Satellite Beach Recreation Department Upcoming Events by Lynn Gornto

Samsons Island Adopt a Park Program
Samsons Island Nature Park is a 52 acre island owned by the City of Satellite Beach located in the Indian River Lagoon.  Since 1991, city volunteers and staff have worked diligently to re-vegetate this spoil island to local flora and fauna can enjoy a small piece of open land.  The City's Adopt a Park program recruits individuals, families and local organizations to lend a hand with park duties that suit their ability level.  Individuals and families can volunteer on the island on a schedule that suits them, while organizations are asked to commit to work parties at least twice a year.  Those interested in volunteering on Samsons Island can contact Kerry Stoms, SB Rec. Dept. Director, at 773-6458 or kstoms@satellitebeach.org

Marine Environmental Club    7 - 8pm    Cost:   $30/child
If you enjoyed Marine Biology Camp this summer or have a great interest in marine activities, then keep that excitement going with our Marine Environmental Club this school year!  Kids 7-13 yrs old can join Ms. Tiffany in monthly meetings that feature local experts in marine or environmental fields and marine activities!  The club meets  Nov. 30, Jan. 25, Feb. 29, March 21, and April 25 at the DRS Community Center Meeting Room.   1089 S Patrick Dr Satellite Beach 773-6458

Beachlovers (and trash haters)
Beachlovers & Trash Haters are gathering at Pelican Beach Park, north dune crossover at 8am on the second Saturday monthly.  The informal trash bash is spearheaded by Judy De La Rosa.  Keep Brevard Beautiful will supply trash bags and gloves, volunteers should bring their own drinking water.  No need to rsvp, just show up!  Contact Judy at 960-0436 or judy@mitchrealty.com with questions.

Hightower Beach Park in Satellite Beach!
Your family might wish to discover the educational boardwalk located at Hightower Beach Park, HWY AIA.  Signage along the boardwalk provides information on whales, turtles, birds, our famous worm rock and much more. The message empowers those reading it to make a difference in the lives of each animal and gives instructions on how simple actions and result in big changes.

Close Encounters of the Bird Kind

New contest spotlights bird interactions 

thaca, NY—The Celebrate Urban Birds project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is launching a contest to capture memorable encounters with birds. The goal is to show some of the ways birds interact with each other, with humans, or with other creatures.

Entries can be in the form of a story, a photo, artwork, video, poetry, sculpture or any other creative art. Participants just need to show birds interacting in fun, interesting, or captivating ways.

"For example, you might see a House Sparrow trying to grab a sandwich at the park," says project leader Karen Purcell. "Maybe a crow is teasing your dog or hummingbirds are dueling over who gets dibs on the nectar feeder. That's the sort of close encounter we'd like to see."

Prizes include binoculars, bird feeders, sound CDs, books, and much more. The first 50 entrants receive a copy of the Cornell Lab's “Doves and Pigeons” poster by Julie Zickefoose. Selected entries will also be featured in the 2012 Celebrate Urban Birds calendar.  How to enter:

1. Email entries to urbanbirds@cornell.edu. If you submit a video, post it on YouTube and send the link. 
2. Write "CloseEncounter_yourfirstname yourlastname_yourstate" in the subject line.
3. Include both your mailing address and the location where you saw the bird(s) in your email.
4. Explain why you submitted your entry and what it shows.  
5. One entry per person, please.
6. Read the terms of agreement.     

Deadline for entries is November 15, 2011

Visit the Celebrate Urban Birds website for more information.

Project Contact: Karen Purcell, Project Leader, (607) 254-2455, urbanbirds@cornell.edu

Media Contact: Pat Leonard, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Hosting Screening of Documentary Feather Wars

Monday, October 24, 2011 – Special Event!

In lieu of the regular scheduled PIPS General Meeting on this date, we be holding a special fund-raising event for the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. PIPS will host the screening of the documentary “Feather Wars” at the Majestic Theater in Vero Beach.

Feather Wars is a film documentary about the history of Pelican Island and the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903. The 30-minute video was written and directed by Tom Lowe and produced by his Orlando, Florida company, Eagle Productions, for the PBS Channel. Mr. Lowe has also produced other Florida-themed documentaries such as “The Sponge Divers of Tarpon Springs”, “River Into the New World” and “Zora’s Roots – The Zora Neale Hurston Story”. Mr. Lowe also writes mystery/thriller novels that are Florida-based.

