Volume XV, Issue 11 Tampa Audubon
www.tampaaudubon.org
What’s Happening at the ARC at the Park Birds, Misunderstood critters (bats, snakes); Do Your Part
The month of August was a time of transition at the ARC.
Marilyn Kerschner and Al Tweedy, who have worked
very hard over the past 10 months in keeping the ARC
afloat, have moved on to pursue other endeavours.
Marilyn and Al have done a wonderful job and will be
greatly missed.
The operation of the ARC was turned over to Andrea
College, AICP. Our new coordinator is a former Program
Planner with the City of Largo and has experience with
environmental and growth management laws, as well as
extensive volunteer and program coordination experi-
ence. Andrea is married with two daughters, and the
oldest attends Learning Gate Community School, a
supporter of the Audubon mission that uses nature as its
teaching guide.
The new coordinator is but one of the changes taking
place at the ARC. On August 15th, Andrea was informed
by William Lorenzen of the Tampa Bay Conservancy that
furniture was available for donation from an office in
Westshore. Andrea compiled a list of needed items,
including those suggested by Marilyn and Al and went
down to the office. Andrea, William, Rob Heath, and
several other volunteers transported the donated furniture
to the ARC. Thanks to Florida Medical Quality Assurance,
Inc. for their generosity! And to those who helped move
the furniture. The donated items included 2 new desks, 2
filing cabinets, a large book shelf, several small book
shelfs, a large round table and a number of chairs.
Another exciting change is the creation of new exhibits
and programs to better serve the public. As the new
coordinator, Andrea’s main goal is to make the ARC a
top notch environmental education facility. To reach this
goal, we need assistance from members and non-
members alike that would like to step up and help. We
are looking for individuals willing to volunteer their time
and talents to improve the ARC. We currently have three
tracks of volunteer opportunities. Educational Programs,
Administrative, Facility Improvements.
Among the projects in the making, we need creative
people to help develop new displays and activities to
better engage the public. Among the proposed improve-
ments include the following:
Create a childrens activity area; Replace existing
sinkhole exhibit with the following displays, Butterflies,
The publication of the Avocet is funded in part through a grant from the TECO Foundation.
October/ November 2005
(information about recycling, water conservation, etc);
Plants; Updated maps.
We are also planning for our spring educational programs,
if you are interested in volunteering to teach a class or
guide a fieldtrip, please let us know. We are always looking
for volunteers to assist the public on Saturdays and
Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. You don’t have to be an expert.
Just a friendly person who is willing to assist the public.
If you are interested in getting involved at the ARC and
being part of the exciting changes taking place, please let
Andrea know. You can reach me by calling (813) 431-6678
or by e-mail at andreacollege@yahoo.com.
The email for the ARC is arcatthepark@yahoo.com you
can also reach Andrea that way. We look forward to getting
more member participation in this great endevour. So,
don’t hesitate, get involved and make a difference in your
community!
Attention Active Members: New Field
Trip, Meeting & Event Contact List
Would you like to be kept up to date on
upcomming field trips, meeting and events?
We’re putting together two contact lists to do just
that, and in the next year we’re going to be
working hard to collect information from all active
members. For field trips you may be kept up to
date by e-mail and/or phone, and for meetings
and events via e-mail alone.
The catch is that if you’d like to be added to one
of the two lists, you’ll only be able to do so in
person, by filing out one of our new forms on a
field trip, or at a meeting, event, or the ARC.
(You’ll need to keep it up to date with any address
changes you may have by notifying the sender of
any e-mail you may receive, or by filling out a new
form indicating the change.) Everything provided
will be kept confidential and used only for these
purposes.
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Tampa Audubon Society 2005-2006 Board Members General Membership Program:
"A Nature Photographer's View: Sout h
Stan Kroh, President
smkroh@tecoenergy.com Hillsborough Habitats & Wildlife",
Home: (813) 831-3653 Saturday, October 8, 3PM, James Shadle, Wild Florida
Mobile: (813) 293-6869
Photography.
Work: (813) 228-4257
Fax: (813) 228-1308 Nature photographer James Shadle has captured some
of the rare and beautiful birds that frequent his corner of
Ann Paul, Immediate Past President paradise, southwest Hillsborough County. See magnifi-
John Costin, 1st Vice President
cent shots of bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes,
2nd Vice President- Vacant
Treasurer- Vacant roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, woodpeckers, owls
Dee Dee Wells-Lassiter, Recording Secretary and more, as James spins tales of how he managed
Michael Turrisi, Corresponding Secretary these amazing close-ups.
Preview his talk on www.wildflorida.net!
DIRECTORS
Rob Heath (2004-2006)
Christine Malzone (2004-2006)
Melanie Higgins (2004-2006)
Sabina Espinet Todd (2005-2007)
Beginning Birding Field Trip
Mike Donahue (2005-2007) Betty Wargo will lead the Nov. 5 field trip at
Joe Bailey (2005-2007)
Lettuce Lake Park, starting at 10 am.
COMMITTEES & PROGRAMS Call for information at 230-4432.
Tom Ries, Conservation Committee Co-Chair
Dave Sumpter, Conservation Committee Co-Chair
Mary Keith, Field Trip Committee Co-Chair
Jo Anne Hartzler, Field Trip Committee Co-Chair
Mike Smith, Avocet Editor
Regional Conservation Committee Representative
(vacant)
Dave Bowman, Christmas Bird Count
Karl Stevens, E-Mail Directory
ARC at the Park- Andrea College
Audubon Adventures- Ann Paul
Avocet- Mike Smith & Ann Paul
Publicity/PR- Mike Donahue
Membership Development- Vacant
Fund Raising- Vacant
Web Site- Sabina Espinet Todd
Special Events/Tabling Events- Sarah Brennan
Endowment- Melanie Higgins
Program- Ann Paul

