INDEX

• President's column
• Help Improve St Marks NWR
• National Wildlife Refuge System Needs our Help
• 2000 Coastal Cleanup and St. Marks NWR Events
• Fall Audubon Assembly to set Priorities for 2001
• Florida Ornithological Society to meet in Tallahassee Sept 29

The Apalachee Audubon Chapter wants to recognize and thank Buckeye Florida for its generous contribution in support of publishing this Newsletter.

By Jim Crews

We are most fortunate!

   Jim Shelton's leadership this past year has made all the difference in our chapter's energy and effectiveness.  We were lucky to have him at the helm and glad he will stay on the board as immediate past president.  Our mission was and will be enhanced by a dedicated and enthusiastic board.  Returning directors include Mary Helen Blakeslee, Marvin Collins, Bob Cross, Harvey Goldman, Ellen Shelton and Hans van Tol.

   We also welcome new board members Bob Daniels and Bill Lowrie, who will together spearhead greater chapter involvement in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and other coastal issues.

   Among our chapter's helpful friends---too many to name them all---are Val Weeks, who edits this newsletter, and City Commissioner Steve Meisburg, who lent his name to our successful bird-a-thon, raising money for the Audubon Adventures environmental education program for area fourth graders.

   Again, we've lined up a year of monthly programs and outings both educational and entertaining.  Last year our trips were even joined by birders from faraway states who had visited our web site for information about chapter events throughout our cherished North Florida.

   So, come along with us on our mission to protect birds and their habitats.  It's going to be a great year!
 

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By Bill Lowrie and Harvey Goldman

    In August there was an announcement in the Tallahassee Democrat that St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge has been moved to number one on the Federal Land Buying List using funds from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.  Apalachee Audubon has been lobbying for this result for the last two years with the support of National Audubon in Washington, D.C.
   This is very good news for this fantastic natural area enjoyed by so many of us in the Tallahassee area.  The acquisition of certain lands bordering the current refuge is critical for maintaining the integrity of the refuge and to create green corridors between the refuge and the Apalachicola National Forest and continuity between the refuge and Ocklochonee River State Park.
   However, being placed at the top of the priority list does not make the acquisition a done deal but amounts to a recommendation to Congress to appropriate the funds.   This is where we come in.  Please take a moment to help make certain that these vital additions to the Refuge will actually be made.  Please call or, better yet, write our Florida Senators and/or our Congressman. The letter should be in your own words but the basis should be:

I am writing you in support of FY99 LWCF funding for St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  St. Marks is a major component of our refuge system as it protects important wildlife habitat and provides recreation for people in the Tallahassee area.  In addition, the refuge is an important part of our local and state economy as it attracts visitors from all over the world.  This year, the National Audubon Society has made St. Marks NWLR one of its top priorities for funding, one of only five that it is lobbying for in Florida, and in August of this year it became first on the Federal Land Buying list.  Please vote to make the Federal Land and Water Conservation funds available to complete the land acquisition plan for St. Marks.

Following are the various addresses:

Senator Bob Graham
Email - bob_graham@graham.senate.gov
524 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone 202-224-3041
TDD 202-224-5621
Fax 202-224-2237
Staff member: Julia Hathaway - 202-224-3041

Senator Connie Mack
Email - connie@mack.senate.gov
517 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5274
Fax (202) 224-8022
Staff member: Colleen Cresanti - 202-224-5274

Representative Allen Boyd
Email - rep.boyd@mail.house.gov
Website: http://www.house.gov/boyd/
1237 Longworth
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-5235

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By Robert Daniels

   Our National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is our best hope for protection of millions of birds, scores of wildlife, and twice as many endangered species as our national parks.  The System conserves an incredible array of the nation's ecosystems: deserts, forests, tundra, great rivers, vast marshes, swamps, mountains, prairies, estuaries, coral reefs, and remote islands.  It covers more than 93 million acres with 516 units in all 50 states and 5 U.S. territories.

The NWRS is currently managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), a bureau within the Department of the Interior.  Due to it’s organization, the FWS is forced to divide its leadership as well as funding across a diverse array of programs and functions.  The many functions of the FWS act as a barrier to public recognition, adequate funding, strong leadership and effective management of wildlife refuges.

The National Audubon Society has taken a position that the NWRS should be made a separate bureau with the Department of the Interior in order to bring focus and leadership, and to make the Refuge System better able to reach its full potential.  More information is available at the NAS web site   http://www.audubon.org/  under the title 'Discover America's Hidden Lands'.  The Apalachee Chapter supports the national initiative, and we urge members and friends of the environment to let your congressmen know of your support.