We believe this is the first unrestricted public screening of the documentary, which has yet to air on PBS. The event will be held at the Majestic Theater of Vero Beach, 940 14th Lane. PIPS is the Citizen Support Organization for the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and proceeds from this event will support the refuge.

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served starting at 7:30 PM, with the screening at 8:15 PM. Advanced reservations are $15/person for PIPS members or $20/person, non-member (to include a membership – individual/family, as appropriate) and can be made with a credit card on our website – see PayPal payment buttons below. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20/person or $25/person for non-members, to include a PIPS membership.

If you are making a reservation using our PayPal service and are not a PIPS member, please click on the “Note to Seller – Add” option in the checkout process if you would like to add name(s) to your new PIPS membership. Also include the mailing address of where you would like your newsletter sent, if different from your credit card billing address. Or better yet, just let us know that you would rather receive the electronic/email version ONLY of our newsletter!

You may also pay for your reservation by check by sending it to us – look for our mailing address under the “About Us” menu above. If you are paying by check and are not a PIPS member, please print out and submit our Membership Application with your payment, which is available for download on the Membership page under the “Get Involved” menu above.

If paying by check, please mail your payment no later than Thursday, October 20, 2011. The day of the event, we will accept cash, check or credit card at the door.

For more information please email us at info@firstrefuge.org or call 772-202-0697. For more information about the Majestic Theater, please call them at 772-770-0774.

Public Comments Invited for Everglades Headwaters Proposal By Vince Lamb

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to conserve the natural resources and preserve the rural way of life in the Everglades Headwaters – the Kissimmee River Valley south of the Orlando area.  A proposal is moving forward to purchase conservation easements on 100,000 acres and to purchase outright 50,000 acres – the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area.

Funding for these purchases is available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund with monies derived primarily from the sale of offshore oil leases.  Public support is critical to ensure that the Everglades Headwaters receives approval in competition with proposals from other areas of the U.S.  When the proposal was first announced, loud opposition was expressed by some airboaters, hunters and fisherman who would prefer that the land remain in private ownership.  At recent public hearings, the ranching community has expressed their support.  The Nature Conservancy has endorsed the proposal and is a partner in the effort.

More information is available at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/evergladesheadwaters/.  A Questions document at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/evergladesheadwaters/pdf/EvergladesQuestions.pdf provides answers to common questions about the proposal in two pages.

The email address to provide your comments is EvergladesHeadwatersProposal@fws.gov.  If you prefer to mail a paper copy of your comments, the postal address is listed on the main page of the website.

If you support this proposal, please send your comments including your name, address and phone number.  The demonstrated public support is an critical factor when the key decision will be reached.  You have the opportunity to play a part in the creation of this new refuge that protects the Everglades Headwaters.  Do not let this slip away due to public apathy.

Florida Bluebird Society Sponsors a Statewide Bluebird Blitz

The second annual Statewide Bluebird Blitz will take place on Friday November 18 and Saturday November 19, 2011.

What is a Bluebird Blitz?
The Statewide Bluebird Blitz is a concentrated effort by as many volunteers as possible going out all over the state of Florida on specific dates to locate as many Eastern Bluebirds as possible.

Why a Bluebird Blitz?
There is much general information available about bluebirds, but what applies in other parts of the country may not hold true in Florida. The Florida Bluebird Society is gathering data on where and when bluebirds can be found in the state. The fall Blitz, Nov. 18-19, 2011, will help us determine where Bluebirds find food and habitat during non-breeding season. We will also conduct a Spring Blitz April 13-14, 2012.

Participation is simple.

• Go outside on Friday Nov. 18 and/or Saturday Nov 19, 2011, and look for bluebirds
• Record as much as you are able about the bluebirds you see. Location, behavior, sex, age, etc. We also want to know where you looked and did not find any bluebirds.
• Download, complete, and submit the Blitz Report form that is on the Florida Bluebird Society web site, floridabluebirdsociety.com.

THAT’S IT! Together we can make a difference in the conservation and protection of Florida’s bluebirds!

The Florida Bluebird Society was organized two years ago with a mission of conservation and protection of Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting bird species through educational programs and the collection and dissemination of pertinent and relevant information.