Volunteers Needed!

Tampa Audubon Society currently has a couple of vacant

positions on our Board of Directors. Current vacancies are
Treasurer and 2nd Vice President. Our Board typically
meets once a month for 1-2 hours and discusses many
issues that are vital to our Chapter. If you are interested in
helping to chart the direction of our Chapter, please
consider serving on our Board of Directors.
The Board is also looking for volunteers to help with
various projects such as fund raising activities, hospitality,
membership management, letter writing, representing the
Chapter at community events, etc. Whatever your unique
skill or interest might be, we need you!

Please contact Stanley Kroh, President, at 228-4257 or

smkroh@tecoenergy.com for more information.

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ARC at the Park
General Membership Program- “Noah didn't
build the ARK alone" Audubon Assembly Goes to the
Saturday November 12th at 3 p.m. Open to all Beach!
members of the public, free of charge. Saving our Birds, October 20-22, 2005
Andrea College, Director of the Audubon Re-
source Center at Lettuce Lake Park
Mingle with old friends and make new ones
Come learn about Tampa Audubon's activities at
as you join birders and environmentalists
the ARC, our purpose, facility improvements,
from across the state at the 2005 Audubon
volunteer needs, educational programs and
Assembly. Help shape Audubon of Florida’s
goals. The ARC is working to share information
legislative policies and take an active part
about the unique and fascinating natural history
in saving our birds, wildlife and habitats.
of this region with the general public, and specifi-
Register by September 28 and pay $99 for
cally the children and adults visiting Lettuce Lake
all receptions, meals, programs, and work-
Park. Andrea College, our new Director, shares
shops. After September 25, this all-inclu-
insights and ideas.
sive package is $125.
The Audubon Assembly will be held at the
Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort. Make
your hotel accommodations directly with
Attention Homeowners with Sea Walls!
the Holiday Inn. Call 1-800-206-2747 or log
Artificial Reef Habitats Available!
onto http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/
The Southshore Intertidal Habitat Project received a $8,000 en/rates/coibe?&_GPC=AUA&
Grant from the Tampa Port Authority to create artificial oyster Assembly participants receive a reduced
reefs for waterfront homeowners located on canals in Ruskin rate of $89.99/night, up to 4 in a room. The
and Apollo Beach. In addition, 15 homeowners have signed daily resort fee has been waived and park-
up for reefs under a Mini Grant from Tampa Bay Estuary
ing is free. Special rate valid through Sep-
Program and volunteers will placed reefs along their sea-
walls when the permitting process is complete. Approxi- tember 28. Oceanfront suites and lofts can
mately 25 additional home owners will be needed for Tampa be reserved, if available, at prevailing rates.
Port Authority Grant. Volunteers including East Bay High Field Trips will be offered, courtesy of
students will place and monitor reefs for oyster development Space Coast Audubon and Orange
along with small fish, shrimp and crabs that live in oyster
Audubon Society. Look for detailed infor-
habitat. The artificial oyster reef will address and help correct
a major problem with older permitted seawalled canal mation in the upcoming Florida Naturalist
properties, the lack of the naturally occurring and vitally as well as on-line later this month
important shallow shoreline littoral shelf habitat for fish and www.audubonofflorida.org. See you there!
birds. Adding the artificial reef structure will allow attachment
of oysters, creating foraging areas and refuge for fish, crabs,
and other animals, i.e., prime habitat. Homeowners inter-
ested in participating by creating improved habitat along their
canals and other seawalls, through the use of these “FREE”
seawall oyster reefs should contact Gus Muench, ASAP via
email or phone listed below.

