Hillsborough County Chapter- FMNP Blog

ECKERD'S ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL

2012-02-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

2012 VISIONS OF NATURE/VOICES OF NATURE
February 17 - 25, 2012
FREE and open to the public
Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium
Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South
St. Petersburg FL
All programs begin at 7 p.m. (except Sunday, February 19, which begins at 2 p.m.)
For fourteen years, the Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival at Eckerd College has brought compelling and important films to the Tampa Bay area and the Eckerd College community in order to raise awareness and promote discussion of questions relating to nature, place and the environment. Film scholars and filmmakers from around the world engage the audience in lively discussions of the environmental perspectives contained in documentary, animated, experimental and feature films.
Complete details about each film can be found on the Festival homepage, http://www.eckerd.edu/eff/12/ . For more information, contact events@eckerd.edu or 727.864.7979
Friday, February 17, 7 pm Animal Endurance: The Turin Horse http://www.cinemaguild.com/theatrical/index.htm This year's festival opens with Bela Tarr's The Turin Horse, Hungary's contender for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar and 2011 Berlinale Jury Grand and Fipresci prizes. Topics addressed include crude oil, radical environmental groups, light pollution and urban agriculture in the back of a truck.This program is offered in collaboration with the International Cinema series. The film will be introduced by Dr. Nathan Andersen, Professor of Philosophy and Film Studies at Eckerd College, Program Director of International Cinema and Co-director of the "Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature" Environmental Film Festival.
Saturday, February 18, 7 pm The Politics of Oil: Crude http://www.crudethemovie.com/ Director/Producer/Executive Producer/Cinematographer Joe Berlinger (USA, 105m, 2009). Peter Maass, writer for "The New York Times Magazine" and author of the book "Crude World: The Violent Twilight of Oil," will introduce the film "The Politics of Oil: Crude." The film is about one of the largest and most controversial legal case on the planet, the $27 billion "Amazon Chernobyl" case, and examines a complicated situation from several angles while bringing a story of environmental peril and human suffering into focus.
Sunday, February 19, 2 pm Protecting Mother Earth http://www.nativenetworks.si.edu/nafvf/index.aspx Organized by the Film and Video Center, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Presented by Elizabeth Weatherford, NMAI-FVC Director. Featuring Mother Earth in Crisis, The Rights of Mother Earth/Los Derechos de la Pachamama, Elderly Words: Who's Threatening the Water? , Yukon Circles and Sisa Nambi.
Monday, February 20, 7 pm Debts to Nature and Society: Payback http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/payback/ Director, Jennifer Baichwal (USA, 86m, 2012). The film will be introduced by Dr. James Deutsch, a program curator at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, and an adjunct professor of American Studies at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Tuesday, February 21, 7 pm Environmental Activism after 9/11: If a Tree Falls http://www.ifatreefallsfilm.com/film.html Directors Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman (USA, 85m, 2011). The film will be introduced by Eckerd College Alumna Darden Rice. Darden Rice has over a decade of experience working for the public interest and progressive political campaigns. Most recently, she was the Florida Program Director for the Gulf Restoration Network and is currently the president of the St. Petersburg League of Women Voters.
Wednesday, February 22, 7 pm The Importance of the Night Sky: The City Dark http://www.thecitydark.com/#/A%20Search%20for%20Night%20on%20a%20Planet%20that%20Never%20Sleeps Director Ian Cheney (USA, 84m, 2011). The film will be introduced by writer, producer, director, and editor Ian Cheney.
Thursday, February 23, 7 pm Taking Urban Agriculture on the Road: Truck Farm http://www.truck-farm.com/ Director Ian Cheney (USA, 48m, 2011). The film will be introduced by Professor Kip Curtis and the Eckerd College organic gardeners.
Friday, February 24, 7 pm Ethnomusicology and Ecology in Africa: OKA! http://okamovie.com/ Director Lavinia Currier (USA and Central African Republic, 106m, 2011). The film will be introduced by Dr. Catherine J. Allen. Catherine Allen is a Professor of Anthropology at the The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Allen is a sociocultural anthropologist interested in expressive culture and performance.
Saturday, February 25, 7 pm Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic: Green Fire http://www.greenfiremovie.com/ Director Curt Meine, Narrated by Peter Coyote (USA, 2011). The film will be introduced by the Dr. Meine, a conservation biologist, historian, and writer, who has worked on biodiversity conservation planning, sustainable agriculture, international development, crane and wetland conservation, prairie restoration, and development of community-based conservation programs.

Volunteer for Trail Walks needed

2012-01-31T19:14:00.001-05:00

From Tom Hammond , Florida Trail Suncoast Chair:

Looking for an FMNP volunteer that would be willing to join us on hikes to help educate our members about the area in which we normal hike. Our chapter leads hikes from Citrus to Sarasota county.

Nature Workshop Series with Sensing Nature

2012-01-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Weedon Island and Brooker Creek Preserves
Sensing Nature will present a series of workshops exploring nature and wildlife at Weedon Island and Brooker Creek Preserve beginning in February. Attend one, two or all three of the series; advance registration is required. Admission is free!

Weedon Island Workshops
Birds of Weedon Island - Feb 18, Feb. 25, March 10
Weedon Island: Restoring Nature's Balance - March 17, March 31, April 7
Weedon Island: Sensing Wildlife - April 21, May 5, May 19

For more information or to register go to http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

Brooker Creek Preserve Workshops
Brooker Creek: Wild Florida - Feb. 18, Feb 25, March 3
Birds of Brooker Creek Preserve - March 17, March 31, April 7
Brooker Creek: Restoring Nature's Balance - April 21, May 5, May 19
Brooker Creek: Sensing Wildlife - July 28, Aug. 4, Aug. 11
Brooker Creek: Florida's Alien Wildlife - Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 1

For more information or to register, go to http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

Be a citizen scientist!

2012-01-05T07:32:00.001-05:00

Nature’s Notebook Workshop
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012
9 am - Noon

Hillsborough County Extension Office,
5339 South CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584

Your help is needed to gather information on plants and animals as part of ongoing research on the effects of climate change. Learn how to observe and record information in your own backyard or a nearby natural area, and submit your observations to an online database.

You’ll leave the workshop ready to join a national network of thousands of citizen‐scientists providing valuable observations about how plants and animals are responding to our changing climate. Learn more about Nature’s Notebook at http://www.usanpn.org/.

Workshop is free, but registration is required. View the flyer .

Contact Nanette at (727) 893‐2765 or nanette@tbep.org to register.

Fall Update 2011 Around the Bend

2011-11-20T07:56:00.000-05:00

Some items of interest from Around the Bend tours which has several people who lead tours that are FMNP grads:

- Alternative to Black Friday Hike Nov. 25, South Fork http://blackfriday2011.eventbrite.com/
- Duette Wagon Tour with guides Karen & Russell December 10 *dates on attached flyer are in addition to this tour.
- Gift Certificates available for holiday giving. http://www.AroundBend.com
- More info on Community Agriculture:
Join Geraldson Community Farm NW Bradenton http://www.geraldsoncommunityfarm.org/
Join Gamble Creek Farm Parrish http://www.gamblecreekfarm.org/farm/join/sharedescription.html
Join the Local Food Buying Club both http://www.fwcrcd.org/projects/buyingclub.html

Train to Become a Certified Interpretive Guide

2011-11-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

Training from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Fort Collins, CO. This national training program consists of 4 days of hands-on training is designed for educators of the public in the following settings or with the following roles:

· Parks and Nature Centers
· Museums and Education Centers
· Master Naturalists, Public Archaeologists and Youth Leaders
When: December 6-9, 2011 8 am to 5 pm daily.
Where: Guana, Tolomato, Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 - (904) 823-4500
To Register: Contact Florida Public Archaeology Network at Flagler College http://flpublicarchaeology.org/nerc/programs.php - (904) 819-6498

A registration form is also available at NAI’s website: http://www.interpnet.com/certification/cert_calendar.shtml

Trainer: Peter Colverson, MA, CIG and CIT. Normandeau Associates, Gainesville.

For Questions: Contact Amber Grafft-Weiss with FPAN: (904) 819-6498 or aweiss@flagler.edu

A Symposium for Environmental Professionals

2011-11-14T20:52:00.002-05:00

Management and Conservation of Diamondback Terrapins in Tampa Bay: A Symposium for Environmental Professionals

3 December 2011 (9:00 am-3:15 pm)

Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)

Environmental professionals, conservationists and educators are invited to join us to learn about the natural history and conservation needs of this imperiled coastal species. This symposium will focus on connecting ongoing research to coastal aquatic management efforts. Participants will better understand diamondback terrapin ecology and habitat requirements. The goal is to encourage sound management decisions that will benefit this species. Attendees will receive a set of newly developed educational material and sample bycatch reduction devices. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

George L. Heinrich
Heinrich Ecological Services
website: www.heinrichecologicalservices.com

Special Registration category announced!

2011-10-30T12:19:00.001-04:00

Special Price Break for ANEW!

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is having a fun and educational weekend event, Friday, Nov 11 through Sunday, Nov 13. In response to concerns of cost, there is now a special 'Current Economy' registration category. The cost is just $10 per person per day, still including one child under 12 free with paying adult. Registration for this option is available online at http://anew2011.eventbrite.com as an RSVP, with payment made upon arrival at event.

This reduced price does not include meals or session supplies but entitles the participant to access the day's sessions, displays and activities. Meals and/or session supplies can be purchased separately as needed. All meals are $5/person, and includes options for vegan/gluten-free diets.

The complete schedule for the weekend, Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, and original registration form are available on the blog:http://anaturaleducation.blogspot.com. Registration forms are also available at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center during regular hours of operation, Thursday- Saturday, 9am-2pm. The original Friday/Saturday all-inclusive price, includes meals, session supplies and a goody bag, for just $75 per person for both Friday and Saturday. Plus, one child under 12 is admitted free with each paying adult! Other price options are available on the registration form.

This event is part of a Be Out There!-NWF, Get Outdoors Florida!, "Let's GO"- C&N, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiative. Partners in this event include Hillsborough County Community College 's South Shore Campus, West- Central League of Environmental Educators in Florida , Firehouse Cultural Center , and Hillsborough County Parks , Recreation and Conservation Services. Sponsors include Cargill and Publix. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. Contact Dolly at 813-363-5438 or campbayou@gmail.com for more information.

Camp Bayou is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pmfor passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.

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Online Workshop- Oceans

2011-10-26T07:21:00.000-04:00

COSEE-West Online Workshop Team

COSEE-West Presents: Free 3-week online workshop
...Considering 95% of the ocean is UNSEEN by human eyes...
...This workshop helps shed some light on WATCHING THE OCEANS,
to expand our horizons and increase our knowledge about them.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean Observing Systems: From Your Eyes to Satellites
Oct. 31-Nov. 18, 2011
http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2011

Presentations include:
---"Coastal Ocean Observing Systems - An Eye on the Ocean"
by Dr. Burt Jones

---"Tracing Invisible Patterns: Water Quality and Harmful Algal Blooms"
by Dr. Rebecca Shipe and Dr. Anita Leinweber

---"How satellites have revolutionized our understanding of the Earth: From Benjamin Franklin to Aquarius"
by Dr. Jorge Vazquez

---Also, there will be 2 special live interactive sessions!
More details: http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2011

The professional development event is designed especially for educators, with resources for classroom teachers and informal educators. This online workshop is FREE and available 24-7. Log on anytime to see the lectures, investigate the resources, ask questions, and try out activities. Each week we will post a new presentation and resources, and you can join discussions throughout the workshop.

More information, registration, and log-in page:
http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2011
----------------------------------------------------
COSEE-West Online Workshop Team

Tide Watchers, Grab Your Cameras!

2011-10-04T15:20:00.001-04:00

From Tampa Bay Estuary Program:

Tide Watchers, Grab Your Cameras!

The Tampa Bay Estuary Program invites you to participate in a photo-documentary project to capture images of flooding during the upcoming "king tides" as a way to call attention to the potential impacts of rising seas on our shorelines and communities.
During the last week of October, Tampa Bay is anticipating high, or "King," tides of more than two feet. King tides occur when the moon and sun align on one side of the Earth and their gravitational forces combine to create extraordinarily high tides. While these tides are completely natural occurrences, they provide us with a sneak peak of what our landscape will have to contend with in the coming years as the sea level continues to rise.
Water levels in the bay have risen an average of one inch per decade since the 1950s, and scientists expect that rate to accelerate in the future. We are asking you to help us envision a future with higher water levels by taking photos of our coastline, flooded roads, full pipes and ponds and anything else you can find that will be affected by the rising waters this October.
We are being joined in this unique citizen monitoring effort by our sister NEPs in Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
E-mail your photos to fltidewatch@yahoo.com

ANEW Keynote speaker announced

2011-09-18T07:52:00.002-04:00

Camp Bayou is proud to announce the Keynote Speaker for 'A Natural Education Weekend’ will be Rob Heath.

Rob is now Senior Ecologist at Wildlands Conservation, a land management consulting company for public and private owners of conservation lands. His duties include management plan development and implementation, prescribed fire, habitat restoration, listed species preservation and invasive species control.

Early in his career, at Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation (HCPRC), Rob created and conducted the award-winning 'Fun With Nature' program which ran during each summer for five years in the mid 1980's, and consisted of six one week long sessions for kids aged 8-12. The participants were introduced to various outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, camping, and Florida wildlife. The emphasis was on teaching ways to enjoy our natural environment in a responsible manner.

Before retiring from HCPRC, he was the Environmental Supervisor from 1982- 2002, with duties that included land management in the ELAP (Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection) Program. Rob was the head of the ELAP Site Assessment Team, which was responsible for evaluating the new site nominations each year, and preparing the preliminary and full site assessment reports used by other committees to qualify and rank the sites. One of these parcels became known as the Camp Bayou Preserve.

He is a graduate of Amherst College (B.A. in Biology) and Tulane University (M.S. in Environmental Biology). He is an active member of the Tampa Bay Conservancy and Tampa Audubon Society.

Rob Heath will be talking about "Getting off the Beaten Path" on Saturday, November 12 at 6 pm. The keynote presentation is included in Saturday registration. The complete schedule for the weekend, Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, and registration form are available on the blog: http://anaturaleducation.blogspot.com. Registration forms are also available at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center during regular hours of operation, Thursday- Saturday, 9am-2pm.

This event is part of a Be Out There!-NWF, Get Outdoors Florida!, "Let's GO"- C&N, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiative. Partners in this event include Hillsborough County Community College'sSouth Shore Campus, West- Central League of Environmental Educators in Florida, Firehouse Cultural Center, and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Services. Sponsors include Cargill and Publix. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. Contact Dolly at 813-363-5438 or campbayou@gmail.com for more information.

Camp Bayou is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.

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Pictured: Rob is also an associate instructor at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center for the Florida Master Natural Program (FMNP). Pictured here on a field trip outing to Golden Aster Scrub Preserve.

Job Op- FNPS

2011-09-01T10:26:00.000-04:00

From: Jan Allyn jallyn@tampabay.rr.com

Subject: FNPS Seeks Executive Director, DEADLINE 10/5

Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS)

The purpose of the Florida Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida.

http://www.fnps.org/

The Society is seeking an innovative dynamic individual, self motivated with strong leadership skills to fill the position of Executive Director (ED). The responsibilities of this position include: furthering the Society’s mission, goals and objectives; fundraising; and organizing and coordinating the FNPS annual conference.
FOR MORE DETAILS & COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION, please visit: http://www.fnps.org/pages/fnps/page_announcement.php?id=3644 (also below)
Applications will be accepted via email to: Jackie Rolly, Vice President Administration vpadmin@fnps.org .
Applicants must submit resume and cover letter of no more than 7 total pages no later than October 5, 2011.
Position starts January 2012, with possible December overlap.