A Tale of Two Moths by Dee Fairbanks Simpson

On the Friday of our last meeting, I went outside at lunch time and found the biggest moth I've ever seen in my life hanging on the side of my house, I seriously thought it was a bat at first. I got a bunch of pictures of it, and didn't think much more of it. However, at the meeting that night, Jim Meyer happened to mention that he too had seen a huge moth that day too. We were comparing notes, and even though Jim saw his in Titusville, and I saw mine in Fellsmere, it sure sounded like we were seeing at least the same type of moth. Here are our pictures for comparison (click on photo to enlarge):

Jim's Moth

Dee's Moth

Let us know in the comments if you know what kind of critters we have here!

Join SCAS For Our October Meeting

Join Space Coast Audubon for our October general meeting with special guest speaker, Katrina Morell. From the pleistocene to pioneers, Pine Island Conservation Area has a long history.  Come learn about Pine Island's past and get a sneak peak at the new Pine Island Management and Education Center/Sams House, run by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program.  The oldest standing home in Brevard County has been restored and converted into a museum with interactive exhibits and over six miles of nature trails.  The presentation will be conducted by Katrina Morrell, Education Coordinator and Center Manager.

Please join us at the Rockledge Presbyterian Church on the evening of October 21 at 7:30 for this exciting presentation!

Beach-nesting or Rooftop-nesting Birds

Hi everyone,

If you are aware of nesting locations of shorebirds and seabirds (on beaches or rooftops), please enter them in the statewide Florida Shorebird Database: www.flshorebirddatabase.org<http://www.flshorebirddatabase.org>.
We are conducting a statewide census and would appreciate any information you may have for your part of the state. Please forward this to anyone who may be able to help, and feel free to call/email me with any questions.

Thanks,

Naomi Avissar
Shorebird Partnership Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Habitat and Species Conservation
3900 Drane Field Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
Tel: (863) 370-6305* or (863) 647-4000 x1183

Check out Florida Shorebird Alliance: http://flshorebirdalliance.org/

Video Production Project by Jason Frederick

I would like to invite anybody, no matter their talent level, who would like to participate in making movies and Power Point Presentations for chapter meetings, educational presentations for schools, and other uses. I have several ideas for presentations and welcome other people's input as well.

Some of my ideas are for presentations on:

• Scrub Jays
• Gopher Tortoises
• Bird Migration in Brevard County
• Birds of Brevard County
• Butterflies

and about 100 more.

I would like to put together a team to work on these projects. What I need from you is:

• Photos
• Videos
• Music
• Time
• Effort
• Creativity
• Voices for voice overs
• Any thing you can spare.

I have software that can combine photos, videos, and music to make a movie or we can make Power Point Presentations. I am not expecting National Geographic quality presentations, but they are going to be great. If you would like to help out, please email me at heyyoukidd@yahoo.com or call me at 321-449-9678. You do not have to be Ansel Adams, just have the willingness to help.

Florida Keys HawkWatch by Jim Eager

The Florida Keys HawkWatch(FKH) is a collaborative effort of Rafael Galvez, with Tropical Audubon Society(TAS) and Jim Eager, with Space Coast Audubon Society(SCAS) with assistance from Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA).

The FKH count is conducted at Curry Hammock SP on Little Crawl Key just NE of Marathon in the beautiful Florida Keys.  This hawkwatch monitors 13 species of raptors on their fall migration to their wintering grounds.  FKH hosts the largest migration of Peregrine Falcons in North America.  On October 11, 2008 FKH had the amazing fortune of breaking the world record for the most Peregrine Falcons seen in 1 day anywhere in the world with an astonishing 638.  The hawk watch was started in 1999 and ran until 2008 when funding was lost.  Due to the loss of funding there was no hawk watch in 2009.  HMANA resurrected the hawk watch for the 2010 season.  They agreed to run it for one year and then they count on local ownership to step up and continue running the site but will continue to offer any assistance that is needed.  Due to the loss of funding and with the economy the way it is the former coordinator exhausted all resources in an attempt to maintain funding.  During the 2011 Space Coast Birding and Nature Festival I brought up the subject to an optics rep for a major sport optics company.

