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Trail group
meetings,
canoe get-togethers,
employment openings
tips and cleaning recipes
Gwen Beatty's Newsletter:
Hi folks,
Gary will be celebrating his birthday this week and it provides a
perfect
excuse to get together with friends for cool drinks, conversation and
dinner. Join us after work on Friday, July 16 at La Fiesta located on
Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee. We'll plan to meet at 5:30 pm or
whenever you can make it. No gifts please. However, if you are one
of those people who have had to suffer one of Gary's tasteless gag
gifts,
feel free to pay him back in kind. He deserves no less.
Don't forget that the Florida Trail Association meets this coming
Tuesday,
July 13 at the Forestry Building located at 325 John Knox Rd, Suite
100F.
Join us at 7 p.m. for the meeting. Everyone is welcome.
Several people have contacted me requesting employment information.
You'll notice that I've added a section on Employment Opportunities
below.
I'll try to pass on any information I receive.
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Check out the Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club website at:
http://www.clubkayak.com/ackc/
If you have a trip report, don't forget to go to the website and post
your
report and any photographs you may have taken. Membership is required
to participate in ACKC paddling events. Membership is only $5 per
person per year and extends from January 1 to Dec. 31 each year.
We try to make it easy for people to join and usually have membership
forms available at each event.
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Employment Opportunities:
1) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Vacancy
Position Number: 77900647
Position Title: Wildlife Assistance Biologist; OPS Fisheries &
Wildlife Biological Scientist III
Closing Date: 19 July 2010
Pay Rate: $19.00/hr
Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Full-time)
Location: Lake City, Florida
Residency Requirement: None
Benefits: As an OPS position this position does not include career
service
benefits (that is, no paid leave, holidays or defined benefit
retirement plan).
Contact Person: Terry J. Doonan, Ph.D.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
3377 East U.S. Hwy. 90
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: 386-758-0525 Email: Terry.Doonan@MyFWC.com
Description of Duties:
The person in this position
serves as the Wildlife Assistance Biologist for the North Central
Region,
in the Species Conservation Planning Section. Plans, organizes, and
coordinates programs to manage or avert conflicts between humans
and wildlife in Florida's 17-county North Central Region. Provides
technical assistance over the phone and in writing to the public, both
to
individuals and organizations, as well as Commission staff and other
agencies primarily regarding resolution or abatement of nuisance
wildlife events. Manages nuisance bear complaints and coordinates
efforts of nuisance bear contractors. Reviews or coordinates the review
and issuance of some permits. Inputs and manages data and/or
databases
associated with these projects as necessary. Provides
administrative
support for these activities as necessary. Assists in conducting other
activities as assigned. This is primarily an office position; the
majority
of time spent fulfilling these duties will be in the office or,
occasionally,
at meetings.
Level of Education: Degree in the biological sciences. Prefer: a BS
degree;
A degree in wildlife science or related discipline; 1 year of
professional
biological experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A Bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural
resources, or similar discipline preferred, but applicants with other
degrees and coursework in biology will be considered. Preference
will be given to those with customer service experience, applied
knowledge and experience in animal damage control techniques, and
experience with black bear biology and behavior. Must have a good
ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and be
skilled in the use of computers for word processing, information
management, and communications. Good organizational, customer
service, and problem solving skills are necessary. Experience providing
technical assistance to the public is also necessary. Must have good
abilities to work well with minimal supervision, and to establish and
maintain effective working relationships.
How to Apply: Applicants should email a letter of application
accompanied by a copy of their resume to Terry J. Doonan at Terry.
Doonan@MyFWC.com If possible, include an electronic copy of a
State of Florida Employment Application, but that will not be required
initially.
This position will not be advertised through People First, the State's
online
hiring system, and applications will not be accepted electronically
through
People First because that system will be unavailable 9-19 July.
FWC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
2) FMNP Program Coordinator
Below is a job announcement for the Program Coordinator
for the Florida Master Naturalist Program:
The FMNP Program Coordinator position has been advertised. You can
find it online at https://jobs.ufl.edu by clicking on Staff Positions
(Req. #0805118).
The closing date is 7/25/2010. Applicants should apply on-line. Please
read the qualifications carefully. You may forward this opportunity to
others if you wish.
3) If you know anyone who's looking, I noticed a "Now Hiring"
sign at the Big Lots on Apalachee Parkway at Capital Circle.
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Shared Information:
1) From the FDEP website: Tips and Recipes for Green Cleaning:
All Purpose Cleaner
1/2 teaspoon soda ash or baking soda
Dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot water
Combine in a spray bottle; shake until all powder is dissolved.
Apply and wipe off residue with a rag or sponge.
Glass Cleaner
1 gallon water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent
Furniture Polish
1 cup vegetable or olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Mix in spray bottle and shake well.
