Bragging Rights --
Fire gets attention at National Forestry Convention
The Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fire Program booth impressed professionals and college students who attended the 2009 Society for American Foresters Convention in Orlando, Florida. Fire staff members Greg Titus and Jennifer Hinckley from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and Jim Durrwatcher, director of the Prescribed Fire Training Center, spent three days greeting hundreds of visitors and recruiting numerous students for potential employment.
“Our exhibit is a very good eye-catcher and has gotten a lot of good comments,” said Bob Eaton, regional fire management coordinator for the Southeast Region, who attended the convention. “Lots of folks here were not even aware we existed.”
The booth included a large full-colored background display, a table of informational materials, and a monitor showing a rotation of fire-related images in forested ecosystems on the Service’s lands and refuges. The exhibit was on display at the convention on Sept 31 to Oct 2, 2009.
Submitted by Jennifer Hinckley, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks, Florida
YCC students assist Panama City Ecological Services Field Office
Multi-taskers Extraordinary! That describes Chance Hanna and Trevor Benton, two YCC enrollees, who spent eight weeks this summer assisting Panama City, Florida, Ecological Services biologists. One of the first tasks they tackled was repairing and straightening more than a mile of monofilament gill nets! With the nets repaired, Chance and Trevor made good use of them by collecting Gulf sturgeons in the Apalachicola, Brothers, and Ochlockonee Rivers and completed the job by weighing, measuring and tagging the fish. In addition, they assisted in conducting electrofish surveys on St. Marks and St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuges and became proficient in measuring water quality and recording data. They assisted the Army Corps of Engineers in an experimental study by using a trawl to collect newly hatched Gulf sturgeon in the Brothers River - the project succeeded in capturing three fish.
In addition, they assisted Panama City biologists by conducting outreach activities, maintaining equipment, and doing house-keeping chores. One of the high points in their work schedule occurred when the Natural Resources Division, located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, solicited them to reroute a half mile trail through some very dense vegetation. They completed this task in two weeks and followed that up with constructing twenty wood duck and blue bird houses for the base. Chance and Trevor are fine examples of how the YCC program has helped the Service and Tyndall Air Force Base complete a number of tasks – work that was a lot easier with their extra hands! Thanks YCC! More photos in Photo Album.
Submitted by Frank Parauka, Panama City, Florida, Ecological Services Field Office
Catching smiles and reaching for rainbows
with fall fishing derbies
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery staff and volunteers enjoyed two great days of trout-tastic fishing fun as the team organized the second annual Catch a Smile Senior Fishing Derby and the second annual Reaching for Rainbows Special Kids Fishing Derby.
Ninety seniors aged 62 attended the Catch a Smile derby on Tuesday, September 29, and 57 children with physical and/or mental disabilities enjoyed the Special Kids Fishing Derby on Wednesday, September 30. These students were from the local Russell and Clinton County School Districts.
Crew members from the hatchery, the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc., and several community businesses, organizations, and volunteers, worked to plan and organize the two days of fall fishing fun. More than 32 sponsors donated an estimated $3,731.81 (either cash or items), Both of these fall fishing events are proud examples of the benefits of partnering together to make a difference in the lives of those in the community. Through such teamwork and an overall spirit of volunteerism and partnership, the events occurred with little or no cost to any one agency.
During the Catch a Smile Senior Fishing Derby, the seniors were treated to lunch and enjoyed a chance at winning one of many door prizes generously provided by community sponsors. The students also had lunch and were awarded medallions and t-shirts during the Reaching for Rainbows Special Kids Fishing Derby. More photos in Photo Album.
Submitted by Amanda Patrick, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Jamestown, Kentucky
Outer Banks Scenic Byway receives national designation
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway received national status on Friday, October 16, 2009, as one of America's Byways®, placing North Carolina Highway 12 on the map, so to speak, for its fascinating coastal heritage and unique natural landscapes, making the leg of the historic two-lane highway from Nags Head, North Carolina to Down East a perfect autumn drive for exploring the beauty of the barrier islands and connecting with the coastal communities that set the destination apart.
"The Outer Banks touch people in different ways. Part of that connection, whether it is to the beach, or the landscape, or to the memories made while vacationing here is inextricably linked to the drive," explains Lee Nettles, managing director for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. "When you round the curve of North Carolina 12 and see Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Island for the first time, for example, that never leaves you. Those moments of surprise and wonder continue the whole length of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway." ( www.outerbanksscenicbyway.org)
The itinerary for this newest national byway features drives along barrier islands featuring national landmarks and coastal villages and two car ferry rides. The byway travels through two national seashores, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, and two national wildlife refuges, Pea Island and Cedar Island. Along the byway are four historic lighthouses and world famous stopovers for migrating song birds and waterfowl.