For 10 years the hawk watch was funded by the scientific community and the optics rep suggested we go in a different direction and approach it from a recreational standpoint.  We have been able to obtain funding from a major sports optics company, Florida Keys Birding Festival, Tropical Audubon, Space Coast Audubon and Florida Keys Audubon.  In addition we were awarded the Helen & Allan Cruickshank research award from Florida Ornithological Society(FOS).  Letters were sent out to all the Florida Audubon Society chapters in an attempt acquire more funding.  Funding is needed for stipends for 2 paid observers, mileage, housing for observers.  This will be an ongoing challenge year after year to acquire funding.  It is a pleasure to have SCAS as a partner and supporter and look forward to a promising relationship.  All SCAS members and friends are invited to come witness firsthand the amazing sight of raptor migration. The FKH will be conducted from September 15-November 13, 2011.

A Message From: 1000 Friends of Florida & the Future Is Now Foundation

Green Planning, Sustainability & Economic Vitality for Florida Communities

No-cost on-line events and services are now-available to assist Florida agencies, organizations and communities. “Smart Planning for a Green Future” is the theme, encompassing green planning, clean energy, sustainable economic development and more. Live on-line events are being hosted monthly with state and national experts. A Virtual Resource Center and state conference are also included. Sponsored by: 1000 Friends of Florida & the Future Is Now Foundation. For details and to hold your space for upcoming events: http://www.energysmartplanning.org./Webinars.html

• Sustainability & Energy Planning for Communities September 22, 2011 2:00 – 4:00 PM
• Transportation Alternatives for Energy Efficiency October 4 - 6, 2011 (tentative dates)
• Smart Planning for Communities: Tapping Green Energy Strategies for High Power Returns Held August 11, 2011   (Replay coming)

Sustainability & Energy Planning for Communities

• September 22, 2011 2:00 – 4:00 PM
• Brief: Communities across the country have been surveyed for their sustainability projects and strategies. Learn from the experience of others in or relevant to Florida communities. Also benefit from strategic guidance on how to plan for and implement clean, green communities. Access powerful-new-resources for local- support.
• Presenters:
• Jared Lang, Program Manager, Green Government Initiative, National Association of Counties
• Tammy Zborel, Senior Associate, Sustainability Program, Center for Research and Innovation, National League of Cities
• Alexander Dane, Project Leader, Strategic Energy Planning, National Renewable Energy Laboratories/US Department of Energy
• Tad McGilliard, Director of Sustainability, International City-County Management Association

Transportation Alternatives for Energy Efficiency

• October 4 - 6, 2011 (tentative dates)
• Brief: Many options exist for making communities more energy efficient though transportation choices … from land use planning and development practices to public transportation and operational systems to alternative fuel vehicles and a whole lot more. Find out what your community can do to tap significant efficiencies (and related benefits) for now and the long haul.

Smart Planning for Communities: Tapping Green Energy Strategies for High Power Returns 

• Aired live August 11, 2011  … replay to be available soon     
• 2 CM AICP credits
• Brief: Discover the realm of possibilities for communities through the integral relationships between smart planning, green energy, sustainability and jobs/economic vitality.  Learn about landmark practices, approaches and models that can be replicated in Florida communities.
• Presenters:
• Mitchell Silver, AICP, PP - President, American Planning Association & City of Raleigh, NC Chief Planning & Economic Development Officer and Director, Department of City Planning
• Paula Thomas, City of Raleigh, Manager, Office of Sustainability, City of Raleigh, NC
• Randall Reid, County Manager, Alachua County FL & Sustainability Committee Chair, International City-County Management Association
• Sean McLendon, Manager, Sustainability Program, Alachua County

 Additional events in the series will be announced throughout the year, along with the Virtual Conference & Expo planned for the Spring 2012.

The on-line sessions are designed to provide training, technical assistance and educational support to: local governments, community planners, environmental & planning officials, economic development agencies, professions & trades that serve communities, utilities, educational institutions, nonprofits, community leaders and others.
Continuing education credits for planners (AICP – CM) are available or being applied for regarding most sessions in the series. Other credits also may apply.
Further details about these and other Web-events and services of the initiative are at: www.EnergySmartPlanning.org.

We welcome your “spreading the word” with others in your agency, organization and community. All who would like to attend may do so. Sponsored by: 1000 Friends of Florida and the Future Is Now Foundation. Follow-us on Facebook and Twitter and sign onto our Home page for notices of future events. Email: support@energysmartplanning.org.