Gus Muench
Oyster Reef Designs, Inc.
Home: 813 645-6063
Mobile: 813 758-1863
e-mail: baychopgus@tampabay.rr.com 3
Tampa Audubon Society Activities:
June 2004-May 2005
General Membership Meetings
Talk topics:
Nature Expedition to Costa Rica and Panama, Dr. Tim
Bonsack
Attracting Native Butterflies, Dr. Craig Huegel
Restoring Estuary Shoreline Habitats, Gus Muench-
Oyster Reef Design, Inc.
Gorillas and Volcanoes in the Mist, Ged Caddick- Terra
Incognita Ecotours
Cats Indoors, Jo Anne Hartzler
Natural Areas in the Tampa Bay Region, Rob Heath-
Wildlife Fellowship, Inc.
Florida’s Bats, Cyndi & George Marks- The Florida Bat
Center
The History of the Audubon Movement, Ann Paul,
Manager- Audubon’s Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries
Barn Owls: Nature’s Mousetrap, Dr. Richard Raid-
University of Florida
Landscaping with Native Plants, representatives from St.
Pete Audubon & the Pinellas Chapter of the Native Plant
Society
Special Events
- “Flock Around the Dock” Fund-raiser, raised approxi-
mately $14,000.00
- 1st Annual Fund Raiser Cruise on Carnival’s Miracle to
Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Belize
Beginning Bird Class and walks- offered for Tampa
Audubon and Eagle Audubon Societies
ARC
Audubon Resource Center at Lettuce Lake Park, was
open all year, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and
during the week as staffing allowed. Approximately
8,000 people visited the Center every weekend. We
provided weekly guided bird walks, wetlands classes for leaders, and everyday citizens, work on a consensus basis
elementary private school children, teacher workshops,
and field trips for numerous scout and other groups.
Professional volunteer staff included a part time Commu- (conservation projects), Coordinated Linear Infrastructure
nity Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator and a part time
Operations Manager.
Classes offered for groups included:
Freshwater Wetlands
An Introduction to Birds
Amphibians and Reptiles
The Importance of Trees and other Plants.
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Field Trips
22 Field Trips were offered. Some highlights of last year’s
trips were the trips to Merritt Island, with a total of 95
species sighted, including some wonderful, close up looks
at very cooperative Scrub Jays; lots and lots of shore
birds, including Am. Avocets, Red Knots, Marbled Godwits
and Stilt Sandpipers, and some buffleheads. The IMC field
trip to the mining areas of Mulberry was very successful
with 100 species sited- the top highlight was a white tailed
kite. An eagle family - 2 adults and 2 nestlings - was very
cooperative, and the great horned owls on nests also
posed for us. The May trip to Ft. DeSoto Park found 82
species, including 13 different warblers, scarlet tanagers,
rose-breasted and blue grosbeaks and indigo buntings,
shiny cowbirds, and yellow-billed cuckoos. A family of pied-
billed grebes on a floating nest, four young still striped fuzz-
balls bouncing around and on top of the adults, was a treat.
Work Events
Coastal Clean Up
Bird Colony Monofilament Cleanup
Hillsborough River Clean Up
Bluebird Box Cleaning and Repair, Flatwoods Park
Bluebird and Kestrel Box Cleaning and Repair, Balm
Boyette Scrub
A River Runs Through It — Hillsborough River Recognition
Event
Tampa and Alafia Christmas Bird Counts, Great Back-
yard Bird Count, and International Migratory Bird Day
Coordination and Reports
Hillsborough River Greenways Task Force (HRGTF),
a private/public partnership to protect and preserve the
upper stretches of the Hillsborough River, became a
program of TAS in fall 2003. The HRGTF is focused at the
local level to protect the watershed of the river through
conservation, habitat protection, and education. More than
1500 participants, including representatives from local
agencies, business leaders, environmentalists, industry
to protect the river. Project Work Groups: Education and
Outreach (State of the River Report), Land and Water
Projects (co-align infrastructure projects to reduce river
impacts), and the Frog Listening Network (community
volunteers report frogs heard in their neighborhoods, for
scientific analysis).
Tampa Audubon newsletter, the Avocet, published bi-
monthly.
 A Message from Your President