To explore the natural world that created byway stories, Wings over Water offers a six-day celebration of the wild side of the Outer Banks region. The Nov. 3 to 8 celebration features over 100 adventurous field trips, including kayaking at sunrise and sunset, exploring shifting sands, and venturing to the close-by Gulf Stream to view seabirds. www.wingsoverwater.org
Article courtesy of Aaron Tuell, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Manteo, North Carolina
In September, seven partners in the Forest Resources Conservation Work Group of the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture shared their knowledge about the application of Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC) and Desired Forest Conditions (DFC) for hardwood forests managed as wildlife habitat with two more groups. Personnel from Migratory Birds, Federal Aid, and Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, along with experts from Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries assisted the staff of White River National Wildlife Refuge in hosting Tree Talk for 26 Wildlife Management Area field staff and supervisors from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Mobile District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Tree Talk follows and builds upon lessons to this group at Birding Boot Camp and a tree marking workshop in Mississippi. (See lead article by Randy Wilson, Project Leader for the Migratory Birds Program Office in Jackson, Mississippi, for E-Grits in August 2009.) Field-based workshops like these provide on-the-ground training in application of the approaches of and critical delivery portions of SHC.
The attendees were a diverse group of biologists specializing in Habitat, Turkey, Small Game, Deer, Waterfowl, and Private Lands. Participants were exposed to SHC and DFC in the classroom and the field at the Potlatch Conservation Education Center operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at White River National Wildlife Refuge, along with other field sites on the White River National Wildlife Refuge, the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, and the Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area in east Arkansas.
Discussions were led by subject experts from Migratory Birds, Refuges, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Federal Aid provided assistance to the state agencies for this successful scientific effort. As a result of this effort and previous consultations on DFCs with subject experts, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Wildlife Bureau intends to adopt and implement plans to obtain DFCs in its forest management for wildlife habitat on many Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas. More photos in Photo Album.
Submitted by Jeff Denman, White River National Wildlife Refuge, St. Charles, Arkansas
NFH, USFS, and LDP partner on fishing rodeo
For the second year in a row, Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery helped Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership (LDP) and the U.S. Forest Service bring fishing opportunities to children from Mississippi’s south delta.
Meg Cooper, LDP coordinator, enlisted assistance from Ricky Campbell, Pvt. John Allen’s hatchery manager, to stock catfish in Blue Lake on the U.S. Forest Service’s Delta National Forest, near Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The two federal partners, along with several local sponsors, helped LDP hold its Fourth Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo on October 3, for children up to age 15.
About 40 catfishin’ kids showed up to cast their lines. Many fish were caught with the largest one weighing in at nine pounds and one ounce. The big cat earned its fisher boy a prize while another amateur angler received a reward for the smallest catch. And, one fisher girl got a gift for the most fish caught during the event. All the children at the fishing rodeo were given treat bags for participating.
Parents, family members, Delta National Forest staff and volunteers aided the young fisher folk during their outdoor adventure. And, after the fishing was done, everyone enjoyed a hot dog lunch in the woods.
The LDP Youth Fishing Rodeo is the only event of its kind in a seven-county, low-income area of the state where most of the residents are minorities with limited opportunities. Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership expressed appreciation to its federal partners for helping LDP promote the use of public lands and encourage young people to get outside and experience nature.
Submitted by Connie Dickard, Mississippi Field Office, Jackson, Mississippi
Waccamaw hosts grand opening of Environmental Education Center
On a warm October day, nearly 150 people assembled to commemorate the grand opening of the Waccamaw Environmental Education Center. As the tranquil Pee Dee River flowed in the background, local, state, and federal dignitaries joined refuge and Regional Office Staff in recognizing all the people and organizations that assisted the staff of Waccamaw NWR.
U.S. Representative Henry Brown thanked the Service for their work, and former State Senator Arthur Ravenel who was the Master of Ceremonies thanked the Winyah Bay Task Force for their vision in getting the refuge started. Acting Regional Director Cindy Dohner recognized long-term partners like The Nature Conservancy, The Historic Ricefields Association, and Director Sam Hamilton for his actions which led to the refuge’s establishment in 1997. Refuge Manager Craig Sasser thanked everyone involved in the new Environmental Education Center, including the SEWEE Association and several foundations and key individuals. In the end, two essential things became clear. Waccamaw NWR has grown by leaps and bounds in a short period of time, and it it takes a cadre of dedicated individuals working together to establish, develop, and maintain a refuge like Waccamaw NWR. More photos in Photo Album.