CNAH (Center for North American Herpetology) Announcement: New Book Available Gratis

A Runaway Train in the Making; The Exootic Amphibians, Reptiles, Turtles and Crocodilians of Florida by Walter E. Meshaka, Jr., 2011. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 6 (Monograph 1): 1-101

From the Introduction: As of 2004, 40 exotic species of herpetofauna occurred in established populations in Florida (Meshaka et al. 2004a), and two years later, Meshaka (2006) reviewed the inclusion of six more species. Yet another species appeared as established in 2007. In light of a wealth of new published information since Meshaka et al. (2004a) went to press and a continuing accumulation of new exotic species and colonies of existing exotic species, it became apparent that an update of Meshaka et al. (2004a) was warranted. Thus, this new edition is both a snapshot in time and a progress report, providing a summary of Florida’s exotic herpetofaunal phenomenon. Its goal remains unchanged: to convey to an audience of budding naturalists, land managers, professional biologists, and those at regulatory institutions what is currently known and unknown about the established ecology and colonization dynamics of each established species. This will better enable interested individuals to understand the colonization process and will provide them useful information with which to make wise management decisions.

CNAH Note: This book is highly recommended; Walter Meshaka is the leading authority on North America's exotic herpetofauna. He maintains a North American exotic web site that is updated daily at http://www.cnah.org/ex_nameslist.asp

Florida Keys Hawkwatch by Jim Eager

Thanks to all that have gone to Florida Keys Hawkwatch Facebook page and hit LIKE.  We were aiming for 100 LIKES by the end of August and now have 110.  Also, if you're interested check out our blog at floridakeyshawkwatch.wordpress.com and keep up with the goings on during the season.  You can also go to www.hawkcount.org and also keep up.  Look forward to seeing folks from around the Space Coast that want to witness an exciting raptor migration.  I'm sure I've mentioned this but the hawkwatch has the largest migration of Peregrine Falcons anywhere in North America.

North American Migratory Count

Saturday, September 17th, 2011 will be the Fall migration count. Space Coast Audubon will again participate and we’ll have another picnic afterwards. We call this: Meet, Greet, Eat and Count, and here are the details:

Matt Heyden will be the coordinator for Brevard County. If you would like to participate in the count and/or the picnic, please contact him at 321-264-8909 or mheyden716@aol.com. His address is 516 Lake Dr. Titusville, Fl. 32780

At this point in time, most areas are open. Call now to reserve your favorite! You can count for as long or as short a time as you wish. You can even include feeder counts. The form just asks you to keep track of how long you bird, whether by foot , car, or boat and climatic conditions.

The picnic location for this count is The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor center. We will be there from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. We’ll be meeting, greeting and eating in the parking lot. Folks can turn in their tally sheets at that time, or if they wish to continue their count, they can email or mail the sheets to Matt before September 19. Everyone should bring their own lunch , and bring a chair. Do come, because this is the opportunity to make new friends and talk bird sightings.

Some guidelines:

• Anyone can participate. You can bird alone if you know what you’re doing. You can bird with someone else, or if you are completely new to this, Matt will try to place you with someone in your region.
• We’re trying to cover this entire huge county, so there is lots to do, and everyone is both welcome and needed.
• This is important. If it weren’t important….we wouldn’t be doing this. These data are vital to bird conservation studies.
• Our education chair person, Lora Losi has strongly suggested that we bring along young non-birders, to expose them to the fun side of what we do.

Stormwater...When it Rains…It Drains

Stormwater...When it Rains…It Drains with Elizabeth Melvin, Wednesday, September 21st at 6:00 PM at Cocoa Beach Library.

Elizabeth Melvin from Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office will offer all you need to know about stormwater pollution and water quality. She will provide an overview of how water quality is affected by stormwater run-off, Learn how you can become a steward of the Indian River Lagoon. The library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. 868-1104.

Margot Trafford
Adult Program Coordinator
868-1104

Oct. 15 Wildflower Symposium - You are Invited!

Please join the Florida Wildflower Foundation at Wekiwa Springs State Park's Youth Camp for a day of education and fun. This year's event features morning presentations then hand's-on afternoon workshops on such topics as nature photography, landscaping with wildflowers, propagation for home gardeners and more. There's also a wildflower walk with the ever-popular Dr. Walter K. Taylor, a plant and seed sale, door prizes and a silent auction.

Each participant will choose one afternoon workshop. Space is limited - purchase your ticket early to ensure your workshop choice.