Two ways to support NCLI in August

2011-08-29T07:37:00.001-04:00

From NCLI Coalition:

TWO THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE RIGHT NOW

Write to your Members of Congress. If you have not done so already, please take time to thank those who have already agreed to co-sponsor the No Child Left Inside Act and urge those who have not yet signed on to do so now! You can draft your own letter or personalize the template letters thanking current co-sponsors and encouraging new ones found here.

Connect with Congress during the August Congressional Recess. Members of Congress often use the month of August to visit with their constituents, learn more about issues close to home, and participate in public events while Congress is out of session. Please help us build support for environmental education and No Child Left Inside during this opportune time by doing one or both of the following:

· Schedule an in-person meeting with your Senator or Representative or their staff to talk about the NCLI Act and its value to you as a constituent. Bring examples of quality EE programs with you to share, as well as this NCLI fact sheet, to leave behind.

· Invite your Senator or Representative or their staff to visit a program or attend an event that highlights successful environmental education in your community.

Please help us build support for No Child Left Inside by contacting members of Congress between now and Labor Day! We can't do it without you!

Thank you for all you do!

Camp Bayou Back to School event

2011-08-07T08:31:00.002-04:00

The 4th annual 'Back to School- Back to Nature' event, held last Saturday, August 6, was great fun for all ages, plus provided participants with a few school supply items to help with this year's back to school needs. Approximately 80 school age children and their families came out for a wonderful morning of games, face painting, fossils, ant lions and more! The Teacher Resource table offered information for teachers such as regional info through the League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF) and free items for teachers to use in their classrooms this year. The membership table provided a glimpse of future events including our 'A Natural Education Weekend" to be held Friday- Sunday, November 11-13.

A big "Thank You" goes to our sponsors, participating organizations and volunteers, without whom, this event would not be possible. In addition to our regulars, including:

Hillsborough County Solid Waste Recycling Program

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful

Florida Division of Forestry

Florida Master Naturalists

Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum

and dedicated Camp Bayou volunteers and members;

We were joined this year by

Hillsborough County's Adopt-a-Pond Program

West Central Girl Scouts with local troop from Bayou Pass in Ruskin

Wandering Whimsy/Conserve it Forward

and Face Painters from a south county church group.

We also had several families volunteer from the Brandon Homeschool Fellowship who helped with various event tasks such as registration, parking and grilling hot dogs plus they donated many of the school supply items that were distributed.

A Special Thank You goes to the Glazer Family Foundation, Inc. for providing Buc-Packs from their Back to School Program which were given out as raffle prizes.

This event is a Summer Learning Day, Be Out There!, Get Outdoors Florida!, "Let's GO"- Children and Nature, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiative.

Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still FREE.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.

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Pictured: Jonathan wins the first Bucs backpack of the day.

Gopher Tortoise Survey Training

2011-08-04T16:58:00.000-04:00

George Heinrich will be offering a volunteer gopher tortoise training program at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve on Saturday, August 27,2011. Click here for a flyer which provides all of the pertinent information.

4th Annual Back to School- Back to Nature

2011-07-31T12:53:00.001-04:00

The event will be held:

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, Ruskin

Saturday, August 6

9am- noon.

Admission FREE but online registration requested by 8/4 at www.campbayou.org . If you do not have internet access, you can register by phone at 813-641-8545. Please leave your name, number of children attending and their grade levels on the voice mail service. Please park on 24th St SE near entrance to Camp Bayou. No early entry.

Registered families will visit several nature stations where they will learn something about frogs, fossils, forests or one of several nature topics. Before leaving each station, the children will be given a free school supply item! For a possible extra bonus, children will be given a raffle ticket when they sign in at the registration table. A ticket will be drawn every 30 minutes for other items, including backpacks, journals, lunch bags, and more.

Organizations that will be participating in this year's event include:

Hillsborough County Solid Waste Recycling Program

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful

Florida Division of Forestry

Hillsborough County Adopt-a-Pond

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida

Brandon Homeschool Fellowship

Facepainters

Florida Master Naturalists

League of Environmental Educators in Florida

Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum

The Camp Bayou Nature Center will be selling a hot dog and drink combo for $3 as a fundraiser during the event.

This event is a "Summer Learning Day", "Be Out There!- NWF", "Get Outdoors Florida", "Let's GO"- Children and Nature, "Let's Move Outdoors" and "No Child Left Inside" inspired initiative.

This year we will hold a Teacher Materials Exchange- an area for educators to leave materials they no longer need or pick up something new. Current items available for the Teacher's Materials Exchange include a fish tank with some accessories, posters, colorful nature magazines, water quality test kits and more! Teachers can also learn about field trips to the Nature Center or Fossil Museum, SWFWMD's SPLASH! grants, upcoming teacher professional workshops, League of Environmental Educators in Florida information and Florida Master Naturalist Program updates.

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Pictured: Cliff from Hillsborough County Solid Waste and Pat from Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful (now Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful) at last year's event with litter game.

Dolly Cummings
Homepage: www.campbayou.org
Blog: campbayou.blogspot.com
Follow: twitter.com/campbayou
Cause-shopping: www.igive.com/campbayou
Member: League of Environmental Educators in Florida- http://leef-florida.org/

At such times the lonely woods became a sanctuary and a cathedral, a place of spiritual resurgence. ~ 'Miss Emma' in A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith.

Wild Mushroom Workshop

2011-07-26T06:56:00.000-04:00

This workshop isn't close by but I know some folks were interested in identifying wild mushrooms...

From Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=224087947635183
This will be a full day of learning the bounty of our Florida edible and medicinal mushrooms. Oliver Moore (long time funguy of Abundant Edible Landscapes and I (Mycol) will download and fill your heads with as much info you can absorb and turn you into the fungiphylles that we are! The workshop will start with mycology 101 and how to key out and identify mushrooms. We will then go on a mushroom “hunt” in the afternoon and cook up any scores. A mushroom slide show will be presented in the evening if time allows. We will also discuss medicinal mushrooms and growing techniques.

Bring camera, notebook, field guides, bug spray, grub etc.

Cost: 75$ (or equivalent barter)
Date: Aug 13th, 9am to evening

Note: will be limited to 25 students.

Directions: mapquest the address, you'll see some signage when you are near in north Alachua COunty.

This is a rain or shine event as we have a large porch to sit under in case of rain.

Please register by saying yes to the event invite on Facebook.

This is the second annual shroom teaching on the Finca as last years was a very fruitful endeavor.

Become a Land Ethic Leader!

2011-07-15T07:39:00.000-04:00

On an FMNP field trip in 2011, Richard Sullivan describes the restoration work at Cockroach Bay.

From the NAAEE e-newsletter:

Become a Land Ethic Leader!

The two-day training brings together citizens from across the United States to learn how to lead others in discussing individual and collective values and the critical environmental issues of our time. The training focuses on facilitating group discussions and the value of these discussion in helping people better understand and articulate their values. Participants will learn how they can pair discussion with outdoor observation exercises and work projects to engage their communities in new ways. They will also receive a public screening kit for the documentary film, Green Fire, and learn how they can use the film in their communities to reach out to new audiences. Register today for one of three summer sessions:

· Wed-Thurs, July 27-28: The Bosque School, Albuquerque, NM
· Thurs-Fri, August 25-26: Leopold Center, Baraboo, WI

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Aldo Leopold Foundation is proud to announce that 12 scholarships are available for students aged 16-21 to attend one of the sessions at the Leopold Center in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The deadline for the first session has passed (May 27th).
Apply by August 1st for session 2 (Aug. 25-26); awards announced Aug. 5, 2011

www.aldoleopold.org/programs/lel.shtml

For more on NAAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education), visit http://www.naaee.net/

World Listening Day

2011-07-05T15:16:00.000-04:00

A Message from John Owens, Florida Master Naturalist

Greetings Fellow Florida Master Naturalists

You may be aware that Monday, July 18, 2011 has been designated as the second annual World Listening Day. World Listening day is proposed to be an annual global event of the World Listening Project. The Project’s goals are to increase awareness of sound, the importance of sound and the interaction of sounds within an environment.

I have been asked, and have volunteered to create an activity which will support these goals and to involve local folks in the activity. I am particularly interested in natural sounds and bioacoustics. As a Florida Master Naturalist I am aware of a great group of folks who are interested many aspects of natural environments. I thought that Florida Master Naturalists may be interested in participating in the activity.

Would any Florida Master Naturalists be interested in participating in the second “World Listening Day” which will be held on Monday, July 18, 2011 ?

The proposed activity:
Each participant will be asked to listen to the soundscape at a location of their choosing, at dawn and dusk on Monday, July 18, 2011.
Each participant will be asked to listen for at least 15 minutes at Dawn and Dusk and to answer a few questions about what you hear. Some participants may be interested in making audio recordings of their “listening times” to share. These recordings are not necessary but are encouraged. If you choose to participate, you will be provided (via e-mail) with a brief introduction and the list of questions. You will be asked to e-mail your responses after the activity.

In order to summarize and analyze the responses, you will be asked to forward your responses, as soon as you are able, after completion of the listening activity. A listing of the answers will be compiled, summarized and the results will be reported to the participants. Hopefully this activity will lead to increased awareness of sounds and open further discussions.

The location could be your back yard, a park, the beach, wherever you choose to be. You will only asked to provide a general identity for the location (Park, residential, beach, City, etc for example) (Not specific addresses). You may chose whether the information that you collect may be shared with fellow participants and/or with the World Listening Project coordinators

If you are interested in participating please contact me at jbkuma (at)bellsouth.net .

Participant information that is requested:
- Your e-mail address,
- Location where you will be listening (you can always change the location as long as I know where you listen),
- Date and Times of Listening (Start- Stop), and
- Weather conditions at the location while listening.
I hope to hear from you soon. Meanwhile, Happy Listening
John Owens
Florida Master Naturalist
Listener, Observer, Interpreter

Phenology Monitoring Workshop

2011-07-04T18:38:00.000-04:00

Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists is Sponsoring a

Phenology Monitoring Workshop

For UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program Graduates

& Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists Members

July 30, 2011 – Saturday

9 a.m. to 12 noon

Hosted at the Honeymoon Island Nature Center

1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin FL 34698

( Mid-Pinellas County on the Gulf of Mexico )

Space is Limited. RVSPs Required – See Below

This interesting, environmentally related observation workshop will be taught by George Kish of the U.S. Geological Survey, Tampa . He will instruct us on the important study of animal and plant life cycles (phenology) and how these are being affected over the years by recurring climatological events.

Through the UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program, we know that nature relies on food webs that are intricately connected. Mr. Kish will teach us to use phenology as a tool for documenting if nature’s cycles are still in harmony…or are they transitioning out of synch due to climate changes? If they are changing at different paces, what could this do to the insects that depend on the plants flowering at a certain time in the spring, summer or fall? What happens to the flowers that may not have the right insects around to pollinate them? From plankton food webs to terrestrial food webs, we are all interconnected and FMNP grads like you could assist researchers learn more about these climate-related transitions.

Bring your laptop. Since phenology is an active citizen science program being utilized, Mr. Kish will also introduce us to the USA National and Florida Phenology Network. You can help make a difference in their database as Florida is currently one of the few active geographic affiliates.

Free 3-hour workshop; only fee is entrance into the state park.
Bring your laptop. If you don’t have a laptop to bring – that is fine. Be ready to take notes so that you can use this information on your computer at home.

George Kish is a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Tampa, Florida and a project manager for the USA National Phenology Network working to establish long-term phenology research partners and study sites in the Southeast. He organizes local and regional workshops to teach students, citizen scientists, and ecologists how to observe and record phenological events in the Southeast.

Mr. Kish is a PhD student at the University of South Florida in the Department of Geography. He earned a B.S. in Biology from Drexel University and his M.S. degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University . His research interests include ecological responses to climate change and urbanization.

RSVP to FMNP Instructor Jeanne Murphy

at 727-327-1345, or jmurphy@sensingnature.com.

(If you email, please put “Phenology Workshop” in the Subject line.)

Space is Limited

Job posting at Tampa Bay Watch

2011-05-23T12:22:00.000-04:00

Job Opening: Environmental Specialist
Starting date: June 2011
Qualifications: BS degree minimum - marine/environmental science preferred.
Familiar with Florida coastal ecosystems, boat handling experience necessary and the ability to work with student and adult volunteers to restore Tampa Bay.
Salary: Based upon experience. Health insurance and retirement savings programs available.
Responsibilities:
Primarily responsible for implementing and assisting with habitat restoration and protection projects in and around Tampa Bay. Activities include salt marsh restoration, seagrass transplanting, oyster reef construction, colonial bird island protection and others tasks as assigned. Position requires an enthusiastic, highly motivated, hard working individual who can coordinate a diverse group of kids and adults to undertake habitat restoration projects. Requires construction and maintenance activities at times in the great Florida outdoors. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit our website to find out more about our program activities at www.tampabaywatch.org
Contact: Please no phone calls. Send resume and supporting materials ASAP to resumes@tampabaywatch.org or:
Serra Herndon, Habitat Restoration Director
Tampa Bay Watch, Inc.
3000 Pinellas Bayway South
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
About Tampa Bay Watch, Inc.
Tampa BayWatch is a non-profit environmental stewardship program devoted exclusively to the charitable and scientific purpose of restoring and protecting the marine and wetland environment of the Tampa Bay estuary. Our program utilizes trained professional staff to monitor and protect the bay, and to serve as a coordinating conduit for public restoration and protection activities. Tampa BayWatch provides an avenue for community groups, civic organizations, high school students and other interested individuals to participate in monitoring and restoration activities, including: salt marsh plantings, shorebird nest site protection, storm drain marking programs, wildlife rescue team, and bay resource monitoring activities.

Anole blog

2011-04-26T19:04:00.000-04:00

This anole was sunning himself on the gazebo in the butterfly habitat at Camp Bayou.

Just found a blog that appears to be everything you ever wanted to know about anoles. Check it out: http://anoleannals.wordpress.com/

Coastal Areas Climate Change Education

2011-03-29T14:51:00.000-04:00

The Florida Aquarium is a partner with the University of South Florida's NSF funded Coastal Areas Climate Change Education Partnership. As part of the grant we will be hosting a series of Informal Science Educator meetings about Climate Change Education. We invite you to join us on April 15, 2011 from 10 AM to 4PM at The Florida Aquarium. The meeting will: build a statewide climate change education network of informal science institutions (ISIs), identify what institutions are doing to educate on the topic of climate change, and identify examples of best practices in climate change education.

If you are just now learning of this meeting, please use the link below to RSVP and complete a brief survey for the Coastal Areas Climate Change Education Partnership ISI Meeting on April 15, 2011. If you cannot attend, please consider filling out the general survey questions to help us understand what ISI's are currently doing to educate about climate change.

Here is a link to the RSVP/Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DBJ9CLJ

HERPETOLOGY HOURLY FIELD RESEARCHERS

2011-03-10T12:18:00.002-05:00

Received from CNAH from USFWS 9 March 2011

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in association with the
Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

is seeking applicants for

HERPETOLOGY HOURLY FIELD RESEARCHERS

Position Title: Herpetology Research Technician

The University of Florida is seeking two temporary hourly field researchers to assist with field surveys of Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations in at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in the Big Bend of Florida. The position is an 8-week appointment beginning approximately 1 June 2011 and extending to 31 July 2011.

Location: St. Marks, Florida

Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge supports an array of habitats, ranging from saltwater marshes to upland pine forests. Located in Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor Counties, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge lies in the Eastern portion of the Florida panhandle, approximately 25 miles south of Tallahassee. The refuge covers approximately 70,000 acres. Pine-dominated uplands occupy about 28 percent of the total refuge area, and are represented by four natural community types: mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, wet flatwoods, and sandhill. Gopher tortoises primarily exist within approximately 5,500 acres of sandhill habitats while and an additional 7,000 acres of other upland pine types provides secondary habitat.

