends website.
Always on the Alert

Refuge staff members rescued two turtles recently. Read the full story on Friends website, as told, tongue in cheek, by Deputy Manager Larry Woodward.
               
Be Not Alarmed

Refuge Manager Andrew Gude reports on some habitat restoration that might surprise you when you drive by. Read more on the Friends website.
Another Unconfirmed Sighting

Sightings of jaguarundis in the Shell Mound area have been reported over the years but never confirmed.  Putting an end to the mystery is a challenge for anyone who has a wildlife camera and is looking for a project. Read more on the Friends website.
Updating Visitor Information

With all the enhancements to the interpretive panels and information about Shell Mound in the past year, Friends are now working with Visit Florida, Visit Nature Coast, and other regional websites to update their information. Read more about Shell Mound on the Friends website.
Youth Conservation Corps at Work

Each summer the Refuge participates in the YCC program, giving students full-time employment on the Refuge. Hot and buggy though it is, former YCCers rave about the experience. Next year's 15 through 18 year-old outdoor lovers, take note. Read more on the Friends website.

Hydrology Restoration Project Update

The Refuge is receiving grant money from Oil Spill Funding for hydrology restoration. The project is described in more detail on the Friends website. Read more here.
New 2020-2021 Hunt Brochure Available

The new brochure is available at Refuge headquarters and can be downloaded from the homepage of the Friends website. Hunters must sign a copy of the brochure and have it with them when hunting.  You can also download it here.
Keeping Track of Suwannee

A report from Gina Kent, ACRI Senior Conservation Scientist, indicates that Suwannee's movements were almost entirely monitored from afar in April and May due to travel restrictions. GPS data points infer there may have been nesting attempts near his 2019 nest, but further investigations revealed an empty nest. In general, he appears to be doing well and has stayed close within the bounds of the Refuge. Along with other kites, he is busy fattening up for his 5,000-mile migration to South America for the winter. Read more here.
 
Information and Advocacy Links
Peg Hall and Denise Feiber, editors
Copyright © 2020 Friends of the Lower Suwannee River and Cedar Keys NWR, All rights reserved.


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