Cost is $20 for FWF members and $30 for non-members. Become a member of the Foundation by visiting www.flawildflowers.org/membership.php


Download the full schedule at http://www.flawildflowers.org

Bird Man Walking (reprinted from Audubon Chapter Networker)

Inspired by a chance meeting in Tennessee during the 1970s with A Walk Across America author, Peter Jenkins, Brad Storey made a decision that one day he would put on a backpack and set out on a journey of his own.

Nearly thirty-five years later and recently retired, Brad told his family he was going to use his new-found time to walk across America with his dog, Xena. As a family, they agreed that walking for a cause would make his journey even more meaningful. Given Brad’s love for birdwatching, he immediately contacted the National Audubon Society and offered to help raise money for Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Program.

As a devoted birdwatcher, Brad has spent a lifetime inspiring friends and family to learn about birds and the threats they face due to habitat loss from climate change and development. So, starting this September, in Brunswick, GA, Brad and Xena take his message about protecting critical bird habitat across America--mile by mile, flyway by flyway.

From Brunswick, GA they will head west to Montgomery, Alabama and continue west along the Gulf Coast before heading to California. They will be stopping at Audubon Centers and Important Bird Areas along the way. Be sure to follow their progress on Brad’s Facebook Fanpage: Bird Man Walking to see where they’ll be walking, or visit his blog: http://birdmanwalking.wordpress.com/

Brad and Xena are inviting Chapter Members to JOIN them for any part of the walk and enjoy the birds along the way. The family has invited anyone who wants to meet up with Brad during his journey to contact his daughter, Lucy, at lstorey@southuniversity.edu or 412-377-9367.

If you can’t walk with Brad and Xena, but would like to support their effort to protect the most important places in America for birds, please consider making a donation to Audubon’s Important Bird Area’s Program at the following Audubon site: http://audubonaction.org/bradstorey.

Space Coast Audubon Fieldtrip to Viera Wetlands

Today we saw the usual mottled, blue winged teal and black bellied whistling ducks.  One of the ducks spotted in cell # 4 was obviously different from the other ducks so after getting out the scope and examining it closer,  Roy Book was able to ID it as a Fulvous Whistling Duck.

Here are some of the other birds seen today:

• Pied billed grebes
• Anhinga
• Black Terns
• Wilson’s Phalarope
• Black Necked Stilts
• Greater Yellow Legs
• Short billed dowitcher
• Western SP
• Least SP
• Solitary SP
• Stilt SP
• Pectoral SP
• Killdeer
• Semipalmated Plovers
• Kingfishers
• Bald Eagle
• Cara Cara
• Osprey
• Turkey Vulture
• Barn Swallows
• Common Ground Dove
• Sandhill cranes
• Wood storks
• Ibis – white,  glossy
• Herons - GB, LB, Grn, tri-colored
• Juvenile black crowned night heron
• Snowy, cattle & Great Egret
• Common moorhen
• Coots
• Red Bellied Woodpecker
• Shrike
• Mockingbirds
• Fish Crow
• Boat tailed grackles
• Red winged blackbirds
• Otter crossing road with a fish in its mouth

Vicky Hamilton

SCAS Field Trip Coordinator

Pontoon Boat Eco Tour of Intracoastal Marsh Restoration By Don White

The Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is taking reservations for a special September 24th two hour eco-tour of the marsh restoration project along the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler and Volusia Counties.  Captain Jim Morse's 48 passenger pontoon boat, the Hurricane Queen, from the International Marine Research Solutions, will pilot us along the Intracoastal Waterway.  Paul Haydt from SJRWMD will provide the tour narrative for this successful 4-5 year project....returning dredge-spoil to improved estuarine habitat.  Eco-tour participants will be given free admission to Gamble Rogers State Park, and should bring their own picnic lunches to enjoy together after the pontoon boat tour at the State Park picnic area.  The tour begins 8:30 AM at Gamble Rogers State Park in SE Flagler County.

• This ecotour is open to all interested persons from other environmental groups.  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. 
• Price of the trip will be $25/ individual or $40/ couple.   
• Contact person is Mark Wheeler: 
• Phone (386 586-6580) or  Email: wheelmarks@bellsouth.net

Also of interest:  Volunteer opportunity from the Hurricane Queen on Sept. 17, "Fall Equinox Coastal Cleanup" International Marine Ecological Research Solutions and the Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station along with volunteers from Georgia Aquarium and Marineland Dolphin Adventure are teaming up for a Fall Equinox Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday September 17th. 2011.