Duties: The successful candidates will be responsible for the following: 1. Collect Field Data (75%) - Conduct line transect distance sampling through potentially rough terrain, locating and scoping Gopher Tortoise burrows utilizing a Trimble Nomad handheld computer, ArcPad 7.1.1 software, and a burrow camera. 2. Data Entry (15%) - In ArcGIS and ArcPad. 3. Other Duties Assigned (10%) - assistance with other surveys and assessment of tortoise habitat outside of the line transect distance sampling frame. The position will require extensive walking through difficult terrain in hot and buggy conditions. Inclement weather, poisonous plants, stinging insects and poisonous snakes are inherent dangers in this work environment. A field vehicle will be provided and travel expenses related to official work will be covered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Qualifications: Qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university (or current enrollment as a student in good standing in a program leading to a B.S. in wildlife, ecology, conservation, forestry, or natural resource management) with coursework in herpetology, ecology, and conservation biology. Previous experience with GPS technology is preferred. Relevant work experience and/or coursework with southeastern herpetofauna are desirable. The successful applicant must be in good physical condition and willing to work in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Benefits: $12.00 per hour with on-site dormitory style housing provided. No benefits package is available. Available refuge-maintained housing is located ½ mile from the Wakulla River, a spring-fed coastal river which bisects the refuge.

To apply, send a resume including contact information of at least three references, and a letter of application detailing your interest and qualifications by email to:

ngosi@ufl.edu

(Subject line) Herpetology Hourly Field Researcher, and cc to

Michael_Keys@fws.gov

Information may also be mailed to:

Dr. Raymond Carthy
Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
University of Florida
P.O. Box 110485
Gainesville, Florida 32611-0485
Fax: (352) 846-0841

For specific questions related to this position please contact Dr. Carthy, Assistant Unit Leader, at

ngosi@ufl.edu

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 18 MARCH 2011: Review will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month at our State Parks

2011-03-04T07:04:00.000-05:00

There are several great sounding events throughout the state. Check it out:
STONE AGE AND PRIMITIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy, FL

Friday-Sunday, March 18-20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This festival will introduce visitors to primitive arts demonstrations in flint knapping, projectile point fashioning, deer hide tanning and bone, wood and antler carving. $4 per vehicle, up to eight people.

MOON OVER THE MOUNDS

Crystal River Archaeological State Park in Crystal River, FL

Friday, March 18, 8:00 p.m.

The prehistoric mounds at this state park are thousands of years old. Underneath the moonlit sky, join an experienced guide to learn more. Friday tours cancelled by weather will be held on the following Saturday; same time. Donations accepted.

ARCHAEOLOGY DAYS

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe, FL

Friday, March 18, 6:00 p.m.

and

Constitution Convention Museum State Park, Port St. Joe, FL

Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn about the history of Port St. Joe. Archaeologist Della Scott-Ireton of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, University of West Florida, will lecture on Archaeology of Northwest Florida at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park visitor's center on Friday, March 18. Bring your own lawn chair. On Saturday, March 19, Della and fellow archaeologists from the University will set up displays at Constitution Convention Museum State Park. You are invited to ask questions about the archaeological history of the area and may bring items of antiquities for identification. FREE for participants.

TIMUCAU! PROGRAM

Faver-Dykes State Park, St. Augustine, FL

Saturday, March 19, 2 to 4 p.m.

Join us for a hands-on Native American experience and discover the life ways of the Timucuan Indians and their relationship to the land that they loved. Explore with an expert guide and enjoy stories about the Timucuans and the important role the river, forest and ocean played in their everyday lives. See a 1500s Timucuan Camp and experience the food, clothing and shelter of these amazing people. Try your hand at throwing an atlatl or starting a fire using a bow and drill. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people.

KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL

Silver River State Park, Ocala, FL

Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This weekend event will feature flint knappers from across the Southeast making stone tools like the Native Americans did thousands of years ago. Visitors can watch as stone tools are created from various flints. Other artists and crafters will demonstrate how bows and arrows are made, hide tanning, pottery manufacture and firing, how to make shell tools, fire making and more. Vendors will sell replica stone tools and other creations. Archery and atlatl dart-throwing demonstrations will take place both days. Admission is $5 per person; children under six and active U.S. military personnel are free.

ARCHEOLOGY OF THE TALBOT ISLANDS

Ribault Club, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Jacksonville, FL

Saturday, March 26, 2 p.m.

Explore the park’s natural environment and discover the importance of the wildlife and vegetation that is part of north Florida’s barrier islands. The Talbot Islands have a rich cultural history that dates back more than 5,000 years. Join a park ranger for a look into these past cultures and the artifacts they left behind. FREE.

Be a Sustainable Floridian Master Volunteer!

2011-03-02T12:14:00.000-05:00

Be a Sustainable Floridian Master Volunteer!

April 7 - May 26, 2011

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

Pinellas County Extension is launching a new University of Florida-led program to help develop green and sustainable practices. This intensive training program will develop knowledgeable and motivated volunteers ready to support sustainable education programs at Extension.

Volunteers will share the latest, research-based green living information with the community through school programs, events, and fun outreach activities. After working with UF Extension Agents, participants earn a certificate and become Master Volunteers!

The seven-week course combines group discussions, weekly action exercises and resource materials for an interactive and informative program. Participants will be provided with course materials, books, energy conservation devices for the home, and other products that relate to sustainable living.

Each week participants will meet for a half-day session to learn about topics such as energy conservation, local foods, land use issues, water conservation, ecological footprint, and community leadership. The program is provided at no cost with a limit of 12 participants per program.

For more information, contact Pinellas County Extension at (727) 582-2100 or go to www.pinellascountyextension.org

DISCOVER DUETTE

2011-03-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

ACTIVE EXPLORATION AT DUETTE PRESERVE
Duette Preserve Naturalist Class
Melissa Cain Nell

Discover Duette Preserve's habitat, wildlife, and plants.

HEADWATERS OF TAMPA BAY, SARASOTA BAY AND
CHARLOTTE HARBOR ESTUARIES
HEALTHY UPLANDS = HEALTHY WATER

WAGON TOUR SCHEDULE – 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 NOON
Friday, January 21, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Friday November, 11, 2011
· Guided by Preserve Rangers and Naturalists.
· Featuring natural/restored habitats and cultural history.
· Bring a cushion and your lunch. Water will be provided.
· This event is provided at no charge. Note: Bathroom facilities are limited.
· Reservations required. Call 792-8314
Hosted by the Manatee-Sarasota Fish and Game Association, Inc. in partnership with Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department. Grant sponsorship from Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.

For more on Manatee County programs, visit their website.

Environmental Film Festival, St. Pete

2011-02-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

Subject: Eckerd College's "Visions of Nature, Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival" Feb 18 - 26

FREE and open to the public

"Visions of Nature, Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival"

Feb 18 - 26

http://www.eckerd.edu/news/index.php?f=detail&id=3057

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Screenings will be held in The Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium and are free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. Complete details about each film can be found on the Festival homepage: www.eckerd.edu/eff. For more information, call 727.864.7979 or email events@eckerd.edu.

"Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" Friday, February 18, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=boonmee

"Obselidia" Saturday, February 19, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=obselidia

"Cool It" Sunday, February 20, 2 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=cool

"Split Estate" Monday, February 21, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=estate

"Greenhorns" Tuesday, February 22, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=greenhorns

"Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" Wednesday, February 23, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=beetle

"Bag It!" Thursday, February 24, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=bagit

Directed by Suzan Beraza (English, 76m, 2010). Introduced by "Average Guy" Jeb Berrier from Telluride, Colorado.

"Nostalgia for the Light" Friday, February 25, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=nostalgia

"Legend of the Pale Male" Saturday, February 26, 7 p.m. http://eckerd.edu/eff/index.php?f=pale

For thirteen years, the Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival has brought compelling and important films to the Tampa Bay area and the Eckerd College community in order to raise awareness and promote discussion of questions relating to nature, place, and the environment. Film scholars and filmmakers from around the world engage the audience in lively discussions of the environmental perspectives contained in documentary, animated, experimental and feature films. The Visions of Nature, Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival is one of several efforts demonstrating Eckerd's commitment to educate students about the environment and ecologically thoughtful practices. Learn more: www.eckerd.edu/green.

The Environmental Film Festival is organized by Nathan Andersen, Associate Professor of Philosophy, and Catherine Griggs, Associate Professor of American Studies.

World Beneath the Waves Workshops- Manatee Cty

2011-02-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

Would you like to learn more about the watery world around you? Do you enjoy paddling? Now’s your chance! Greenways and Trails Coordinator and Marine Biologist Suwanna will be teaching a three-part class on the identification of marine organisms, their habitats, and how they are interconnected with our own. Participants will sample from shore, then kayak to another area of the preserve and compare the sample gathered there.

Reservations are required, and each four-hour class session will be open to ages 16 and up. Teachers are particularly encouraged to attend as they will be eligible to receive their Florida Marine Science Educator Association collecting permit free of charge. Visit the website for more information.

New non-native reptile in Fl

2011-02-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

CNAH ANNOUNCEMENT
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
9 February 2011

OUSTALET’S CHAMELEON, FURCIFER OUSTALETI (MOCQUARD 1894) (CHAMAELEONIDAE), A NON-INDIGENOUS SPECIES NEWLY ESTABLISHED IN FLORIDA

IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians 17(4): 248-249

by Christopher R. Gillette, Kenneth L . Krysko, Joseph A. Wasilewski, Guy N . Kieckhefer III, E dward F. Metzger III, Michael R. Rochford, Daniel Cueva, and Dustin C. Smith

Summary: Oustalet’s Chameleon is the 67th alien species confirmed as introduced, breeding, and established in the United States and Canada.

*****

A pdf of this article is available from the CNAH PDF Library at

http://www.cnah.org/cnah_pdf.asp

Images of this lizard by Michael Rochford can be viewed at

http://www.cnah.org/ex_nameslist.asp

PLT GreenSchools! Workshop

2011-02-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

PLT GreenSchools! Workshop
Friday, March 25 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center in Starke, FL

Please join us to receive hands-on training for Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools!, a new national program designed to engage students in investigating and improving environmental conditions at their school.
Workshop participants will
· Learn how to become a nationally certified PLT GreenSchool!
· Learn how to fund student-led action projects and grant writing tips
· Meet other educators interested in environmental education
· Take home exciting door prizes!

This workshop is being held at the 2011 Annual LEEF Conference. To register for the workshop, complete the Conference Registration Form. The workshop cost is $10, plus a $15 day-use fee if you are not registering for the full conference. Please contact Annie Oxarart at oxarart@ufl.edu or 352-846-0144 with any questions.

Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest

2011-02-08T12:29:00.006-05:00

Chuck Will's Widow eggs in Tomato Field
from Camp Bayou photos

Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest
Deadline: June 10, 2011
This annual contest, sponsored by the U.S. EPA Aging Initiative, the Dance Exchange, the Rachel Carson Council, Inc., and Generations United, is seeking submissions on the theme of one of Rachel Carson's books The Sense of Wonder. Entries must be developed by a multi-generational team of two or more individuals - with at least one each representing the younger and older generations. Teams may submit a poem, an essay, photograph, or a dance video that captures the sense of wonder you see, hear, and feel in nature.

http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm

Job posting- Florida Shorebird Coordinator

2011-02-08T10:14:00.000-05:00

Title: Florida Shorebird Partnership Coordinator

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Pay: $20.00/hour (starting)

Location: Lakeland Florida

Start Date: mid-February

Closing Date: when filled

Description:

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to conservation of shorebirds in Florida. This position is directly responsible for the continued development and management of a statewide network of partners focused on conservation of shorebirds and seabirds (shorebirds) in Florida, The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA). The position maintains the content of the FSA website, promotes and supports local and regional partnerships, designs and coordinates surveys and monitoring efforts, works with agency staff to develop shorebird conservation measures, and assists with data management and management of the agency's online database (www.myfwc.com/shorebirds).

Requirements:

Seeking a candidate with the skills and enthusiasm to expand this successful program. Intimately familiar with the identification, biology, and conservation of seabirds and shorebirds. Excellent communication and coordination skills. Adept at use of websites and social networking as communication tools. Masters degree or minimum 3 years professional experience in wildlife conservation. Must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.

Application: Send resume and cover letter to Nancy Douglass (Nancy.Douglass@MyFWC.com).

Rattlesnake Roundup controversy

2011-02-03T14:05:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe this kind of thing still happens...

From The Center for North American Herpetology:

TWO GEORGIA COUNTIES ASKED TO ENFORCE STATE WILDLIFE LAWS
AT RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUPS

Atlanta— The Center for Biological Diversity and allies today sent a letter to law-enforcement officials in Grady and Evans counties, Georgia, calling for enforcement of state wildlife laws at "rattlesnake roundups" — annual contests in which hunters bring in as many snakes as they can catch in a year to be milked for venom, butchered, then sold for meat and skin. Two roundups take place every year in Georgia, one in Whigham in January, the other in Claxton in March. The letter was sent to the sheriffs of Grady and Evans counties and to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Georgia state law requires that a wildlife exhibition permit be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources before wildlife is publicly displayed. Another law states that wildlife cannot be brought into the state without obtaining an importation permit. The letter asks that appropriate law-enforcement measures be taken before and during the roundups to ensure that the events are in compliance with state laws. The letter was sent by the Center, Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy and One More Generation.

"We are concerned that the rattlesnake roundups may be violating state wildlife laws, and we urge law-enforcement officials to take action to enforce those laws," said Tierra Curry, a biologist at the Center. "It is time to end rattlesnake roundups."

A recently published study shows that rattlesnake roundups have depleted populations of Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes in the southeastern United States: This once-common species is being pushed toward extinction by hunting pressure, habitat loss and road mortality. The snake hasn’t been seen in Louisiana since 1980, and is now uncommon throughout its range in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and the Carolinas.

In response to dwindling rattlesnake populations, public pressure and environmental concerns, the town of Fitzgerald, Georgia, replaced its rattlesnake roundup with a wild chicken festival, which organizers report has been an enormous success.

"All rattlesnake roundups should be replaced with festivals celebrating wildlife and offering educational programs on the importance of saving native species," said Dr. Bruce Means, author of the recent study and executive director of the Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy.

Last January the Center and allies called on Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to amend state law to ban rattlesnake roundups and to work with communities to replace the roundups with wildlife festivals. The Center has also urged the state to investigate the extent of gassing and destruction of Gopher Tortoise burrows to collect snakes for rattlesnake roundups. Though the practice is illegal, hunters commonly catch snakes by pouring gasoline or ammonia into burrows or by digging out the burrows. In January 2010, four men were apprehended pouring gasoline into tortoise burrows before the Whigham roundup. Pouring gasoline into burrows sickens or kills the animals inside and makes the burrows unusable for tortoises and the hundreds of other wildlife species that use tortoise burrows.

"Rattlesnakes are an important part of the web of life that help control rodent populations," said Jim Ries, community director at One More Generation. "Roundups are harmful to the healthy environment on which we all depend, and must be banned."

For more information, contact;

Tierra Curry, Center for Biological Diversity, (928) 522-3681
Dr. Bruce Means, Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy, (850) 681-6208
Jim Ries, One More Generation, (678) 491-6222

Department of Environmental Protection Proposes to Close 53 State Parks

2011-01-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) along with other agencies, presented to the Legislature reductions they would make if ordered to reduce their budgets by 15%, in a year when the state faces a nearly $4B shortfall.
The 53 Florida State Parks
• Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, Haines City
• Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park, Stuart
• Big Shoals State Park, White Springs
• Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Flagler Beach
• Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach
• Cedar Key State Museum State Park, Cedar Key
• Colt Creek State Park, Lakeland
• Constitution Convention Museum State Park, Port St. Joe
• Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
• Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell
• Dagny Johsnon Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo
• Deer Lake State Park, Santa Rosa Beach
• Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Gainesville
• Don Pedro Island State Park, Boca Granda
• Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry
• Dunn’s Creek State Park, Pomona
• Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero
• Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness
• Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Jacksonville
• Fort Mose Historic State Park, St. Augustine
• John Gorrie Museum State Park, Apalachicola
• Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, Ellenton
• Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Tallahassee
• Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park, Sebring
• Lake Talquin State Park, Tallahassee
• Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park, Tallahassee
• Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Islamorada
• Madison Blue Spring State Park, Lee
• Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Cross Creek
• Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, Woodville
• Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Olustee
• Orman House Historic State Park, Apalachicola
• Paynes Creek Historic State Park, Bowling Green
• Peacock Springs State Park, Luraville
• Perdido Key State Park, Pensacola
• Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, Ponce de Leon
• Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, Jacksonville
• Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Sorrento
• San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, Alachua
• San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, St. Marks
• Savannas Preserve State Park, Jensen Beach
• St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, Stuart
• St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere
• Suwannee River Wilderness Trail/Nature and Heritage Tourism Center, White Springs
• Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, Palmetto
• The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove
• Troy Spring State Park, Branford
• Wacasassa Bay Preserve State Park, Cedar Key
• Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast
• Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, Port Richey
• Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Islamorada
• Ybor City Museum State Park, Tampa
• Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park, Holt

Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup- Bishop Harbor, 2/12

2011-01-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday, February 12th, Bishop Harbor Boat Ramp, 8am-12pm, DERELICT CRAB TRAP CLEAN UP

This month is going to be an exciting month at Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves where they are coordinating their first ever Derelict Crab Trap Clean Up at Bishop Harbor in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve on Saturday, February 12th!