Submitted by Ray Paterra, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Awendaw, South Carolina
Help the Hooch Clean-up and Watershed Festival
In an effort to support local environmental groups, Sandra Nipper of the West Georgia Ecological Services Field Office participated in the 15th Annual Help the Hooch Clean-up and Watershed Festival Activities on October 17, 2009.
This event was hosted by the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission and involved local community groups, schools, and businesses in volunteering efforts to keep the Chattahoochee litter-free. Sandra served as the site captain and organized a group of 14 volunteers who gathered over 200 pounds of trash from the bank of the Chattahoochee River. She also hosted an information tent in collaboration with Warm Springs Fish Hatchery, distributing literature packets and coloring books. Kids and parents enjoyed participating in face painting and the animal track display. More photos in Photo Album.
Submitted by Sandy Tucker, Georgia Ecological Services Field Office, Athens, Georgia
Sewee Center brings families together for a day of fishing
Kiara Lemons threw back the rod and made her cast. However, the large worm didn’t hit the water but instead, got stuck on her little sister’s pants. Two-year-old Aaliyah freaked out! It was a matter of seconds to get the hooked worm out of her pants and into the water and, put the small rod into Aaliyah’s hands. A few minutes later, Aaliyah caught a catfish! This time, it was a different type of excitement as her mom reeled her line in. And so the day went – a lot of fish and a lot of fun. Rods 
were given as prizes to three children who caught the most fish. Caitlyn Fleming took first place with six fish, followed by Nathan Boatwright and Samuel Patterson who each had four catfish.
Twenty-one children and their families met at the Sewee Center on October 21, to spend the day fishing in the Sewee Pond. The event was sponsored by Family Connection of South Carolina, an organization founded in 1989 by parents who have children with disabilities and special needs. This is the third year that FCSC has partnered with the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center to provide the family fishing event. East Cooper Fishing Club of Mount Pleasant provided the children with rods, tackle, and bait. FCSC received gift certificates from Wal-Mart for the hot dog lunch. Family Connection staff and volunteer parents organize the event to give families the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor activity not readily available to parents of children with disabilities and special needs.
Submitted by Tricia Lynch, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Awendaw, South Carolina
Regional Office hosts brown bag event to promote diversity on our public lands
While exploring and discovering our refuges and other natural areas, what do you observe about the other visitors? What is their ethnic background? What age class do they represent? Are they as diverse as the habitats that surround them? Unfortunately research shows there is less participation in outdoor activities from minorities and our younger generation. So what does this mean for the future of these natural areas that we manage and love? What can be done in our local communities to increase awareness and support for our beautiful wildlands?
On Wednesday, July 22, the Regional Office Visitor Services team invited Audrey Peterman, an environmental consultant and public lands activist to come speak with our regional office staff. Audrey and her husband Frank are co-founders of Earthwise Productions, whose mission is to increase awareness and involvement in safeguarding our environment, particularly among under-represented segments of America’s culturally diverse population. Audrey enlightened us on some of the wonderful natural areas they have seen on their travels and what they are doing to diversify outdoor participation on our public lands. The event was a great success in which forty employees attended and 
participated in the open question-answer session.
The program also provided a great opportunity to discuss the Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great American Outdoors conference which convened in Atlanta in late September. The Peterman’s were co-producers of the conference and the Service was a sponsor. The Service had representatives from Region’s 2, 4, 5, and 9 who participated in the conference. It was a great networking opportunity in which most who attended received a considerable amount of contacts from local, non-profit, state, and federal conservation organizations. One of the most exciting accomplishments for the Service was receiving the Inaugural Outstanding Conservation Award for our continued support and participation in the conference. Several Service members will continue to be involved in conference working groups.
Submitted by Sharon Fuller, Visitor Services, Atlanta, Georgia
Noxubee hosts Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day, Noxubee’s National Wildlife Refuge Week event, was better than ever this year. With over 500 visitors attending and over 25 different booths, activities, demonstrations and crafts, the day was fun for all. All of the refuge staff participated in the day in one capacity or another whether presenting, teaching, instructing, setting up or tearing down. Visitors came from as far away as Tupelo and Birmingham.