The fall equinox creates very high and low tides bringing in abnormally large amounts of marine debris. Participants will be provided transportation aboard the IMERS Vessel Hurricane Queen to access the Spoils Islands on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Registration will be held at the Marineland Marina on Saturday the 17th. at 08:00 AM.
Departure is at 08:45 AM and we will be Returning approximately 12:00 Noon.  This event is open to ages 12 and older; minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  DON'T FORGET your Sun Screen, Insect Repellent, Hat, Gloves, and Shoes you don't mind getting wet. Bottled water will be provided.

For more information on Cleanup call: (904) 461-9941 or E-Mail: contact@imersfl.org

Chapter Officers - Historical Compiled by Pat Meyer

INDIAN RIVER AUDUBON SOCIETY
Serving Brevard County, Florida and Florida's Space Coast

• 1953-54 Pres. Samuel Harper VP Mrs. Harold Hendry Secy/Treas Mrs. Alice Duff Notification Secy Mrs. Jennie Punshon 
• 1954-55 Pres. Hunley Abbott Secy/Treas Mrs. Alice Duff 
• 1955-56 Pres. A. H. Hastings Secy/Treas Mrs. Alice Duff 
• 1956-57 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Mrs. Graeme Howard Corres Secy James O'Neil Treas Foster White Historian Samuel Harper 
• 1957-58 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Mrs. F. J. Hopkinson Rec Secy Mrs. Malcom Grimes Treas Foster White Historian Sam Harper Lon Ellis became Asst. Ed. 
• 1958-59 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Mrs. F. J. Hopkinson Rec Secy Mrs. Malcom Grimes Treas Foster White Historian Sam Harper LIMPKIN Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1959-60 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP G. Chandler Young Corres Secy Mrs. H.C. Flowers Treas Foster White Historian Sam Harper Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1960-61 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Theodore Main Secy W. H. Walters Treas Foster White Historian Sam Harper Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1961-62 Same as for 1960-61 
• 1962-63 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Lloyd Hornbostle Secy Mrs. Louella Grimes Treas Foster White Historian Sam Harper Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1963-64 Pres. W. F. Hueston Lloyd Hornbostle Secy Robert E. Welden Treas Foster White Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1964-65 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Lloyd Hornbostle Secy Mrs. Joyce Burnside Treas Willfam H. Walters Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1965-66 Pres. W. F. Hueston VP Ken West Secy Mrs. Louise Gibbons Treas William H. Walters Editor Lon Ellis; During the latter part of 1965 the president Mr. Hueston suffered a stroke and could no longer participate in chapter activities. Vice-President Ken West took over as presiding officer of the club and continued in that capacity through the 1966-67 season. 
• 1966-67 Pres. Ken West Hon. Pres. W. F. Hueston Secy Mrs. Louise Gibbons Treas William H. Walters Editor Lon Ellis 
• 1967-68 Pres. Pres. Karl F. Eichhorn, Jr. VP Lon Ellis 2nd VP Arthur Underwood Secy Robert Bush Treas Frances Stone Editor Betty Eichhorn 
• 1968-69 Same as for 1967-68 
• 1969-70 Pres. Karl F. Eichhorn, Jr. VP Lon Ellis 2nd VP Hal Wyle Secy Mary Ash Treas Robert Moody Editor Betty Eichhorn 
• 1970-71 Pres. Karl Eichhorn VP Joe Kellett 2nd VP Harold Wyle Secy Virginia Baker Treas Robert Moody Edit. Betty Eichhorn 