From FDEP:
Lost and abandoned traps have been identified as a problem in Florida's marine environment. Once traps become lost or abandoned, they may spark user conflicts, "ghost fish" (continue to trap marine organisms until traps degrade enough to allow escape), visually pollute, cause damage to sensitive habitats, and also become hazards to navigation. Per federal regulations, derelict crab traps can only be removed from state waters as part of an organized clean up event, with authorization from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). More information about Derelict Crab Traps can be found on the FWC website at http://myfwc.com/rulesandregs/SaltwaterTraps_index.htm.

The Crab Trap Clean Up will be conducted with the use of canoes, kayaks, and shallow draft vessels. The Clean Up area will include Bishop Harbor, Frog Creek, and surrounding salt water ponds. Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves, with assistance from Tampa Bay Watch, will provide work gloves and wire cutters. We also have kayaks and canoes available for volunteers to use on a first come, first serve basis. We welcome volunteers to bring their own canoes and kayaks, however they may get a bit dirty with the nature of the work. Volunteers will need to wear grubby clothes, closed-toed shoes that you do not mind getting wet, and brink drinking water.

If you are available or think you might be available for any of the following days, please reply to me with "Maybe", "Probably" or "Definitely" and the number of people in your party (please indicate if any participants are minors). I will then put you on the schedule for each day and contact you about specifics a week or so before the event. If you are part of a group, we can coordinate to plan an activity on a date and time that works best for all. All participants under 18 years of age are welcome, yet need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian (unless part of an organized group with chaperones).

Saturday, February 12th, Bishop Harbor Boat Ramp, 8am-12pm, DERELICT CRAB TRAP CLEAN UP

Hope to see you soon,
Libby Carnahan
Environmental Specialist
Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 309
Terra Ceia, FL 34250
Office (941) 721-2068 ext 214

Herp Conference Call for papers

2010-12-15T12:33:00.000-05:00

34th Annual Herpetology Conference
When: Friday and Saturday, 25-26 March 2011
Where: Paramount Plaza Inn & Suites Conference Center, Gainesville, Florida

The Herpetology Conference is a place to highlight the direction of current science in the field of herpetology. The conference's philosophy is to bring together all phases of herpetology. We are now welcoming abstracts in all aspects of herpetology including
conservation, natural history, ecology, evolution, phylogeny, physiology, and veterinary medicine. We expect that individuals will present their own original research. This is a great place to practice presenting to a smaller, more relaxed audience before heading onto national and international conferences. Typical presentations will be fifteen minutes long, with an additional five minutes for questions. There will also be a poster session. This is a great opportunity for those who would like to participate actively in the conference without giving a presentation or for those currently planning or conducting their research. There will be awards for best presentation.

To apply, please send:

Title of presentation or poster (brief titles are best)
Author(s) of presentation
Institutional or professional affiliation
Contact information, including mailing address, email address, and phone number
A brief abstract (250 words or less)

Please specify whether you are interested in presenting a poster or talk.

Submissions can be made via e-mail in MS Word format to

TheHerpetologyConference@gmail.com

or saved to a CD and mailed to:

Kirsten Hecht
Florida Museum of Natural History-Herpetology
P.O. Box 117800
Gainesville, Florida 32611

Deadline for submission is 14 January 2011

More information about the conference can be obtained by visiting

http://snre.ufl.edu/herpetology/

South Fork Wilderness Hike w/ Around the Bent tours

2010-11-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

Around the Bend Nature Tours invites you
to join us in an alternative to the craziness at the malls...

Cost $15/person

For more information go to

http://southfork2010.eventbrite.com/

Difficult hike - approximately 8 miles - Bring snack, lunch and plenty of water.

You are invited to the following event:
South Fork Wilderness Hike - an alternative to Black Friday

Date:
Friday, November 26, 2010 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (ET)

Location:
Little Manatee River - South Fork Tract
29400 SR 62
Duette, FL 33834

Evolution in the Marine Environment

2010-10-26T12:52:00.000-04:00

From COSEE listserv:

Join us for another COSEE-West online workshop!
Evolution in the Marine Environment
November 1-19, 2010
http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2010/

FREE 3-week online workshop offered by COSEE-West and the College of Exploration.
Presenter: Dr. Patrick Krug, California State University, Los Angeles

Dr. Krug is a scientist, educator, and an engaging presenter who enjoys sharing the excitement and challenges of investigating evolutionary processes. He will share cutting edge research on evolution. The workshop provides content on evolution, resources, lesson plans, and discussion rooms. He and his grad students will answer questions online, weekdays.

It is free and available 24-7. Log on anytime to see the lectures, investigate the resources, ask questions, and try out activities. Each week will have a new presentation and new resources, and you can join discussions throughout the workshop.

Week One
Evolutionary Biology: A story of thinkers, adventurers, and the history of life on earth

Week Two
Evolution and Fisheries Management: Gone fishing or fishing gone?

Week Three
Sperm Behavior: A key to the past and future of the Californian abalone
(evolution in action in the marine environment)

More info? See: http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2010/

Optional credit: Professional Development Credit is available. You can choose to earn professional development credit for the course from California State University, Fullerton for $100.00.

See you online!
COSEE-West Online Workshop Team

Free Online Astronomy Workshop for Interpreters

2010-10-25T19:53:00.000-04:00

Free Online Astronomy Workshop for Interpreters from Parks & Nature Centers

Does your park or nature center have dark star-filled skies? Are your visitors excited about astronomy, but you need a confidence boost in order to interpret the sky for them? Want to be able to find more in the sky than just the Big Dipper and Orion? Join our upcoming Sky Rangers online workshop so we can enable you to share the night sky as another important natural resource of your park.

Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming Sky Rangers Workshop from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, taking place January 17 - March 11, 2011. This free online workshop provides materials and training for interpreters and outdoor educators who want to learn how to tell the story of the sky and bring the excitement of astronomy to their audiences.

Apply on-line by December 1. Find more information and the application on this page: http://www.afguonline.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=1857

**************************

Anna Hurst Schmitt
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
390 Ashton Ave, SF, CA 94112
415-337-1100 ext. 108
ahurst@astrosociety.org

Camp Bayou FMNP Uplands Module 2011

2010-10-20T19:56:00.008-04:00

Florida Master Naturalist Program- Uplands Module
At the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
2011 Highlights

Facilitators:
Dolly Cummings, Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center Manager
Richard Sullivan, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve Manager
Rob Heath, Senior Ecologist, Wildlands Conservation, Inc.
Special guest presenter (FMNP Master graduate): George Shambaugh, PhD., Entomology

Course Schedule
January 22, 2011, Saturday, 8am-4pm
Introduction, overview, requirements
Video- Upland Habitats in the Modern Human Society
Presentations: Ecology, Upland Hardwoods, Herps
Orientation walk/pick a segment
discussion/interpretive practice

January 29, 2011, Saturday, 8am-4pm
Video- Scrub, Prarie, Range
Presentations- Scrub, Birds 1 & 2 with Rob
Field Trip- Golden Aster Scrub Preserve with Rob
discussion/interpretive practice

February 5, 2011, Saturday, 8am-4pm
Video- Upland Hardwoods
Presentations- Interpretation,Inverts 1 & 2 with George
Field Trip- Bullfrog Creek Mitigation Preserve
discussion/interpretive practice

February 12, 2011, Saturday, 8am-4pm
Video- Pinelands
Presentations- Pines, Mammals, Ethics
Field Trip- Cockroach Bay Preserve Uplands Restoration with Richard
discussion/interpretive practice

February 19, 2011, Saturday, 8am-4pm
Interpretive tour/discussion, final projects, graduation

Pre-registration required- visit http://www.masternaturalist.org for information and registration form.

Job Op- FWC, St. Pete

2010-10-13T12:09:00.000-04:00

Editor's note: The position below has been posted on the State of Florida PeopleFirst site. Camp Bayou relays this info as a courtesy- we have no connection to the job posting service...

77903015-51315560-20101008124508 -- FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS

Agency: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm

Working Title: OPS - BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II
Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02
Position Number: 77903015
Annual Salary Range: $14.00 per hour, no benefits
Announcement Type: Open Competitive
Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Pay Grade/ Pay Band: BB008
Closing Date: 10/28/2010

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)

Location: St. Petersburg, FL (Pinellas County)

This is a full time OPS position with no benefits.

Job Description:

This position is in the FWRI Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Section Fish and Wildlife Health subsection. This member of the fish health team will:

•Coordinate field collections and associated data for Project Tampa Bay
•Participate in field collections including seining and hook-and-line collections
•Participate in laboratory-based necropsy and fish health evaluations on fresh, fixed, and frozen specimens
•Enter, update, and manage red drum health data associated with Project Tampa Bay
•Participate in fish health research for hatchery, stocked, and wild fish
•Assist in disease and fish kill investigations for marine sport fish species
•Provide timely analysis of data, assist in preparation of technical reports, other scientific publications, as well as annual and 5 year reports.
•Assist in proofing data in the Fish Health group’s database
•Answer the Fish Kill Hotline (FKH) and participate in staff rotation as the back-up for the FKH coordinator
•Participate in two outreach activities per year
•Extended travel (10-14 days) for research cruises will be required.
Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the life or physical sciences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•Knowledge of basic biological principles and laboratory techniques
•Knowledge of vertebrate anatomy (particularly finfish) and dissection techniques
•Knowledge of statistics
•Skill in microscopy, histology, and microbiology techniques
•Skill in organization and time management
•Ability to use MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access
•Ability to manipulate and analyze data using spreadsheet programs, scientific graphing software, and statistical software such as Systat, SigmaStat, or SPSS
•Ability to talk to members of the public on the phone and provide excellent customer service
•Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
•Ability to work both independently and on teams
•Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures
•Maintain a valid drivers license.
To Apply:

Submit an electronic application by the closing date through People First: www.peoplefirst.myflorida.com.

EPA's Healthy Watershed Initiative- Webcast

2010-10-11T15:11:00.000-04:00

EPA's Healthy Watershed Initiative: Protecting Our High Quality Waters and Watersheds

Free Watershed Academy Webcast hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds

Wednesday, October 13th from 1 - 3 pm EST

To register, visit: www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts

Join us for this exciting Webcast on EPA's new Healthy Watersheds Initiative. While most EPA water quality programs have focused on restoring impaired waters, the new Healthy Watersheds Initiative encourages states, local governments, watershed organizations and others to protect and maintain healthy waterbodies as well.

Healthy watersheds provide our communities with drinking water, recreational opportunities, environmental benefits and services, including clean water for healthy aquatic ecosystems, habitat for fish and wildlife, and better resilience against storms and floods, climate change and future land use changes. Protecting healthy watersheds will result in considerable savings over time if the need for costly restoration can be avoided in watersheds that would otherwise become impaired by cumulative impacts of multiple stressors.

Join us for this Webcast to learn what tools EPA is developing to help promote Healthy Watersheds and to hear about what several states are doing to protect their healthy watersheds.

Registration
You must register in advance to attend this Webcast.
Note: Your computer must have the capability of playing sound in order to attend this Webcast.

Diamondback Terrapin Educators' Workshop

2010-10-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Diamondback Terrapin Educators' Workshop

Weedon Island Preserve

4-5 December 2010 (Saturday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Sunday field trip times to be assigned by order of registration)

Formal and non-formal educators are invited to join us to learn about the natural history and conservation needs of diamondback terrapins. Participants will receive a set of newly developed educational material, training on how to teach about this imperiled coastal species, and have an opportunity to visit the Richard T. Paul Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary, a diamondback terrapin site.

This workshop is being offered free of charge (lunch provided). Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Organized by the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust

Funding provided by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program

contact George Heinrich or visit website: www.heinrichecologicalservices.com

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Youth Programs Coordinator position

2010-09-07T18:01:00.000-04:00

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has a full time Youth Programs Coordinator position open. The position promotes positive personal, social, and professional development through Teen Programs and Service Opportunities. Ensuring that program participants gain a better understanding of the natural world and the role of the Zoo. Researches, implements, evaluates, develops, and reports on comprehensive community leadership initiatives for middle and high school aged youth. If you are interested please fill out the application located at http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/_page_content/jobs/documents/LPZ_Employment_App.pdf and return by September 20, 2010

Conservation Science Special Topic Classes

2010-09-06T15:10:00.000-04:00

Conservation Science Special Topic Classes

To view a class schedule or to register for this class, visit our website (www.MasterNaturalist.org) and click on Course Schedules. This is a list of currently available courses. Courses post continuously throughout the year. To find out about future courses in your area, contact your local Instructors. You can get their contact information by visiting our website and clicking on Training Locations and then your area of the state.

Hillsborough County – NEW SITE!

Dates: October 9 - 23, 2010

Registration closes: October 1, 2010

Number of spots left as of today: 17

Facility Information
UF/IFAS, Hillsborough County Extension Office
5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584

Instructor Information

Rob Northrop, Extension Forester
Organization: University of Florida/IFAS, Hillsborough County Extension
Phone: 813-744-5519 x106
Fax: 813-744-5776
Email: northrop@ufl.edu
Web Site: http://tampabayforest.org/UpcomingEvents.htm

Pinellas - Coastal FMNP announced

2010-08-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program
Coastal Systems Module
at the Honeymoon Island State Park - Osprey Center
October 22-November 8, 2010
_____________________

This is the year to do something for yourself...and for Florida. Take the Florida Master Naturalist Program!

Registration closes: September 13, 2010 or when roster is full
Class Size is Limited

All Course Registration is Through University of Florida at
http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/ and

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/cs10-21.htm

We are excited to announce that Classroom Sessions will be held at the Honeymoon Island State Park - Osprey Center. Winter, the dolphin without a tail living at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, is going to be a Hollywood star and will be filmed at the aquarium during the same time as we were scheduled to have our classes there. So, CMA did a great job connecting us with Honeymoon Island as our new host partner for the class.

Just like our other fall and spring modules, Field Trips are in the Central West Region.

Detailed course schedule is on-line, or you can click the pdf link below to view it.
Fall 2010 Coastal Systems Module--UF Florida Master Naturalist Program in Pinellas

You are also always welcome to contact Jeanne or Brian for more information.

Mark your calendars! We will be offering the new UF/IFAS FMNP Conservation Science module this November/December too. Dates and details coming soon, but we can tell you the classes will meet on nights and weekends. You're welcome to let us know if you are interested in taking it. Also, this spring 2011, it will be time again for the FMNP Upland Habitats on Mondays and Fridays (weekdays in February/March).