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Sept. 9 (Saturday) - 8 AM - Noon: Lake Munson Shoreline Cleanup

Rubbish, trash, abandoned white goods … These are ruining the beauty of Lake Munson, a Tallahassee jewel.  In just one morning you can help us restore the shoreline and surrounding woods of Lake Munson to its pristine state for fishing, boating, and just plain enjoyment!  You only need to bring sturdy shoes and your enthusiasm for a job well done.  We will supply dumpsters, hauling equipment, collection bags, gloves, cold drinks and other refreshments.

Please register at the Crawfordville Highway Publix where cleanup supplies will be provided and you will be shuttled to the work areas.  And the first 200 participants will be given T-shirts!  For more information on this project or others please call Keep Tallahassee – Leon County Beautiful at 850/681-8589.

Sept. 16 (Saturday) - 9 AM – 2 PM: Coastal Cleanup and Awareness Day at St. Marks

Help clean up St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge coastline and marshes and learn more about our local marine life.  Saturday-at-the Sea (FSU Marine Lab) will be bringing their touch tanks.  Free T-shirts and lunch will be given to the first 200 participants. Participating groups should notify the Refuge by calling 925-6121 or sending an email to Robin Wills at robin_will@fws.gov.  Individuals and families can just show up!  All Audubon members, families, and friends are welcome.  Let’s have a good turnout from Apalachee Audubon to help our refuge!  Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
 
 

Sept. 30 (Saturday) – 10 AM – 2 PM: Monarch Butterfly Tagging Training at St. Marks

This training prepares you to help with the tagging of Monarch Butterflies that takes place at the in the fall and early winter on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Oct. 7 (Saturday) – 10 AM – 3 PM: FSU High Magnetic Field Lab annual Open House

Join the St. Marks Refuge at the Florida State University High Magnetic Field  Laboratory’s annual open house!  Free!  Lots of hands-on science exhibits, shows, tours, etc.  The Lab is at 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive in Tallahassee (by the Seminole Golf Course).  Call Pat Dixon at 644-4707 for information.

Oct. 21 (Saturday) - All day: Monarch Butterfly Festival, St. Marks

The keynote speaker for the Festival is Richard RuBino who has organized tagging research projects at the refuge and other Gulf coast areas as well as developing local Monarch Gardens.  This event will include tours, tagging demonstrations, and lots of free information.  Cool butterfly T-shirts and other gifts will be available.  Please register for the talks and tours at 925-6121.

Nov. 19 (Sunday) – 9 AM or 1 PM: First Fall Bird Tours, St. Marks Refuge pools

Join birder/biologist Don Morrow for guided tours to view arriving migratory birds.  Call the refuge at 925-6121 to reserve a space on the 9 AM or 1 PM tour.  Tours will depart from the St. Marks Visitor’s Center.

Dec. 9 (Saturday) – 9 AM or 1 PM: Second Fall Bird Tour, St. Marks Refuge pools

Join birder Jim Cox for guided tours to view arriving migratory birds.  Call the refuge at 925-6121 to reserve a space on the 9 AM or 1 PM tour.  Tours will depart from the St. Marks Visitor’s Center.

Jan. 13 (Saturday) – 9 AM or 1 PM: Winter Bird Tours, St. Marks Refuge pools

Join birder/biologist Don Morrow for guided tours to view migratory birds.  Call the refuge at 925-6121 to reserve a space on the 9 AM or 1 PM tour.  Tours will depart from the St. Marks Visitor’s Center.
 

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    Just days before voters set the political direction for the nation and state, Audubon’s Florida members, leaders and staff will convene to set conservation priorities November 3-5 in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.
Along with exciting field trips, valuable workshops, inspiring plenary programs and good food, the Assembly will debate and rank regional and statewide environmental goals.
   Details will be in your next Florida Naturalist magazine from Audubon of Florida, or call our hotline now with questions.

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Agenda: Top Floor of the State Capitol Friday, September 29, 7-9 p.m.  Includes Brief Presentation on Use of On-line Radars to Monitor Migration. Banquet: Dr.  Jerome A. Jackson Whitaker Eminent Scholar, Florida Gulf Coast University, will speak on Endangered Birds -- Endangered Forests:  Perspectives on Red-cockaded and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. DoubletreeTree Hotel, Saturday, September 30, 7-9 p.m. $20 members/$25 non-members.
   There are also a number of seminars and field trips throughout the weekend.

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