First-off, a fond farewell and a warm welcome. As you probably have

heard by now, Marilyn Kershner and Al Tweedy have moved to
Micanopy so Marilyn can start her new career as Executive Director of a
non-profit agency. Marilyn and Al stepped forward last year when it looked
like the ARC would have to close its doors due to dwindling funds. They came forth
with a proposal to keep the ARC open and volunteered their time to make it happen. This was
a sacrifice on their part because it was a commitment that required they set aside their per-
sonal lives and be available every weekend to run the ARC. One of their greatest accomplish-
ments and one that will have an enduring legacy is the establishment of the ARC Ambassadors
Program. This program trains the volunteers to staff the ARC on weekends and provide
invaluable educational opportunities for the visitors of Lettuce Lake Park. Marilyn and Al leave
behind an established and well-run program that will be sure to maintain a Tampa Audubon
presence at Lettuce Lake for years to come. So, thanks Marilyn and Al- we wish you the best!
One of the last things that Marilyn and Al did prior to their departure (and one that shows the
level of their commitment) was the recruitment of a more than qualified replacement. I am
excited to introduce Andrea College as the new Volunteer Coordinator of ARC at the Park.
Andrea has a strong urban planning background and has created and fostered several innova-
tive educational programs in the community. Assisting Andrea with the transition will be William
Lorenzen, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Conservancy. Andrea and William have some
great ideas about how to make the ARC even better, but they need our support!
Andrea has agreed to take charge, build upon what Marilyn and Al accomplished (a big job),
and open the doors for the volunteers. If no one signs up to volunteer for a particular day, she
has to cover that shift herself. She’s already had to do this in just her second week on the job!
Please stop by the ARC and introduce yourself to Andrea and William and volunteer to help
out. The ARC is a wonderful vehicle for our environmental education outreach efforts.
On another note, have you seen “March of the Penguins” yet? What an awesome movie! I saw
the film on its opening night at Tampa Theatre. John Bell, General Manager of the theatre,
recognized Tampa Audubon during his welcoming remarks. Even my two-year-old, Noah,
enjoyed the film. He succinctly described the film as being about “penguins and snow”!
Finally, you should have received our annual appeal for contributions. While we have no
overhead to speak of (no rented office space and no paid salaries), we still have some ex-
penses associated with The Avocet, liability insurance, etc. Please consider making a contribu-
tion to Tampa Audubon to ensure the continued financial health of our chapter. Thanks in
advance for your support of Tampa Audubon and our environmental education initiatives. As
always, please feel free to contact any Board member with your questions and concerns and I
look forward to seeing you at our October Program.

Tampa Audubon would like to recognize Mr. George Sarris for his
generous donation in memory of Thomas Robert Geeraerts,
brother of John Geeraerts, a friend and co-worker.

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 NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. Postage Paid
Tampa, FL
Permit No. 1046
P.O. Box 320025
Tampa, FL 33679
www.tampaaudubon.org