UF FMNP Instructors--Jeanne Murphy, Wildlife Biologist, and Brian Lane, Ecologist

Sensing Nature, LLC
Phone: 727-397-2306
Email: jmurphy@sensingnature.com
Website: www.sensingnature.com

The Five South Florida National Parks Remain Open

2010-06-03T19:18:00.000-04:00

National Parks Service press release:

The Five South Florida National Parks Remain Open

Monitoring of Resource Protection and Visitor Safety Issues Continues

South Florida: As of 6 PM EDT, June 2, 2010, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expanded the boundaries of the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico. The expansion includes an area off southwest Florida that covers waters approximately 20 miles west of Dry Tortugas National Park. Given this information, the National Park Service (NPS) is consulting with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to consider fisheries management strategies for Dry Tortugas National Park in keeping with this new information and any future changes to this information from the NMFS or NOAA.

The park will consider a range of options from wildlife protection, public health and safety, and fisheries management in and around the park. The NPS will continue to monitor this situation closely and notify the public of any change to visitor uses or access to resources in Dry Tortugas National Park.

It is important to note that the five units of the National Park System in the south Florida area remain open for visitation, and all park activities will proceed as scheduled. These include Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks, Big Cypress National Preserve, and DeSoto National Memorial. These exceptional areas protect a diverse collection of natural and cultural resources of national significance -- attracting millions of visitors from around the world annually.

Travelers intending to visit the south Florida area are advised to monitor the situation carefully and visit the park's websites in advance of your visit for the latest information.

More information on fisheries closures in the Gulf of Mexico is available here: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill.htm .

Questions regarding the parks' ongoing oil spill response should be directed to the incident public information line at 305-224-4215.

General Visitor information for each of the 5 National Parks is as follows:

Everglades National Park: 305-242-7700, or online at www.nps.gov/ever
Biscayne National Park: 305-230-7275, or online at www.nps.gov/bisc
Dry Tortugas National Park: 305-242-7700, or online at www.nps.gov/drto
Big Cypress National Preserve: 239-695-1201, or online at www.nps.gov/bicy
DeSoto National Memorial: 941-792-0458 x 105, or online at www.nps.gov/deso

-NPS-

For General Park Information Contact 305-242-7700

Contacts: Incident Information Center Office 305-224-4215

Linda Friar - Incident Information Officer Office 305-242-7714

Summer Teacher Workshop in Pinellas

2010-05-25T15:45:00.001-04:00

Sign Up Now for Summer Teacher Workshop

There are still a few openings for teachers in the summer workshop on marine debris, to be held Friday, June 25 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg.

The workshop will feature classroom and field activities found in a teaching guide developed by the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence. The curriculum is designed for grades 5-9.

Participants will learn how marine debris harms wildlife; about different types of marine debris; and about local efforts to remove harmful debris such as fishing line and abandoned crab traps.

Participating teachers receive a $50 stipend and lots of FREE classroom resources. You must pre-register by contacting colleen@tbep.org or calling Colleen at (727) 893-2765. Hurry-- there are only a few slots left!

Volunteers needed at Cockroach Bay

2010-05-17T12:20:00.000-04:00

Anyone who has taken a module at Camp Bayou will know this place...

From Tampa Bay Estuary Program:
Sign Up Now for June 26 "Give A Day For The Bay"

I know we said we wouldn't have any more "Give A Day For The Bay" workdays until Fall. Well, we lied. But not intentionally.

Our friends at Cockroach Bay, near Ruskin in south Hillsborough County, need your help to plant about 5,000 sprigs of wiregrass to restore upland habitats at the preserve. They hope the restoration will help to attract even more neo-tropical migratory songbirds to spend the winter there, like the stunning scissor-tailed flycatchers (pictured, right) and black-polled warblers that have been "snowbirding" there the past few years.

Biologists with Quest Ecology have been studying use of the preserve by these beautiful little birds and are working with Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation on this restoration project. They need to get these plants installed in June so summer rains can keep them watered.

So, if you can take the heat (and it WILL be hot), we have a job for you!

DETAILS:
WHEN: Saturday, June 26 from 8 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Meet at the Cockroach Bay offices at 3709 Gulf City Road in Ruskin
WHAT: Planting wiregrass sprigs - lots of them!
WHO CAN HELP: Anyone 15 or older
WHAT YOU SHOULD WEAR AND BRING: Lightweight long pants (NOT jeans) and closed-toes shoes are a must! Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts are recommended. Bring bug spray, sunglasses, a hat and a water bottle (we'll have large coolers of water to fill your bottles). Please bring gloves if you have them. Bring any planting tools you can, such as spades, trowels or shovels.

YOUR REWARD: As always, a free lunch and our eternal gratitude.

Let me know if you can help (email nanette@tbep.org) and how many are in your work party.

Directions to Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve

The preserve office is located at 3709 Gulf City Road in Ruskin.

Master Naturalist Field Trip to the Keys

2010-05-13T20:24:00.000-04:00

Dear Master Naturalists,

The St. Lucie County Master Naturalist Chapter is extending an invitation to Florida Master Naturalists interested in snorkeling in the beautiful Florida Keys with our current Coastal module students and Instructors.

The trip will take place out of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at 8:00am on Saturday, June 5th. The cost is $26 (non-refundable) per person. Sleeping accommodations are not included in this cost. Hotel/camping arrangements must be made and paid for separately by each person. I recommend you do this as soon as possible. The number of nights you stay is up to you, but because our snorkel tour is early Saturday morning, I recommend at least a Friday night stay. The state park has a camping area: 47 full-facility sites for both tent and RV campers are available. Restrooms and hot showers are easily accessible. Call 1-800-326-3521.

Registration:

To register, please contact Ken Gioeli, Extension Agent & East Central Florida Master Naturalist Facilitator, at (772) 462-1660. Payments are due upon registration and are non-refundable. Please make checks to SLC Extension Advisory Committee.

Where & When to Meet:

We will meet in the John Pennekamp State Park concession area NO LATER THAN 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5th. Entrance fee to the park has been waived for our group. Tell the ranger at the entrance that you are with the Florida Master Naturalist Group from Savannas Preserve State Park in St. Lucie County.

Instructors: http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/centraleast/stlucie.asp

Master Naturalist Instructors: Ken Gioeli & Wren Underwood

Master Naturalist Assistant Instructors: Lesley Vincent-Ryder & Amanda Thompson

Directions:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037‎
(305) 451-1202‎

What to Bring: Mask and Snorkel, Fins, Towel, Sunscreen, Change of clothes, WATER

Hotels: Key Largo hotels are listed first. Florida City hotels may be cheaper.

Holiday Inn Key Largo‎ - 99701 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-2121‎

Bayside Inn Key Largo‎ - 99490 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-4450‎

Marina del Mar Key Largo‎ - 527 Caribbean Drive, Key Largo, FL‎ - (866) 552-8876‎

Key Largo Undersea Park‎ - 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-2353‎

Key Largo Inn‎ - 99202 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL‎ - (877) 747-8713‎

Ramada Limited Key Largo‎ - 99751 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL‎ - (866) 889-7218‎

Key West Inn‎ - 201 Ocean Drive, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-5081‎

Largo Lodge Motel‎ - 101740 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-0424‎

Sunset Cove Beach Resort‎ - 99360 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-0705‎

Hampton Inn Key Largo, FL‎ - 102400 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL‎ - (305) 451-1400‎

Thank you,
Ken Gioeli, M.Ag.
Extension Agent III / Natural Resources
University of Florida / IFAS
Saint Lucie County Cooperative Extension
8400 Picos Road, Ste 101
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
(772) 462-1660
fax (772) 462-1510
http://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu

Volunteers Needed for Pre-Spill Litter Cleanup at Skyway Pier

2010-05-12T12:22:00.001-04:00

Volunteers Needed for Pre-Spill Litter Cleanup at Skyway Pier

The Ocean Conservancy needs volunteers to conduct a preventative cleanup at the South Skyway Bridge Rest Area on Sat., May 22 from 9 a.m.- noon.

Volunteers will remove litter and abandoned fishing line which could entangle birds. Bags, a snack, gloves and grabbers will be provided. Volunteers should bring sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and wear closed-toed shoes.

To sign up, email Jamie at jmcwade@oceanconservancy.org or call 727-369-6633.

Directions to South Skyway Rest Area:

Take I-275 to the South Skyway
Get off at the rest area
Head west toward fishing pier
Look for Ocean Conservancy table on the west side of the shoreline

Volunteer Training Opportunities

2010-05-10T16:20:00.001-04:00

Volunteer Training Opportunities to Help Protect
Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve from the Threat of Oil Spills

Tampa Bay Watch, in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve program, have trained volunteers over the last ten years in environmental and health impacts of oil, safety precautions and boom deployment in the event of an oil spill. Currently, program partners maintain 6,000+ feet of boom at Cockroach Bay that will be deployed if needed to protect the Aquatic Preserve.

Training programs for community volunteers interested in supporting the pre-positioning effort if needed are planned as follows (Reservations are required by Tuesday, May 11):

Cockroach Bay Response Planning
Indoor training session: Oil boom handling techniques, hazards of oil spills and exposures at the Tampa Bay Watch Marine Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 - May 12th @ 6:00 p.m. (Register online.)

Cockroach Bay Response Field Exercise
Hands-on boom handling and deployment, field requirements at Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp, Cockroach Bay Road, Hillsborough County - May 13, start time 5:30 through 7:30 p.m. (Register online.)

Due to the large amount of interest in the program, community volunteers will need to pre-register at the Tampa Bay Watch website. Volunteers for the oil boom pre-positioning program will be selected to participate based on training and experience. Oil booms will be deployed utilizing a corps of trained community volunteers. These dedicated individuals will receive training in oil spill response and boom deployment, and will need to acquire training in First Aid and CPR. The volunteers will learn how to deploy, monitor and maintain the boom in the event of a spill. There is a need for volunteer boat captains with a good knowledge of the Cockroach Bay/Little Manatee River area. There will also be opportunities to work on shore, and to crew on boats. Click here to register online.

Environmental Educator Position in Jupiter

2010-04-27T20:00:00.001-04:00

The Loxahatchee River District announces an opening for an environmental educator at its Loxahatchee River Environmental Center (River Center). This position helps students and visitors explore new areas of environmental science and promote literacy and awareness of the Loxahatchee River and south Florida environments.

The environmental educator will develop and perform environmental educational programs at the River Center. This position will be responsible for conducting, developing, and initiating education and outreach programs for the River Center. Audiences include: school children in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, scouts, adults and families. The environmental educator is expected to network with fellow institutions of learning and environmental groups. The environmental educator will also coordinate volunteers and interns.

Administrative duties will include gift shop inventory and maintaining records for the Friends of the Loxahatchee River membership. The successful applicant should have a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, education, or related field, and have experience in either formal or informal education. Additional certifications in CPR/First Aid and lifeguarding a plus. Salary range: $28,000-$38,600 -commensurate with experience. The Loxahatchee River District offers excellent benefits including: employee cost-share health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, retirement plan, and others.

To apply, submit a letter of interest, resume, and a minimum of 3 references no later than 3pm Wednesday, May 5, 2010 to:

Jocelyn O'Neill,
Environmental Education Coordinator
Loxahatchee River District
River Center
805 N US Highway 1
Jupiter, FL 33477

or via email to: Jocelyn.oneill@loxahatcheeriver.org

Forests, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Early Registration Deadline

2010-04-23T07:44:00.001-04:00

From: Sharon Borneman | Conference Coordinator | University of Florida | IFAS

This is a must-attend event if you are interested in sustainability of a wide range of natural resources.

Greetings!

The Florida Society of American Foresters and the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation invite you to attend the 40^th Annual SAF/SFRC Spring Symposium—Sustaining Forests, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in a Changing World to be held June 2-3, 2010 at the Paramount Plaza Hotel in Gainesville, Florida. Click here for details: http://sfrc.ifas.ufl.edu/events.html

SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW:

Changing land use patterns due to clearing for agriculture, population growth, and economic forces have led to a 25% decline in forest area in Florida and much of the Southeast since the 1930's, threatening the ecological, economic and social values of our land and water resources. At the 40^th Annual SAF/SFRC Spring Symposium leading experts from around the country will discuss a wide spectrum of issues related to sustaining our forest and aquatic resources. The Symposium will provide ideas, tools and information for virtually all of Florida's forest land owners and managers. The John Gray Lecture will set the tone at 9:45 on the first day, with Carlton Owen, President of the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities, speaking on Natural Resources Sustainability: Operating at the Speed of Need. Other speakers will focus on national, regional and state sustainability issues and opportunities.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT:

The Symposium will offer 7 Category 1 Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) credit hours as authorized by the Society of American Foresters.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

The registration fee includes lunch and dinner on Wednesday, breakfast on Thursday, refreshment breaks and Symposium materials. The Early Reduced Registration fee is $135 if you register by Wednesday, April 28^th. If you register after April 28^th, the registration fee goes up to $155. Students can register for only $50. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

HOTEL INFORMATION:

The Symposium will be held at the Paramount Plaza Hotel, which is offering a very special rate of just $64.50 per night (plus tax) with one or two people in a room (single or double occupancy). Reservations must be made by May 15^th to receive the special group rate. Click here for a 'quick reference' sheet on the Paramount Hotel's features and services.

SYMPOSIUM PUBLICITY:

If you manage any list serves and group email lists or have access to email addresses of colleagues who may be interested in attending the Symposium, please help us get the word out by forwarding this email to them. Thank you.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dr. Alan Long at alj2@ufl.edu or Pat Minogue at pminogue@ufl.edu . We look forward to your participation at this year's Spring Symposium!

Sharon Borneman | Conference Coordinator | University of Florida | IFAS

Turtle Conference Aug 16-19

2010-04-18T12:54:00.001-04:00

CHELONIAN CONFERENCE IN FLORIDA

The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle
Specialist Group are pleased to announce a joint symposium.

When: 16-19 August 2010
Where: Orlando, Florida

This is the 8th annual conference hosted by the TSA, and has become the world’s largest gathering of tortoise and freshwater turtle biologists in the world. As the tradition continues, we are grateful for the generous support of our conference title sponsor, ZooMed. This promises to be a major international conference, with over 100 presentations. We have many special sessions arranged including:

Community Ecology of Turtles: Daren Riedle

Florida Turtles: Conservation Challenges and Opportunities: George Heinrich

Softshells: Peter Praschag

Survey Methods for Terrestrial Turtles/Tortoises with workshop on field tools (GPS, PDA, Burrow Cams, etc.) and Line Distance Sampling demo: Lora Smith and Jonathon Stober

For more information, including the Call for Papers, visit the conference page on the TSA website: http://www.turtlesurvival.org/get-involved/2010-conference

media release- Spring Open House at Camp Bayou

2010-04-05T10:33:00.001-04:00

Spring Open House

Saturday, April 17, 2010
8am-2pm

Schedule of Activities:
8am: Great American Cleanup begins– register at Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful
9 am: Trail games begin– Butterfly Blingo, Scavenger Hunt, Geocaching, Letterboxing and more...
10 am: Wetland Walk-n-Wade – Take a walk through the wetlands to the river to see what critters we can net.
11 am: Nature activities and crafts– get into the outdoors with a variety of nature-related projects including a few citizen science options.
Noon: Spring Member BBQ– Free for current members or become a member for as little as $10. Pulled pork and hot dogs provided by Camp Bayou. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share (optional).
1 pm: Nature presentation- It's a Jungle Out There: Imagined and Real Dangers Outdoors

On-going throughout the day:
- Fossil Museum open
- Fossil pit dig (for small fee)
- Nature Center open
- 3 trails through varied habitats
- Canoe launch open
- Native People's Camp
- Native plants for sale
- Cart tours every half hour beginning at 9:30 am.

All the activities are family-friendly. This event supports No Child Left Inside- http://www.nclicoalition.org/) and is part of National Environmental Education Week (http://www.eeweek.org/), as well as an opportunity to Get Outdoors Florida!(http://getoutdoorsflorida.org).

Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still FREE.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.
###

Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/campbayou

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
campbayou.blogspot.com
twitter.com/campbayou

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Support NCLI

2010-03-24T07:32:00.001-04:00

Read about how you can help show support for NCLI (No Child Left Inside). Details at Camp Bayou Nature Notes blog-> http://campbayou.blogspot.com/2010/03/support-ncli.html

Hawaiian Caterpillars Are First Known Amphibious Insects - Science News

2010-03-22T18:56:00.000-04:00

Hawaiian Caterpillars Are First Known Amphibious Insects - Science News

South Florida Rarities Tour

2010-03-20T21:48:00.003-04:00

From 'Sensing Nature LLC":

Reserve Your Spot Today on the South Florida Rarities Tour.
Limited Space Available!

Registration Deposit of $100 Due Monday, April 5 (non-refundable)
Remaining Payment Due Friday, April 30
$550 per Person Tour Fee Includes: Biologist Tour Guides and All Guest Guides, Entrance & Activity Fees, and Boat Fees.
Fee Does Not Include Meals, Lodging, Ground Transportation or Field Gear.
Hotel Reservations are the Responsibility of Each Individual.

We are excited to announce our annual partnering trip with Heinrich Ecological Services. This adventure will be taking us to south Florida's vast wilderness where many species are hanging onto their future survival by their toenails.

These imperiled species that we are seeking showcase the ongoing struggle between nature and habitat loss, landscape fragmentation, and sometimes even human exploitation. But hope is not lost, and neither are these wonderful creatures and their habitats! Thoughout the week, we will highlight ways that we can help these state and federally listed species (species of special concern, threatened, endangered) through various efforts, while also discovering why their habitats are often as unique as they are.

Some of the species that we will be seeking include burrowing owls, crocodiles, diamondback terrapins, great white herons, roseate spoonbills, Florida tree snails, Key deer, coral reefs and their inhabitants, plus many others.

We hope that you will be able to join us on this fun, learning adventure in South Florida!

Jeanne Murphy & Brian Lane
Sensing Nature
UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Instructors

May 3, Monday

Morning: Visit Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Sites and Enjoy a Guest Presentation about these Bright-eyed Owls-Excellent Photo Opportunities Afternoon:Eat Lunch on the Road (bring own) Hike Big Cypress National Preserve with BCNP's Outreach SpecialistEvening:Check into Hotel in Florida City

May 4, Tuesday

Early Morning:
Guided Birding (optional) in Everglades National ParkMorning:
Visit Ernest Coe Visitor Center then Explore Everglades National Park (ENP)Afternoon: Bring Own Sack Lunch to Enjoy in ENP while Learning about the Environmentally Dangerous Burmese PythonsLate Afternoon & Evening: Explore ENP's Roadways Looking for Snakes, Frogs, Turtles, Mammals, Owls, and Alligators. Stop to Enjoy a Sunset Picnic Dinner in Flamingo where American Crocodiles are Often Seen. Afterwards, Continue Viewing ENP's Nocturnal Residents. Late Evening: Return to Hotel

May 5, Wednesday

Morning & Afternoon: Depart Key Largo by Boat to become a "Researcher for a Day" with Institute of Wildlife Sciences Researcher on an island about an hour from Key Largo.
Survey Island for the Imperiled Diamondback Terrapin in Florida Bay-Assist with Mark and Recapture Research
Search for Signs of the Native Mangrove Water Snakes
Document Evidence of the Non-native Invasive Black Rat (Rattus rattus), which prey on Terrapin Nests as well as other Native Wildlife.

May 6, Thursday

Morning: Savor an Early Morning Guided Hike at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. Relax in an Endangered Tropical Hardwood Hammock while Looking for Rare Florida Tree Snails. Late Morning & Early Afternoon: Free Time for Brunch and Independent Exploration of Pennekamp State Park or Other Key Largo Highlights. Late Afternoon:Unwind on the Boat Ride to a Coral Reef for Snorkeling. Keep Your Mask Clear looking for Tropical Fishes, Large Conchs & Nurse Sharks!Evening: Enjoy a Group Dinner and Return to Hotel

May 7, Friday

Morning: Visit National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center. Search for Florida Key Deer and White Crowned Pigeons on No Name KeyAfternoon: Lunch with the Locals at the Unique Historic "No Name Pub" Restaurant. Afterwards, Visit Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit Habitat on Sugarloaf and Geiger Keys and Search for Signs of This Endangered Mammal. Mid-Afternoon & Evening:Continue Traveling South to Exciting Key West. Spend Free-time Strolling, Shopping and Relaxing in this Festive Historic Town. Dine Together Sharing Memories and a Recap of the Tour.

To Register for the South Florida Rarities Natural History Tour, or For More Information about the Trip, Please Call Us at 727-397-2306 or Email at info@sensingnature.com

FWC News - Mark your calendar for the Florida Black Bear Festival

2010-03-19T07:51:00.000-04:00

FWC News - Mark your calendar for the Florida Black Bear Festival

The family-oriented festival, now in its 11th year, is scheduled for Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. at Cadwell Park in Umatilla. It's free and is a great way for families to spend a few hours together doing something fun and educational at the same time.

New this year is a contest to design a practical, bear-resistant garbage container. The top three winners will each get $100 gift cards to Lowe's and be recognized on the FWC's Web site.

FWC biologists will give informative and entertaining programs about black bears and living in bear country. At 10:30 a.m., wildlife biologist Tom Shupe will discuss interactions between bears and people and how to ensure a positive and safe experience. At 12:30 p.m., wildlife biologist Andrea Boliek will give an exciting presentation about "the bear facts." Learn about different species of bear, and myth-versus-fact about the black bear.

And finally, at 2 p.m., join the FWC's bear management coordinator, David Telesco, for a talk about bear behavior and the science and techniques used to discover the secrets of a bear's life.

Save our Centers

2010-03-18T08:21:00.000-04:00

We need MORE environmental education centers- not less!

If you live in Pinellas or know someone who does, make your voice heard!!! Heck, even if you don't live in Pinellas, kick up some noise. These centers are jewels for the entire region!

The following message is from the Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists, Inc. Board of Directors: www.pinellasmasternaturalists.org .

Commissioner Karen Seel from Pinellas County has agreed to attend a meeting at Weedon Island on April 13 to discuss the potential closing (aka mothballing) of both the Brooker Creek and Weedon Island Educational Centers .
Please join us to fill the house at this event. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM at the Weedon Island Education and Cultural Center, 1800 Weedon Drive, Saint Petersburg.
It is also important to send the Pinellas County Commissioners an email asking them to continue each educational center's operation! Please go to:

http://www.pinellascounty.org/forms/bcc_form.htm .

Click on each commissioner's name and type your message into the text box below. This will send your email to each automatically.

If you haven't visited yet, check out these sites to see what we'll be missing!
Weedon Island: http://www.weedonislandcenter.org/
Brooker Creek: http://brookercreekpreserve.org/

media release- Spring Open House at Camp Bayou

2010-03-12T08:56:00.001-05:00

Spring Open House

Saturday, April 17, 2010
8am-2pm

Schedule of Activities:
8am: Great American Cleanup begins– register at Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful
9 am: Trail games begin– Butterfly Blingo, Scavenger Hunt, Geocaching, Letterboxing and more...
10 am: Wetland Walk-n-Wade – Take a walk through the wetlands to the river to see what critters we can net. Your feet WILL get wet!
11 am: Nature activities and crafts– get into the outdoors with a variety of nature-related projects including a few citizen science options.
Noon: Spring Member BBQ– Free for current members or become a member for as little as $10. Pulled pork and hot dogs provided by Camp Bayou. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share (optional).
1 pm: Nature presentation- TBA

Photo: Free cart tours on the half hour

Environmental Film Festival 2/19-27- St. Pete

2010-02-18T19:14:00.002-05:00

12th Annual Environmental Film Festival 2/19-27

Eckerd College
www.eckerd.edu

visions/voices
Eckerd College Environmental Film Festival
www.environmentalfilmfest.com

FREE and open to the general public

The Twelfth Annual Environmental Film Festival at Eckerd College
February 19–27, 2010
7 p.m. (except Sunday, February 21 at 2 p.m.)
The Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium
Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South
St. Petersburg

All programs will be preceded by a short reception with the presenter and will feature an opportunity for audience questions immediately after the program. Refreshments will be available in the lobby of The Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium

The Environmental Film Festival brings compelling and important films to the Tampa Bay area and the Eckerd College community in order to raise awareness and promote discussion of questions relating to nature, place, and the environment. Screenings will be held in The Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium and are free and open to the public. All programs begin at 7 p.m. (except Sunday, February 21, which begins at 2 p.m.) Each program will feature an opportunity for audience questions immediately after the program. To see the complete film schedule, please visit www.environmentalfilmfest.com.

For more information, please visit www.environmentalfilmfest.com or contact the Eckerd College Office of Communications at 727.864.7979 or events@eckerd.edu.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Films

a.. February 19, 2010 Planting Trees in Africa - Taking Root and Pumzi
b.. February 20, 2010 The Vanishing American West - Sweetgrass
c.. February 21, 2010 Suncoast Nature - Wild Orchid Man and The Phosphate Dilemma
d.. February 22, 2010 Under the Sea - A View from Below
e.. February 23, 2010 Urban and Suburban Community Gardens - The Nature of Cities, Beyond Organic and Homegrown Revolution
f.. February 24, 2010 Turning Trash into Cash in Cairo - Garbage Dreams and Eco Shorts
g.. February 25, 2010 Global Overfishing - End of the Line
h.. February 26, 2010 Man on the Moon - Moon
i.. February 27, 2010 Revisiting the Western -The Only Good Indian

GBBC at Camp Bayou

2010-02-14T15:06:00.003-05:00

FMNP 2010 class' observations in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count. Below is a report summarizing the bird checklist submitted.

Here is the information you gave for this observation.

Record ID: S591xxxx
Email: campbayou@yahoo.com
Locality: 33570, Ruskin, Hillsborough County, FL
Observation Date: FEB 13, 2010
Start Time: 1:30 PM
Total Birding Time: 1 hour
Party Size: 20
Skill: fair
Weather: good
Snow Depth: No snow was present
Habitat(s):
rural
freshwater
Number of Species: 11
All Reported: no
Checklist:
Anhinga - 1
Great Blue Heron - 4
Great Egret - 3
Little Blue Heron - 2
Black Vulture - 2
Turkey Vulture - 5
Osprey - 2
Belted Kingfisher - 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
American Robin - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 15
Comments ----------------------------------------
Spotted during 1.5 miles loop canoe trip with Florida Master Naturalist Program Wetlands Module at Camp Bayou
-------------------------------------------------
Information submitted through February 15, 2010 will be included in online reports within 60 minutes. Information submitted after February 15, 2010 will be included in online reports within 2 hours. To see how your results fit into the big picture, go to the Great Backyard Bird Count home page http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ and click on "Explore the Results." If your bird checklist included unusual species or high numbers of individuals, you may receive an email from a regional editor requesting more details.

Thanks for participating in the 2010 Great Backyard Bird Count. Please join us again for next year's count. Mark your calendars for February 18-21, 2011.

The Great Backyard Bird Count and eBird are joint projects of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.

Central West FMNP Regional Meeting- March 2010

2010-01-21T17:37:00.002-05:00

If you are a graduate of at least one of the Florida Master Naturalist modules then you are invited to the Spring Central West Regional Meeting.

RSVP by March 10 to:

Eileen 813-323-0908 or jerseybirder@hotmail.com

Joanne 813-754-2980 or woodchikjm@aol.com

Date: March 13, 2010

Hosts: Eileen Reed & Joanne Mason

Location: Circle B Bar Ranch Lakeland, Fl.

Agenda:

9:30 AM – 9:45AM Arrive (Meet in the parking lot)

10:00AM – 12:00 PM Hike

12:00PM – 12:45 PM Lunch

12:45PM – 1:30PM Meeting

1:30PM – 2PM Explore Visitor’s Center

Items to bring:

Bag lunch, water, camera, binoculars, hat with visor, sunscreen, bug spray.

Hosts will provide lunch beverages.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

It is an easy hike. There is an amazing number of birds, butterflies & other wildlife to see!

For more info “google” Circle B Bar Ranch Lakeland Fl.

Directions:

Take I-275 or I-75 to I-4 East.

Take I-4 to exit 27 (Toll 570 east)

Take 570 to exit 10 (RT. 98 South)

Turn Right on 98. Go to the First traffic light & turn Left. (Winter Lake Rd.)

The Ranch is a short way down on the right. Watch for the main entrance.

Recent Fish Kills

2010-01-21T12:34:00.003-05:00

From email in response to reported fish kill at Camp Bayou:

The cold weather patterns we experienced across the state have resulted in widespread fish kills, both in fresh and salt water. There are a few reasons why cold temperatures affected fish in such a negative manner:

• Warm water fish such as snook are more susceptible to cold. Optimum temperatures for warm water fish ranges between 24 and 30 degrees C. The initial shock can kill some species outright or they can succumb to the cold after extended periods.
• Sometimes fish may survive, but the cold stress can make them more susceptible to disease.
• Some of our initial reports described fish gasping for air at the surface. In lakes and canals, when the water at the surface is chilled, the oxygen rich water on the surface can drop and mix with the warmer, oxygen poor water and low dissolved conditions can develop, suffocating the fish.
• Fish affected by the cold may appear lethargic and may be seen at the surface where the water may be warmer from the sun.

You will perhaps continue to see fish gasping for air, or fish that appear to be diseased floating to the surface. Please be advised that:
• The fish were under extreme cold stress for 14 days, slowing down their metabolism. Additionally, fish stop eating when the water is too cold.
• Fish that died during the cold snap, in relatively good condition, are now decomposing with the warmer temperatures and floating to the surface, so the carcasses appear to be freshly dead, but they have been dead for several days.
• Due to the decomposing carcasses, water quality may be low, causing dissolved oxygen levels to decrease, resulting in further stress to the fish.

Fish Clean-up:
• The FWC does not clean up fish.
• The function of the Fish Kill Hotline is to monitor fish kills and disease around the state.
• Law Enforcement Officers will use discretion when encountering individuals removing and possessing dead fish that may be prohibited because of size or season from the water or shoreline if those fish are possessed because of an effort to remove a public nuisance. However, if circumstances lead the Officer to believe that fish are being kept for consumption or purpose other than removal of a nuisance, criminal charges may be applicable.
• If you witness illegal activity regarding poaching or other illegal activity, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert (800-404-3922) immediately.
• For human health concerns, please contact your local county Department of Health.

Informational papers:
Dissolved Oxygen for Fish
Understanding Fish Kills in Florida Freshwater Systems

FWC has prepared several press releases that are now available at our web site http://research.myfwc.com/news/

Tampa Audubon Program on American Oystercatchers

2010-01-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

Come learn about one of Tampa Bay's most charismatic and imperiled birds at Tampa Audubon's monthly meeting this Thursday, January 14 at 7 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Century Buick/Pontiac/GMC, 3308 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, and is free and open to the public.

Dr. Ann Hodgson, Sanctuary Manager of Audubon of Florida's Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries, will speak on American Oystercatchers of Hillsborough Bay. Hillsborough Bay, that part of Tampa Bay that includes the City of Tampa, is home to the largest nesting population of these rare birds. This is a wonderful opporunity to learn more about these beautiful shorebirds and what is being done to protect their nesting sites.

Scatology

2010-01-09T19:41:00.001-05:00

Scatology: The Study of Scat (Animal Poop)

A free mini-workshop and educational display by George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services)

Have you ever seen scat while hiking on a trail and wondered which species left it behind? Perhaps it was from a gopher tortoise, coyote or alligator. This family-oriented, mini-workshop and educational display will allow participants to see a variety of preserved specimens and learn about the value of scat to wildlife biologists and naturalists. Workshop participants will also dissect gopher tortoise scat to learn what these reptiles have been eating.

Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg. FL)

Workshop: 16 January 2010 (2:00-3:30 pm)

Educational display on exhibit: 17 December 2009-16 January 2010

Call the preserve at (727) 453-6500 to sign up

Brooker Creek Preserve (Tarpon Springs, FL)

Workshop: 13 February 2010 (2:00-3:30 pm)

Educational display on exhibit: 20 January-13 February 2010

Call the preserve at (727) 453-6800 to sign up

Frogs' secret disposal system revealed : Nature News

2010-01-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

Frogs' secret disposal system revealed : Nature News
In 2008, researchers decided to look into the phenomenon. They kept tree frogs and cane toads in the lab and surgically implanted beads in their body cavities. Within 2–3 weeks, the beads appeared on the floor of the frog cage. Only one cane toad out of five excreted a bead, but Tracy opened some other toads after the surgery and caught them in the act of enveloping the beads into their bladders. In just two days, the bead was surrounded by a transparent tissue devoid of blood vessels, which subsequently became vascularized and muscular.

Camp Bayou FMNP Wetlands Module

2009-12-17T09:02:00.002-05:00

Florida Master Naturalist Program- Wetlands Module

At the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center

Facilitators:

Dolly Cummings, Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center Manager

Richard Sullivan, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve Manager

Special guest presenters (FMNP Master graduates):

Course Schedule

February 6, 2010, Saturday, 8am-4pm

Introduction, overview, requirements

Video: Society and Wetlands

Presentations: Ecology, Woody Plants,

Orientation walk/pick a segment

Field Trip- Restoration w/ Richard Sullivan, Cockroach Bay

discussion/interpretive practice

February 13, 2010, Saturday, 8am-4pm

Video: Swamps

Presentations: Invertebrates, Wetland birds 1 & 2

Field Trip- Canoe trip around island

www.birdcount.org

discussion/interpretive practice

February 20, 2010, Saturday, 8am-4pm

Video: Rivers, Lakes and Springs

Presentations: Interpretation Fish, Herbaceous plants,

Field Trip- Little Manatee River State Park north trail

discussion/interpretive practice

February 27, 2010, Saturday, 8am-4pm

Video: Marsh

Presentations: Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Ethics

discussion/interpretive practice

March 6, 2010, Saturday, 8am-4pm

Interpretive practice/discussion, final projects, graduation

Pre-registration required- visit http://www.masternaturalist.org/ for information and registration form.

Tropical Treefrog Task

2009-12-08T14:52:00.001-05:00

From Karen Warkentin
Department of Biology
Boston University

VIA CNAH ANNOUNCEMENT
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
8 December 2009

TROPICAL TREEFROG INTERNSHIPS FOR STUDENTS

Three-month NSF-funded internships for American (citizen or permanent resident) and
Latin American students in the Warkentin/Vonesh lab in Gamboa, Panama, during the
summer of 2010. Participate in cutting-edge ecological research in a biologically rich
rainforest environment as part of a diverse and dynamic international community of
scientists.

We are recruiting US undergraduate students and Latin American undergraduates or recent
graduates for NSF-funded summer internships studying ecology, evolution and behavior
of red-eyed treefrogs at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. This is a
great opportunity for young scientists to gain research experience in a biologically rich
rainforest environment, and to interact with a diverse international community of
scientists. More information about the project and application process is available online
at:

http://people.bu.edu/kwarken/KWLabInternships.html

Application deadline: January 15, 2010.

For more information on the project or how to apply, visit the Warkentin Lab website at

http://people.bu.edu/kwarken/

Please encourage any young scientist whom you believe would benefit from this
experience to apply. Applications are due 15 January 2010.

Part-time Education Associate Position

2009-11-23T11:41:00.000-05:00

EDUCATION ASSOCIATE (1 position available)
Date Closed: 11/30/2009
$12.83/hr. (min) –$19.25/hr. (max)
Part-time: 30 hours/week
Imaginarium Hands-On Museum & Aquarium (1860)

The Imaginarium is seeking an animal and aquaria specialist who can also act as a creative educator to work with visitors and groups in a variety of programs including hands-on demonstrations, workshops, camps, birthday parties and curriculum based classes integrating science, the arts and humanities. This position will oversee the care of the Museum’s animals and aquariums. Our 14-years old hands-on science museum & aquarium has an annual visitation of 80,000 with 20,000 square feet of permanent and special exhibits and several acres of outdoor activity areas. Applicant must have demonstrated experience in education, animal care, and aquarium maintenance. A 4-year degree in zoology, animal science, biology, or related science field is preferred. Candidate should be creative, organized and able to work independently or as a member of an education and exhibits team. Must be available weekends. Apply at www.cityftmyers.com/jobs

Thank you,

Nicole Dunn

Education Manager

The City of Fort Myers

Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs

(239) 321-7413

Around the Bend Fall Tours

2009-11-16T18:19:00.001-05:00

From:

Karen A. Fraley

Around the Bend Nature Tours LLC

Around the Bend Nature Tours announces our cool weather hikes – get out before the holiday rush! Our first tour is the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Call or e-mail to reserve your spot.

Cost: $15/person

Come see us this Saturday November 21^st at the Cortez Folk Arts Festival – 10am – 4pm Gulf Coast Maritime Museum on Cortez Road! Discover the FISH Preserve on Sarasota Bay…

Friday November 27^th Wilderness HikeLittle Manatee River South Fork Tract – 9:00am - 1:00pm

Located on SR 62 east of the FPL facility – this SWFWMD land runs along the South Fork of the Little Manatee River. We will hike through a Florida Scrub ecosystem looking for the endemic Florida scrub jay. Restoration work has been progressing here and the ecosystem is thriving. A trip to the river flood plain rewards us with a rare Needle Palm sighting. This is a difficult hike – wear good boots, bring a snack or lunch, binoculars and plenty of water. No restroom or water on site.

Saturday December 5^th Wilderness HikeCoker Prairie, Ed Chance Preserve – 9:00am - 1:00pm

Located on SR 64 east – this SWFWMD land connects to the Myakka River ecosystem. We will hike through a Florida Scrub ecosystem looking for the endemic Florida scrub jay. Restoration work has been progressing here and the ecosystem is thriving. This is a difficult hike – wear good boots, bring a snack or lunch, binoculars and plenty of water. No water or restrooms onsite.

Discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of Manatee County.

Guides are Professionally Certified Master Naturalists through the

University of Florida and National Association of Interpretation (NAI)

Tour Cost: $15/person

Gift Certificates available for 2010 tours http://www.aroundbend.com/discover/gift-certificates.php

Bradenton, FL 34209

(941) 794-8773 phone & fax

karen@aroundbend.com

www.AroundBend.com

media release- Open House 12/5/09

2009-11-15T18:06:00.001-05:00

Media contact: Dolly Cummings

phone: 813-363-5438

Holiday Open House and 10th Anniversary Celebration!

The Camp Bayou Holiday Open House and 10th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 9am to 2pm. This year's new activities include:

Folktales from the Bayou- Join Jeri down by the cabins recently moved from the old Giant's Camp in Gibsonton. Hear some fun stories inspired by the area's long-time fishing tradition.

Photograhy contest/award- Photo entries have been taken at Camp Bayou over the past 10 years. Photo judges include Bruce Marsh, local artist and scholar. Winner will be announced at noon. There is still time to enter. Contact Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com to find out how.

Geocache/Letterbox Treasure Hunt- Whether you are tech-savvy or love to solve written low-tech clues, this is a chance to be a treasure hunter and perhaps find a new hobby.

Most of the popular activities will be offered to give folks an idea of the kinds of fun things to do at Camp Bayou all year 'round. There are scheduled activities as well as ongoing activites from 9am-2pm. As always, admission to the Center is still free although some specific activities charge a small fee (noted in schedule).

Schedule of Family-friendly Activities:

9am: Guided walking Tour 1- Wetland Walk with Becki

9am– 1:30pm: Highlight Cart Tours– 20 min tours on 7 passenger cart on the half hour

10am: Aquatic Explorations – with George

11 am: Guided walking Tour 2- Tortoise Trail with Becki

11am: Folktales from the Bayou– with Jeri

Noon: Holiday BBQ– 10th Yr Appreciation. This year our Holiday BBQ is a 'Members Only' event. The main dish will be provided by Camp Bayou with side dishes supplied by members.*

12:30pm: Introducing NEW Speaker's Bureau with Diane

1pm: Guided walking Tour 3: River Ramble with Becki

* Members have made a recorded donation, or volunteered at least 5 hours, in the last 6 months. Not a member yet? New members may sign up on the morning of the event for a nominal fee. Please RSVP to Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com, and include if you will be bringing a side dish.

Ongoing throughout the day:

- Fossil Museum with Paleo Preserve volunteers

- Leisey-Casey Discovery Center and Frank Garcia Library open

- Fossil pit dig (for small fee)

- Nature Center with Sharon

- Photography contest display/award with Jeri

- Holiday nature crafts with Junior troop 358 from Cypress Creek

- Nature activity stations with Webelos pack 41 from Parrish

- Nature videos in the classroom

- Geo-cache/Letterbox Treasure Hunt with Jeri

- 3 trails through varied habitats

- Native plants for sale

- Native Peoples Camp tours with Herb

- Eagle Audubon Butterfly Habitat with Diane

Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAPP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. Admission is still FREE.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org .

###

photo caption 1: One of many activities offered during 10th Anniversary Holiday Open House.

photo 2: Open House flyer

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
campbayou.blogspot.com

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Job op- Camp Bayou

2009-10-29T07:23:00.001-04:00

Things are looking up at Camp Bayou this year. Thanks to some prep work by one of our volunteers, we were able to make a productive presentation to nearly all the science teachers from Hillsborough County public schools. Since then we have doubled our normal requests for field trips which is wonderful but presents a new dilemma. In the past, volunteer availability has been all we needed to keep up but times are changing... and its a good thing.

Camp Bayou is currently looking for folks to work on a per diem basis as needed, to lead programs for school chldren at Camp Bayou. The pay will be $30 for the 3 hour program. Program topics are varied so it will be helpful to learn several components before you lead a group. Initially, we are in need of facilitators to help with our Rotation Station program which allows up to 120 kids, divided into 6 groups of 20 or less, to rotate every 30 minutes through 5 learning stations plus lunch. Attached is a detailed example of the program, but be aware that individual components may vary. We schedule programs on Thursdays or Fridays (and on rare occasions on Saturdays) from 10am-1pm. All facilitators must agree to a background check.

If you are interested in being a very part time facilitator, at least for the time being, I will be setting up a training date in early Dec, perhaps Friday the 11th. Other trainings, as well as free Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification, will be offered but not mandatory. If you are interested, please contact me at campbayou@yahoo.com or call 813-363-5438.

In the meantime, I have an urgent need for at least 2 facilitators on Friday, Nov 20. If you are game for a brief training in our Native Peoples' topics within the next 2 weeks, please contact me as soon as possible.

Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon!

Dolly

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
campbayou.blogspot.com

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Media Release- Photo Contest

2009-10-28T14:16:00.001-04:00

CAMP BAYOU 10TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO CONTEST 2009

Can it be 10 years already?

In recognition of Camp Bayou's ten years of increasing awareness and understanding of our natural and cultural resources in the Little Manatee River Watershed, this year's Holiday Open House will have a special exhibit of pictures taken at Camp Bayou since that first hopeful year. Anyone who has ever taken a picture at the preserve, or who plans to in the next month or so, is invited to enter this celebratory contest. The basic rules are:

1. To enter submit a matted, unframed, 8x10 black and white or color photo that has been taken at Camp Bayou. Only photos from Camp Bayou will be accepted.

2. Information securely affixed to the back must include name, address and telephone number, an approximate location where taken and the date

when taken. Please indicate if you would be willing for your entry to be used for Camp Bayou displays and publicity. Acknowledgement will be given on any uses of photos.

3. You must be 18 or older to enter.

4. Photos that have previously won a Camp Bayou photo contest are in- eligible.

5. No fee to enter.

6. Entries are due November 30, 2009. Award winners will be announced at the Camp Bayou 10th Anniversary Holiday Open House, Saturday, December 5th, 2009.

7. The winner will be invited to be a judge in the next Camp Bayou Photo Contest.

8. Entries may be brought to Camp Bayou during open hours, Thursday- Saturday, 9am-2pm, or mailed to Camp Bayou Photo Contest, c/o 106 Janie St., Ruskin, FL 33570.

9. For questions call Jeri at 813/633-9479

Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAPP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching.

Camp Bayou is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org .

###

Media contact: Dolly Cummings

Phone: 813-363-5348

A variety of photos are available for use with this release at http://picasaweb.google.com/campbayou .

All photos credits are 'Dolly Cummings' unless otherwise noted.

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
campbayou.blogspot.com

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Job announcements

2009-10-27T21:35:00.003-04:00

From FMNP e-newsletter 10/26/09

1.Biological Survey Technician
2.Fire Ecologist Specialist
3.Research Assistant
4.Director, Landscape and Natural Resources
5.Marsh Bird Field Technician
6.Field Technician
7.Biological Technician- job # AT291234
8.Dade Crew Member
9.Dade Crew Leader
10.Keys Team Member

Are you an FMNP graduate and don't get periodic emails? Contact Sandy Mickey, Florida Master Naturalist Program Coordinator (www.MasterNaturalist.org)
info@masternaturalist.org.

AN INVITATION TO FLORIDA MASTER NATURALISTS

2009-10-08T20:16:00.001-04:00

ST LUCIE COUNTY ADAM’S RANCH TOUR:
AN INVITATION TO FLORIDA MASTER NATURALISTS

The University of Florida / St Lucie County Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with the Savannas State Preserve, has been granted special access to historic Adam’s Ranch in western St Lucie County. Florida Master Naturalist Instructors Wren Underwood and Ken Gioeli extend an invitation for a limited number of Master Naturalists to tour Adam’s Ranch in St Lucie County on October 31, 2009. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Pre-reservations are required.

Adam’s Ranch began to take shape in South Florida in 1937. From that beginning, it has developed into one of the largest cattle ranching operations in the U.S. Their management and conservation practices have been nationally recognized as being beneficial to our native wildlife and plants. Adam’s Ranch is located 12 miles west of 1-95 on Orange Ave in Ft. Pierce. A map is available online at www.adamsranch.com/

For more information about the Adam’s Ranch Tour for Master Naturalists, please contact Ken Gioeli at ktgioeli@ufl.edu.

When: Oct 31, 2009
Time: Begins at 9 a.m.
Where: Adam’s Ranch, 26003 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce 34945
Registration: (772) 462-1660 – ask for Kathy
Registration Fee: Free of charge for Master Naturalists

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Nuisance Wildlife program

2009-10-08T08:43:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, October 14th from 7-8:30 pm the Hillsborough County Extension Service will present the final program in its series on wildlife, 'Nuisance Wildlife'.

Nuisance wildlife is wildlife that...

- causes (or is about to cause) property damage,

- presents a threat to public safety, or

- causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building.

The short course will cover the do's and dont's of moving wildlife, sources of information to assist landowners/homeowners and the legal protection provided from some of Florida's wildlife.

To register for the class please respond to this email. Registration will not be taken over the telephone.

Location:

Hillsborough County Extension Office

5339 County Road 579

Seffner, Florida 33584

Contact:

Rob Northrop

Extension Forester

University of Florida/ Hillsborough Co. Extension

5339 County Road 579

Seffner, Florida 33584

813-744-5519 x106

USF Hosts Campus & Community Sustainability Conference, FREE Going Green Tampa Bay Expo

2009-10-04T07:53:00.002-04:00

October Events Put Spotlight on Florida's Emerging Green Sector and Sustainability Efforts

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2009) - The University of South Florida will host the 4th annual Campus & Community Sustainability Conference on Oct. 8-9 and the FREE Going Green Tampa Bay Expo on Oct. 9-10, drawing hundreds of advocates, students and industry and government leaders interested in exploring new policies, programs and practices for creating sustainable communities.

The conferences are among Florida's most significant annual gatherings for those interested in alternative energy, green building practices and sustainable development, farming and transportation. Both events will be held at the Marshall Student Center on USF's Tampa campus. The Campus & Community Sustainability conference agenda will be highlighted by a Friday lunchtime address by actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr., star of the HGTV series "Living with Ed" and author of a series of books on eco-conscious living.