• 1971-72 Pres. Joe Kellett ( Joe Kellett died Nov. 5, 1971) VP Harold Wyle 2nd VP Ned Steel Secy Tom Cherrington Treas Nancy Keenan Editor Betty Eichhorn 
• 1971-72 Pres. Harold Wyle VP Ned Steel 2nd VP Tom Cherrington Secy Marianne Cherrington Treas Nancy Keenan Edit.Barb Steel 
• 1972-73 Pres. Harold Wyle VP Hugh Nicolay 2nd VP Ned Steel Secy Mary O'Donnell Treas Nancy Keenan Editor Jean Lynn 
• 1973-74 Pres. Hugh Nicolay VP Dave Dunsmoor 2nd VP Ned Steel Treas Wayne Matchett Secy Caroline Platt Editor Jean Lynn 
• 1974-75 Pres. Hugh Nicolay VP Dave Dunsmoor 2nd VP Ned Steel Treas Wayne Matchett Secy Caroline Platt Editor Enid Worell 
• 1975-76 Pres. Hugh Nicolay VP Dave Dunsmoor 2nd VP Ned Steel Treas Wayne Matchett Secy Caroline Platt Editor Enid Worell 
• 1976-77 Pres. Hugh Nicolay VP Dave Dunsmoor 2nd VP Ned Steel Treas Wayne Matchett Secy Caroline Platt Editor C & J Barnes 
• 1977-78 Pres. Marianne Cherrington VP Bob Champaigne 2nd VP Carlton Lynn Treas Wayne Matchett Secy Jan Cooper Editor C & J Barnes 
• 1978-79 Pres. Marianne Gherrington VP Bob Champaigne 2nd VP Carlton Lynn Treas Betty Eichhorn Secy June Yates Brown Ed. C & J Barnes 
• 1979-80 Pres. Bill Meyer VP Lon Ellis Treas Betty Eichhorn Secy June Yates Brow Editor Patricia Blaha 
• 1980-81 Pres. Bill Meyer VP Lon Ellis Treas Janet Leenhouts Secy June Yates Brow Editor Patricia Blaha 
• 1981-82 Pres. Rob Lee VP Rosemary Lancaster Treas Russ Bird Secy Pat Christianson Editor Patricia Blaha In October 1982 Patricia Cole Blaha became President 
• 1982-83 Pres. Patricia Blaha VP Rosemary Lancaster Treas Ralph Bird Secy Pat Christianson Editor Patricia Blaha 
• 1983-84 Pres. Patricia Blaha VP Carrol Holland Treas Ralph Bird Secy Nedra Sekara Editor Steve Morgan 
• 1984-85 Pres. Ralph Bird VP Doug Stuckey Treas Steve Morgan Secy Nedra Sekara Editor Steve Morgan 
• 1985-86 Pres. Ralph Bird VP Doug Stuckey Treas Lenny Shelp Secy Pat Meyer Editor Chery] Chenoweth 
• 1986-87 Pres. Don Devitt VP Phyliss Mansfield Treas Lenny Shelp Secy Pat Meyer Editor Cheryl Chenoweth 
• 1987-88 Pres. Don Devitt VP Susan Bird Treas Lenny Shelp Secy Pat Meyer Editor Apfyl Eeseffl 
• 1988-89 Pres. Bob Brown VP Susan Bird Treas Lenny Lieberman Secy Diane Fleming Editor Don Devitt 
• 1989-90 Pres. Bob Brown VP Susan Bird Treas Lenny Lieberman Secy Diane Fleming Editor Don Devitt 
• 1990-91 Pres. Susan Bird VP Lenny Lieberman Treas Ken LaBorde Secy Diane Flemir Editor Don Devitt 
• 1991-92 Pres. Susan Bird VP Lenny Lieberman Treas Ken LaBorde Secy Marie Slaney Editor Don Devitt and Bob Brown 
• 1992-93 Pres. Susan Bird VP Diane Fleming Treas Ken LaBorde Secy Marie Slaney Editor Don Devitt and Bob Brown 
• 1993-94 Pres. Diane Stees VP Ken LaBorde Treas Jim Dryja Secy Marie Slaney Editor Sharon and Jack Huffman 
• 1994-95 Pres. Diane Stees VP Ken LaBorde Treas Jim Dryja Secy Marcie Diaz Editor Sharon and Jack Huffman 
• 1995-96 Pres. Diane Stees VP Ken LaBorde Treas Jim Dryja Connie PaxonSecy Marcie Diaz Editor Sharon and Jack Huffman 
• 1996-97 Pres. Ralph Bird VP Liz Laudadio Treas Tom Atkinson Secy Charlie Venuto Editor Sharon and Jack Huffman 
• 1997-98 Pres. Ralph Bird VP Liz Laudadio Treas Tom Atkinson Secy Charlie Venuto Editor Sharon Huffman 
• 1998-99 Pres. Charlie Venuto VP Marie Slaney Treas Tom Atkinson Secy Shelle Proctor Editor Sharon Huffman 
• 1999-2000 Pres. Charlie Venuto VP Marie Slaney Treas Tom Atkinson Secy Jennifer Therrien Editor Sharon Huffman Gary White 
• 2000-2001 Pres. Don Garretson VP Julie Seberry Treas Carroll Holland Secy Jennifer Therrien Editor Mary Thrasher