St. Marks Refuge Association, Inc.

What's News

First Sunday at the Refuge

June's First Sunday at the Refuge Presentation, Planting a Refuge for Wildlife, will be presented by Donna Legare and Jody Walthall from Native Nurseries. See this Flyer for more information.

First Sunday presentations start at 2 pm in the Environmental Education building, 1255 Lighthouse Road on the Refuge. Seating is limited so come early. Regular entrance fees apply. Call (850) 925-6121 for more info. See the Calendar for future presentations.

Public Comment Sought on Compatibility Determination Doc.
The attached document is available for comments May 16-23. This is a Compatibility Determination that will accompany the 2012 Sport Hunting Plan previously offered for comment. Comments can be sent to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 68, St. Marks, FL, 32355 or emailed to terry_peacock@fws.gov.

Ambassador Program Underway

Congratulations to the Refuge's eight new Ambassadors: Carol Watkins Babcock, Steve Babcock, Nick Baldwin, Marc Freeman, Jim Pinson, Kati Schardl, Nancy Thomas and Diana Warner. Be on the lookout for one of these volunteers, wearing a distinctive vest, in the Visitor Center or anywhere along Lighthouse Road. Their common goal is to enrich the experience of visitors. A second class of Ambassadors will be trained this Fall. For more information, contact Ranger Robin Will at the Visitor Center.

New Champion Trees Recognized

Specimens of four types of Refuge tree have been nominated for Champion status: Corkwood, Honey Locust, Florida Willow and Cockspur Hawthorn. The Corkwood rose to the rank of state champion and national champion nominee, as did the Florida Willow. Mike Keys says that the Honey Locust simply blew the existing "champion" out of the water (see photo of this thorny species). Before now St. Marks has had only one champion tree (Myrtle-leaved Holly) but we're now in the big leagues with five!

Trail Closed for Construction
Headquarters Pond Trail has been closed to allow preparation and installation of an accessible boardwalk up to the observation tower. This is the short trail just north of the Mounds restrooms and picnic area. Refuge staff hope to be finished with the new walkway by the end of August.

The Refuge Needs Your Help!
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge currently covers approximately 70,000 acres. In support of their Comprehensive Conservation Plan, the refuge has recently received approval to add additional acres. Now you can really help (Read how ...)

Endowment Fund Established
The St. Marks Refuge Association has established an endowment fund. This is a permanent fund that will provide a source of revenue to the Refuge for generations to come. (Read more...)

The 2013 Photo Contest Winners	Photo Contest Entry