The presenters included the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians demonstrating rabbit stick throwing, the Corps of Engineers with water safety information, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science with endangered species, Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery with an aquarium of native fish and hand-outs, the Mississippi Extension Service with shooting safety and a pellet gun booth, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks provided their laser shot system, and several departments of Mississippi State University were represented. A neighbor even showed up with his mule cart. Everyone had a great day!
Submitted by Andrea Dunstan, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Brooksville, Mississippi
Puerto Ricans give wings to their wild side and high fives to volunteers
From the western to the eastern refuges of the island, we gave wings to the wild side and high fives to our volunteers. The National Wildlife Refuge Week celebration in the Caribbean started at Vieques National Wildlife Refuge with a 7 a.m. bird walk through subtropical dry forest led by José Salguero, a member of the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society (SOPI). Banaquits, Yellow Warblers, Common Moorhen and Spotted Sandpipers were just a few of our feathered friends spotted during the walk.
By mid-week, it was time to thank our volunteers. For the past years, a group of volunteers at Vieques NWR known as TICATOVE have helped monitor sea turtles and have assisted in other projects. To express our appreciation, the Vieques staff organized a dinner and celebrated their outstanding accomplishments.
At Cabo Rojo NWR, the refuge’s staff and a Boy Scout troop removed exotic grass to improve habitat area for the an endemic grass called Aristida chasease. This grass is only found at Cabo Rojo NWR and Laguna Cartagena NWR.
The National Wildlife Refuge Week celebration culminated at Culebra NWR with a bird walk along Laguna Flamenco, led by Verónica Méndez, a member of SOPI. The highlight of the walk was viewing a lonesome flamingo. For years, flamingos haven’t visited the area; but, since early this year, a lonely flamingo has been enjoying the refuge. More photos in Photo Album.
By Gisella Burgos, Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Boqueron, Puerto Rico
Diversity training offered during NWR town hall meeting
On October 6, Greg McGinty and Shari Brewer of our Diversity and Civil Rights Office (DCR) conducted diversity training for more than 70 National Wildlife Refuge managers during a refuge town hall meeting. The meeting was conducted at scenic Big Branch Marsh NWR located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana.
The training included a presentation and facilitated discussion on harassment and discrimination in the workplace, which raised awareness of the behaviors that lead to a hostile work environment and the outlined employee responsibilities in its prevention. Greg and Shari also presented an overview of the DOI’s CORE PLUS Program and an overview of the services provided by the DCR office. The employees also participated in activities to highlight diversity awareness and team-building.
“The DCR is much more than a complaints processing division,” explains Greg McGinty. “We also offer diversity training, coordinate special emphasis programs, and conduct Service outreach and recruitment efforts.”
Many participants shared that the training was not only an interesting and informative way to complete their required annual diversity training, but it also provided valuable resources for dealing with difficult situations in the workplace.
If interested in having DCR staff conduct diversity training, please contact Greg at 404- 679-7148 or Shari at 404 679-7080. Also visit DCR’s intranet page for diversity training information and options.
Submitted by Shari Brewer, Diversity and Civil Rights, Atlanta, Georgia
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
During October, the DCR Office sponsored several activities for National Hispanic Heritage Month 2009. Acquanetta Reese, currently on a detail to DCR from Ecological Services, coordinated the activities, with the assistance of Greg McGinty, Shari Brewer, and Marion Campbell. The activities included e-mails to employees consisting of Hispanic facts, as well as trivia questions for employees to answer. The trivia questions sparked an overwhelming response within the Region. Congratulations to the six trivia question winners: Rebecca Elliott Roca, Charleston, South Carolina; Stacey Pieters and Aaron Valenta, Atlanta, Georgia; Matthew Harwell, Boynton Beach, Florida; Anthony Ford, Daphne, Alabama; Jaclyn Zelko, Warm Springs, Georgia; and Sophia McBride, Jacksonville, Florida.
In addition, DCR sponsored a Lunch and Learn video presentation on “Challenging Hispanic Stereotypes: Arturo Madrid.” As employees watched the documentary, they also partakeD in the sampling of authentic foods, drinks, and even candy! Employees were asked to present an essay in 50 words or less on what this year’s theme “Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now” meant to them. There were two winners of the contest: Betty Jarous, branch chief of Realty; and Ruth Benson, Refuges’ Assistant.
If you are interested in viewing the documentary, please contact Greg McGinty at (404) 679-7148 or Acquanetta Reese at (404) 679-4197.