"The combined sustainability conference and EXPO present a unique opportunity for people from all walks of life to learn and collaborate," said Sharon Hanna-West, USF's Exide Distinguished Lecturer of Ethics and Sustainability who has spearheaded brining the events to campus. "Responding to the challenges of a changing planet is the most critically important action we will undertake in our lifetime, and all of us, regardless of our disciplines, can continually improve our environmental literacy," she said.

The Campus & Community Sustainability conference is presented by Tampa Electric, Peoples Gas, Florida Campus Compact and the City of Tampa. Now in its fourth year, the conference is a program of Sustainable Florida - Collins Center, an alliance of public and private organizations that promotes sustainable development principles through collaboration and education. "The conference helps the private sector learn how best to grow their business while becoming a steward of the environment," said Tim Center, vice president of sustainability initiatives at the Collins Center and director of Sustainable Florida. "And, it helps promote the adoption of the good work taking place on campuses in the state."

Conference attendees will have the choice of nearly 70 presentations and panel discussions, ranging from promoting grassroots sustainability efforts, water conservation and building "green" schools to water conservation, emerging "green" jobs and Florida's future in high-speed rail. On the energy front, panels will feature discussions on carbon markets, biofuel production and climate change. Sustainability in high-density developments and redevelopment projects also will be explored. Complete details of the conference, registration information and a schedule of events can be found here http://www.sustainablefloridaconference.org/ .

On Friday, the conference will be held in conjunction with the start of the Going Green Tampa Bay Expo, which will showcase products and services as well as information about creating a more sustainable Tampa Bay area. The EXPO is a partnership between USF and the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. The Expo, which is free and runs through Saturday, Oct. 10, also will feature new local efforts and practices to reduce our impact on the environment as well as numerous workshops conducted by local experts on topics such as composting, water conservation, and "greening" businesses. More than 80 exhibits will be on hand. The event, made possible with the help of presenting sponsor Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas, will include a showcase of goods, services, information and ideas about renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable design, development and green building.

More than 3,000 visitors came to the first Expo in 2008. Complete information on the 2009 Expo can be found here http://www.theplanningcommission.org/going-green-tampa-bay-expo-2009.html .

"Our efforts toward greening the University of South Florida will benefit tremendously by hosting this year's conference, which will provide our faculty, staff, and students with rich opportunities to network with Florida's eco-friendly businesses and scholars in sustainability from around the state," said Christian Wells, director of USF's Office of Sustainability.

2009 Audubon Assembly, October 23 - 24, St. Petersburg

2009-10-04T07:27:00.002-04:00

Please join Audubon of Florida on October 23 and 24 in St. Petersburg for the 2009 Audubon Assembly and Dialogue on Coastal Conservation and Climate Change http://audubonoffloridanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dialogue-invite.pdf

Celebrated oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Ph. D., is the Assembly's keynote speaker. The two-day program brings together conservation leaders and scientists-as well as policy makers, and business people from across Florida to discuss strategies to protect our coasts, birds, and wildlife, and secure our quality of life.

Come and enjoy two days of Audubon fellowship. Connect with nature and birds on expert-led and self-guided field trips http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2832. Celebrate Audubon chapter milestones, too: St. Petersburg Audubon turns 100 and Clearwater Audubon is 50 this year. Deepen your knowledge at exciting learning sessions. And share your stories of how climate change is affecting your life and the places you care about. See the full Assembly schedule http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2744 .

All-inclusive Assembly registration package is only $120/person if booked before October 7, 2009.

Get Tickets https://audubonofflorida.ticketleap.com/buy-tickets/special-event-ticketing/2009-audubon-assembly-climate-change-and-coastal-conservation/st-petersburg/251DB6F3-7EA6-41BB-AB19-1D5CADA486E

PACKAGE includes programs, workshops, pizza party, cocktail reception (with cash bar), Friday evening banquet, breakfast, two lunches, and field trips. Take advantage of this Early Bird package price now. Book hotel accommodations separately http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/PIECAHF-NAS-20091019/index.jhtml .

* Early Bird all-inclusive ticket: $120. (before Oct. 7)
* Last Minute all-inclusive ticket: $140. (Oct. 7 and after)
* Friday Evening Women in Conservation Banquet ticket: $50. (includes reception)
* Friday Only ticket: $85. (Learning sessions, luncheon, snack, reception, awards banquet)
* Saturday Only ticket: $75. (Learning sessions, breakfast and lunch)

BE A SPONSOR of the 2009 Audubon Assembly

Connect with hundreds of people who are passionate about preserving Florida's environment and wildlife.

To register by mail, contact Lisa Reichert lreichert@audubon.org to request a registration form 305-371-6399, ext.120.

Think about car pooling to St. Petersburg. It's fun and a great way to reduce global warming pollution.

Don't Miss the Dialogue on Coastal Conservation and Climate Change beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, October 23. This session is free and open to the public, so register now http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2904 . The dialogue promises to be a lively discussion of climate change adaptation strategies and ways to secure coastal areas as places where people and wildlife thrive.

Audubon has partnered with state and federal agencies to plan and host the Dialogue:
* Florida Department of Environmental Protection
* Southwest Florida Water Management District U.S. Geological Survey
* University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
* University of Central Florida

http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2719

Loss Of Top Predators Causing Surge In Smaller Predators, Ecosystem Collapse

2009-10-04T07:21:00.001-04:00

The loss of primary, or "apex" predators is causing an explosion in secondary, or "mesopredators" around the world, a new study concludes. For example, the extermination of wolves may allow coyote populations to surge, which in turn can suppress feral cat populations, leading to more rodents, etc. These cascading effects are poorly understood but are causing ecosystem disruptions around the world, scientists say.
Loss Of Top Predators Causing Surge In Smaller Predators, Ecosystem Collapse

Shared via AddThis

Two Upcoming Wildlife Events

2009-09-24T15:54:00.001-04:00

Audubon Assembly - Oct. 23rd

Audubon and our partners invite you to be our guests for
The Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, 9AM to 11:30AM
Hilton St Petersburg Carillon Park
Hosted by Audubon of Florida and its partners

Be part of a lively discussion on climate change adaptation strategies and ways to maintain our coasts as places where people and wildlife can thrive. The Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation will explore what we must do to prepare for the challenges of a changing coastline. The Dialogue will build on and increase cooperation for protecting natural resources and the economy in response to the effects of global warming.

The Dialogue is free but seating is limited.
Please share the additional details on the attached flyer with your friends and colleagues, and register today at http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2904!

________________________________________________________________

Wildlife Webinar - October 2, 10:00 - 11:45AM

Wildlife Conservation: Growth and land use have a far-reaching effect on wildlife habitats and populations. Future land use decisions, development practices, planning approaches, design choices and other actions by humans will impact the ultimate sustainability of our animal counterparts and their living environs. In this session, experts will present an array of findings, strategies, best practices and powerful resources to support advancements in wildlife conservation.

Presenters: Stephanie Rousseau, Wildlife Biologist IV, Florida Wildlife Commission. Dan Pennington, Community Planner, 1000 Friends of Florida. Nancy Payton, Southwest Florida Field Representative, Florida Wildlife Federation. Dr. Lisa Beever, AICP, Director, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program in Florida
Date/Time: October 2, 10:00 - 11:45AM
Place: On-Line, your computer

Planning & Growth Academy: The Wildlife event is part of an ongoing on-line series featuring diverse topics and experts on planning, growth, community development and related topics. See www.CreatingTheFutureNow.com<http://www.CreatingTheFutureNow.com>, On-Line Learning tab, for more.

To Sign Up: Just go to http://www.CreatingTheFutureNow/On-Line_Learning_Academy.html<http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?A1-374836540> and scroll to the sessions of interest. Reg.:25 dol.lars per-session (packages also available). Our event policy:
minimal-fees, maximum-service, no travel, timely programs.

Be Our Guest: Climate change has fast become an urgent priority for the environment and wildlife. Listen in on our 60 minute interview with Carol Browner - former US EPA chief and climate change specialist - on this and related concerns. Ms. Browner was since appointed as President Obama's "climate change czar". Go to Making a Difference tab on above site.

We welcome the opportunity to further serve and support wildlife conservation.

On Behalf Of:

The Future Is Now Foundation

CreatingtheFutureNow.com

850.997.2837, 251.0760

The Future Is Now Foundation, a non-partisan charitable-non-profit organization focused on training and education on topics that matter for the future and now.

The Fall 2009 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online

2009-09-20T16:58:00.001-04:00

The Fall 2009 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2009fall.pdf.

Heinrich Ecological Services - Program Calendar

2009-09-11T18:41:00.000-04:00

From George Heinrich:

Hello folks. I am writing to inform you of four natural history programs (see below) that are scheduled for September and October. Two are being offered free of charge by the hosting organizations and the other two have very minimal fees. Space is very limited, so please register with the hosting organizations ASAP if you are interested.

Saturday, 12 September 2009
Diamondback Terrapins: Living on the Edge
Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)
(free of charge, family-oriented workshop for the general public; call 727-453-6500 for more information)

Saturday, 26 September 2009
Natural History and Conservation of Florida Turtles
Starkey Environmental Education Center (New Port Richey, Florida)
(free of charge, family-oriented workshop for the general public; call 727-834-3474 for more information)

Sunday, 18 October 2009
Gopher Tortoise Interpretive Hike
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)
(family-oriented interpretive hike; call 727-893-7326 for more information)

Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve’s Naturalist’s Night Out (Scat Workshop)
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)
(learn about the value of scat and what it can reveal; call 727-893-7326 for more information)
Visit the HES Calendar for more information:
Heinrich Ecological Services - Program Calendar

Estuary Academy Registration Open!

2009-09-11T18:36:00.000-04:00

Registration is now open for the 2009 Estuary Academy, set for Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg.

The Academy's mission is to introduce citizens to the wealth of scientific research being conducted in the Tampa Bay Watershed, and provide hands-on science learning experiences. This year's theme is "A Glimpse Beneath the Surface," highlighting underwater life and human interactions with this watery world.

The $10 registration fee includes lunch, fabulous speakers, door prizes and a choice of terrific, hands-on workshops. The Academy has something for everyone!

Participation is limited to 100 adults and children over 12, and pre-registration is required. An agenda and registration form are now available online at www.tbep.org. Registration payment can be made online through PayPal.

If you wish to pay by check, please contact Colleen at (727) 893-2765 or email colleen@tbep.org

CENTRAL WEST Regional FMNP meeting

2009-09-08T22:28:00.001-04:00

CENTRAL WEST Regional FMNP meeting

at Camp Bayou, Ruskin

September 12, 2009--Saturday

9:30AM to 1:30PM

Come find out Florida's fascinating fossil history with the famous fossil hunter and author Frank Garcia. Learn about one of his digs, which turned into one of the greatest Ice Age fossil sites worldwide and "one of the most important scientific discoveries in Florida ever" right here in the Tampa Bay area with over 140 different prehistoric species found and some being identified as new species! From mastodons to giant ground sloths, discover with us the hidden world of yesterday's predators and prey.

All FMNP graduates of one, two or all three modules

and their guest(s) are welcome.

Are you interested in taking a FMNP class but haven't yet?
Please come join us!

9:30AM Welcome, Introductions

10:00 - 11:00 AM "Florida Fossils" with Frank Garcia,

                                    Nationally Noted Paleontologist

11:30 - 12:30 PM    Lunch
                                   Bring Your Own Bag Lunch & Beverage in Reusable

Containers (No Styrofoam please)

12:30 - 1:30 PM Regional Meeting and Sharing Scientific-based Information

1:30PM Meeting Adjourned; Enjoy self-guided tours of the area

including Native American displays

Items to bring: Bag lunch, beverage, water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, camera.

RSVP: Dolly Cummings (FMNP Instructor and our Camp Bayou host) at
campbayou@yahoo.com or 813-363-5438

Directions: Check Yahoo Maps for directions to address listed below. Get lost on the way? Call cell phone 727-327-1345 for Jeanne, Pinellas FMNP Instructor.

Camp Bayou

4140 24th St. SE
Ruskin, FL 33570

Estuary Academy Registration Open!

2009-09-08T12:38:00.001-04:00

From Nanette at TBEP:

Registration is now open for the 2009 Estuary Academy , set for Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg .

The Academy's mission is to introduce citizens to the wealth of scientific research being conducted in the Tampa Bay Watershed, and provide hands-on science learning experiences. This year's theme is "A Glimpse Beneath the Surface," highlighting underwater life and human interactions with this watery world.

The $10 registration fee includes lunch, fabulous speakers, door prizes and a choice of terrific, hands-on workshops. The Academy has something for everyone!

Participation is limited to 100 adults and children over 12, and pre-registration is required. An agenda and registration form are now available online at www.tbep.org. Registration payment can be made online through PayPal.

If you wish to pay by check, please contact Colleen at (727) 893-2765 or email colleen@tbep.org for instructions.

Regards,

Nanette Holland O'Hara

Public Outreach Coordinator

Tampa Bay Estuary Program

100 8th Ave. S.E.

St. Petersburg , FL 33701

(727) 893-2765 phone

(727) 893-2767 fax

e-mail: Nanette@tbep.org

www.tbep.org

www.tampabay.wateratlas.org

Giant's cabins move to Camp Bayou

2009-09-04T07:40:00.001-04:00

Media contact: Dolly Cummings

phone: 813-363-5438

New Addition to Camp Bayou- Giant's Camp Cabins

It has been months in the making, with many more to completion, but two of the remaining Giant's Camp Cabins that were slowly deteriorating next to the Alafia River in Gibsonton, have now been moved to the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center on the Little Manatee River in Ruskin.

Plans for their restoration include creating an exhibit of the historical uses of the river and bay in one cabin and restoring the other to its original appearance as an example of a real 'Old Florida'- style cabin. Mosaic Company had offered the cabins to any non-profit who would be willing to move them from the site rather than demolish these historic buildings that were built more than 50 years ago.

The Ruskin Community Development Foundation (RCDF), parent non-profit to Camp Bayou OLC, showed an interest and with money from a previous grant received from Gulf Stream Gas Corporation and with the expertise of Miller Transportation, the two cabins safely arrived at Camp Bayou at the end of August 2009.

If you are interested in helping refurbish these cabins, the first work day will coincide with the International Coastal Cleanup taking place on Saturday, September 19. At Camp Bayou, volunteers will arrive starting at 8am. The cabins are just one of the Fixup/Cleanup tasks to be done. If you are interested in helping specifically with the cabins, call Dolly at 813-363-5438 or email campbayou@yahoo.com.

The move was documented by Fred Jacobsen, RCDF board member and past president, in these online videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaNQnQYwqlw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TW5C1OXD-U

Camp Bayou is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org .

###

Picture attached: Members of Camp Bayou Committee enjoy the view from the front porch of #4- (L-R): Jeri Hundertmark, Diane and Richard Alvarez, Mark Dunn and Fred Jacobsen

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
campbayou.blogspot.com

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Fall Programs with G. Heinrich

2009-09-03T18:06:00.000-04:00

From George Heinrich:

Hello folks. I am writing to inform you of four natural history programs (see below) that are scheduled for September and October. Two are being offered free of charge by the hosting organizations and the other two have very minimal fees. Space is very limited, so please register with the hosting organizations ASAP if you are interested.

Saturday, 12 September 2009

Diamondback Terrapins: Living on the Edge

Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)

(free of charge, family-oriented workshop for the general public; call 727-453-6500 for more information )

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Natural History and Conservation of Florida Turtles

Starkey Environmental Education Center (New Port Richey, Florida)
(free of charge, family-oriented workshop for the general public; call 727-834-3474 for more information )

Sunday, 18 October 2009

Gopher Tortoise Interpretive Hike

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)
(family-oriented interpretive hike; call 727-893-7326 for more information )

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve's Naturalist's Night Out (Scat Workshop)

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)
(learn about the value of scat and what it can reveal; call 727-893-7326 for more information )

Regards, George

George L. Heinrich
Heinrich Ecological Services
St. Petersburg, FL 33705-4620
website: www.heinrichecologicalservices.com