Submitted by Acquanetta Reese, Diversity and Civil Rights, Atlanta, Georgia
Wildfest 2009
Wildfest 2009 marked the end of National Wildlife Refuge Week at Alligator River and Pea Island NWRs. This event geared towards children from pre-school to 12 years old brings together numerous partners to teach children about wildlife and the wild lands around them. Although the damp, wet weather and the opening day of hunting season were instrumental in keeping many families from attending, more than 100 children with adults in tow passed through the various stations to participate in fun and educational activities. Some came as far as an hour away to "Go Wild at Wildfest!” Children were given a passport when they arrived. After completing an activity at a station, the child’s passport was stamped. Before leaving for the day, a completed passport was exchanged for a goodie bag. Goodies were donated from various organizations and businesses in the area.
The featured guests were the live reptiles and amphibians provided by the North Carolina Museum of Natural History. Other critters represented included sea turtles, black bears, red wolves, and sharks. In addition to learning about wildlife, the children were able to act like an animal in the Wildlife Olympics. They also could drown a rubber fish with paint and place it on a paper to make a fish print. At the shark table, children were given a shark tooth, while another table provided an opportunity to make a pine cone bird feeder.
Outside, they could learn about wildlife conservation at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Sensory Safari Trailer. Older children could try their hand at surf casting while younger children could step inside and “Go Fish.” While a D.J. played music in the background, many children were entertained by the costumed critters making their way around the crowd. Refreshments were provided by the Manteo Middle School’s A.V.I.D. members who were raising funds for college visits. Even with the less-than-usual turn-out, the participants and exhibitors had a great day. Many were quick to ask when next year’s Wildfest would be and remarked that they will be back.
Submitted by Cindy Heffley, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Manteo, North Carolina
Regional Office’s Migratory Bird Team hosts successful national Migratory Bird coordination meeting
In September, The Service’s leading migratory bird conservationists met in a “gathering of the minds” when the Southeast Regional Office Migratory Bird Division hosted the National Migratory Bird Coordinators Meeting in Atlanta. The meeting is hosted by a different region every year so the Region 4 showed our “Southern Hospitality” to the 64 participants who attended. The meeting featured break-out sessions for migratory bird chiefs, as well as game, non-game and permit branches which allowed the opportunity for discussion amongst their program areas. Important topics included Climate Change, Land Conservation Cooperative’s (LCC’s), Joint Ventures, Urban Bird Treaties, finalizing the proposed 2009 list of Birds of Management Concern, funding, and several other administrative and program specific concerns.
An inspirational opening session on the importance of communication and working better together and with the public by Kirk Weisler set the tone for this productive and successful annual meeting. This meeting also provided a great opportunity to develop a format for how the national Migratory Bird Program will coordinate among regions and consistently begin issuing the new eagle take and eagle nest take permits authorized by new regulations that become effective November 10, 2009.
In addition to a productive meeting, the participants were able to enjoy a couple of great outdoor experiences. The planning team organized a live raptor program by Scott and Carol McCorkle with the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, Florida, to educate attendees about techniques used in training live birds for educational programs. An early morning birding trip to nearby historic Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park led by Region 4’s own expert birder Dean Demarest offered a chance to hear and see early migrants, as well as common local species which are uncommon to visitors from other regions!
The meeting provided a great occasion to address the future in Migratory Bird Conservation and allowed time to begin preparing for the new fiscal year and new challenges it may bring. As quoted by David Viker, Region 4 chief of the Migratory Bird Division, during his welcome introduction, “From the Appalachians to the Brooks Range and from the southern pine savannas to the northern coniferous forests, the landscapes we are entrusted to conserve are connected by annual cycles of migratory birds. Our hope is that such connectivity serves as the principle motivation behind our need to "connect" and coloring our efforts to improve as a single, coordinated, national program."
That and more was accomplished during this productive, enjoyable, and memorable week! As the planning team looks ahead to attend the meeting next year, just know they are already thinking on ideas to host another triumphant meeting that is only nine years away!
Submitted by Sharon Fuller, Migratory Birds, Atlanta, Georgia
Wild Things 2009 at Southeast Louisiana Refuges
A sparkling fall day greeted visitors to the twelfth annual Wild Things festival Oct. 17, at the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex in Lacombe, Louisiana. A record crowd of over 3,200 people enjoyed exciting exhibits, live animals, canoe and pontoon boat tours, and more. And, it was all free! Food and drink sales benefited the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, who covered entertainment costs, as well as promotional costs to get the word out about this celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week.
Events and attractions were spread around the 110-acre Complex headquarters site, so the hayride shuttle provided a fun way to get around and see the sights, with stops at the main parking area, the new Southeast Louisiana Refuges Visitor Center, the boat launch, and the casting pond, where dozens of youngsters aimed for floating buoys and prizes. Four bands kept the scene humming, with a second stage at the bayou added this year to entertain those waiting for pontoon and canoe tours. New carpeted display panels, secured through a Friends and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, made for a snazzily-mounted Youth Wildlife Art Show. The art show was jammed with over 325 entries, and whole families came to see their youngster’s art. A record 34 guest exhibitors were on hand representing many local and national conservation and wildlife organizations, and over 75 volunteers helped to make the big day a success. Quote of the day, from a visitor: “I’ve been here all day, and I’ve only seen one kid texting on a cell phone!” More photos at Photo Album.
Submitted by Byron Fortier, Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex, Lacombe, Louisiana
Alligator River vs. Pea Island at the Big Sit
Staff and volunteers at Pea Island and Alligator River NWRs enjoy having two very different refuges to be a part of on a day-to-day basis. On the second Sunday of October, however, a group of volunteers, and sometimes staff, at each refuge find themselves competing - hoping to out-do each other during the Big Sit event. In a competition to see or hear the most number of species of birds in a 24-hour period while sitting in one place, many people would wonder how competitive participants could possibly be. Most of these competitors are avid birders, while some are just interested in socializing with others on a Sunday. But thanks to cell phones, the competition becomes quite evident as the hours pass by, and each team calls the other for updates on species recorded.
Since Pea Island is on the coast of North Carolina and midway on the Atlantic Flyway, the number of species recorded during Big Sit events has reached into the top ten for the country. Alligator River is further inland and doesn’t have the expansive number of bird species. Most years a majority of volunteers gather at Pea Island for the Big Sit, while not as many sign up for slots at Alligator River. (Everyone wants to be on the "winning" team!) For some reason, this year more showed up at Alligator River! The weather was a bit raw and wet. Perhaps people realized that, although the Big Sit is a birding event, Alligator River participants are sure to see a lot more than birds.
This year was no exception. Although at least three bald eagles and a wide variety of raptors and other birds were spotted, the real treat was the large, tagged black bear that meandered down the side of the field and right past participants. Fortunately, the viewing platform is a stake-body truck which raises everyone four feet off the ground. The bear was so close that its breathing could be heard! It stopped once in awhile and then continued on its way. This was one of at least seven different bears spotted during the Big Sit. So, even though only 36 species of birds were recorded for the event at Alligator River this year compared to 67 species at Pea Island, it proved to be a great day for observing wildlife. They say if you are patient and sit long enough, wildlife will come to you. The Big Sit is an example of how to do just that.
Submitted by Cindy Heffley, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Manteo, North Carolina
Modeling Godfrey’s butterwort habitat
The Panama City, Florida, Ecological Services Field Office recently completed its initial draft of a probability distribution model for the threatened carnivorous plant Godfrey’s butterwort. The probability distribution model was developed to help identify new areas, throughout the species known range, where it was most likely to occur. The model was based on habitat and feature associations. Field Office staff used known point locations for the plant to identify the features within the following layers: soils, wetlands, land cover, elevation, and slope. Frequency distributions were generated for the features within each layer in order to calculate the probability of occurrence for each feature within each layer. Probability layers were generated for each layer and an overlay analysis was conducted to produce an overall probability surface for the likelihood of occurrence of the plant.
Submitted by Paul Lang, Panama City, Florida, Ecological Services Field Office
National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration in the Regional Office
On Tuesday, October 13, 2009, the Regional Office’s Refuges, Visitor Services, and Migratory Bird teams hosted an eventful celebration for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Held in the Regional Office’s front lobby, about 60 visitors had an opportunity to discover what refuges the Service has in the Southeast, learn tips to identify common animals of Georgia, make animal tracks, and view the 2009 Junior Duck Stamp artwork. The location of the event attracted Service employees and patients at a children’s health center that is located on the first floor of the building. Families enjoyed learning about the many benefits to going outside and about our “Let’s Go Outside” initiative. The celebration concluded with cake and the opportunity for employees to sit back and view “America’s Wildest Places” videos and discuss experiences on refuges with others.
Submitted by Sharon Fuller, Visitor Services, Atlanta, Georgia