Apply small amount to a cloth.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar.
Cover the drain and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Flush with 2 quarts
boiling water.
Mold Killer
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in spray bottle and shake to blend.
Spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.
The Microfiber Cloth:
Cloths made of microfiber completely remove dust, and when
used alone or with a little water do not leave a chemical film or
streaks behind. You can clean and polish surfaces in one action,
picking up more than 97 percent of the dust and other materials
containing microbes, pollen and mold.
Microfiber cloths are made of polyester and polyamide (nylon)
that are spun and split into micro-sized strings. They are then
woven
together to produce a soft, absorbent and durable cloth.
Microfiber cloths are positively charged, meaning they attract
negatively charged dirt and grease, and they offer the ability to
clean surfaces without chemicals.
It is important to take proper care of the reusable microfiber cloth,
which can last anywhere from 100-500 washes depending on the cloth.
Do not use fabric softeners or powdered detergents, which reduce the
effectiveness of the cloth. Prolong the life of your microfiber by
rinsing in water or washing in regular soap.
Microfiber cloths save time and most particularly money. You can s
ave up to $100 a year by replacing paper towels with microfiber. Most
anything can be cleaned with a microfiber without using anything but
water,
saving hundreds of dollars on the cost of cleaners.
Seven Uses for a Microfiber:
1. Dust furniture surfaces with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
2. Wipe windows with a damp microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning.
3. Shine bathroom surfaces using a microfiber cloth and hot water.
4. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with hot water to clean kitchen
counters by running the cloth over the surface, overlapping horizontal
strokes.
Use your favorite cleaner or white vinegar instead of water if
you prefer.
5. Run a microfiber cloth dampened with hot water over the
interior of your microwave for an easy cleanup.
6. Clean walls, window frames, cupboards and doors using a
slightly damp microfiber cloth.
7. Polish the inside and outside of your vehicle using a
dampened microfiber cloth.
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Here's what's going on in the Panhandle this month:
July 13: Florida Trail Association, Apalachee Chapter meeting
at the Forestry Building located at 325 John Knox Rd., Suite 100F.
Join us at 7:00 for the meeting. Everyone is welcome.
July 16: Join us at 5:30 pm for Happy Hour at La Fiesta in
Tallahassee to wish Gary Sisco a happy birthday.
July 17: National Recreation and Parks Month – Free entry
to all state parks except Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Launch of
Geocaching program at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Southeast District.
July 21: Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club meeting at Old Mexico Grill
nd Cantina located on Apalachee Parkway just east of Capital Circle.
Join us at 6:00 pm for dinner and 7:00 pm for the meeting. Our speaker
will be
Doug Alderson who has a new book out. The title is "Encounters with
Florida's Endangered Wildlife". As you may have guessed, Doug will do
a program on Endangered Florida Wildlife. His presentations are always
very popular and this is a great way to get a preview of his latest
book if
you haven't done so already. Everyone is welcome.
August 7: National Lighthouse Day Celebration at Bill Baggs Cape
Florida State Park, Key Biscayne.
August 10: Florida Trail Association, Apalachee Chapter meeting at the
Forestry Building located at 325 John Knox Rd., Suite 100F. Join us at
7:00 for the meeting. Everyone is welcome.
Aug 18: : Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club meeting at Old Mexico Grill
and
Cantina located on Apalachee Parkway just east of Capital Circle. Join
us at
6:00 pm for dinner and 7:00 pm for the meeting. Everyone is welcome.
August 28- Sunday, August 29: Former Mermaid Show at Weeki Wachee
Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs.
September 9: State Park Literacy Month, Butterfly Story
Time event at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast.
September 10- Sunday, September 12: State Park Literacy Month – Free
entry to all state parks except Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
September 14: Florida Trail Association, Apalachee Chapter meeting
at the Forestry Building located at 325 John Knox Rd., Suite 100F.
Join us at 7:00 for the meeting. Everyone is welcome.
Have a great week,
Gwen
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Tender
moments with manatee
mother and her two calves
By Tom Southern
ths51@earthlink.com
Sent to readers by
Emily Hoon, River Rats Communication Coordinator
Weeki Wachee Trip
Report: October 28, 2006
"Darci, Cris, Sena,
Nick, and myself were all standing around the parking area at Roger's
Park, having a good time talking about what a good time we'd had on the
river. Nick raised his head after what I guess had been a moment's
reflection and looking me, well, everyone I guess, right in the eye,
said, "It's nice to see nature". It wasn't just his comment pretty much
summing up the day that brought our chatter to a halt for a few
seconds. It was the profoundness of the truth in that disarmingly
simple sentence I think, that made all of us pause in our own thinking.
I know it reminded me once again of how grateful I feel to be able to
experience what we do on the rivers we all paddle together.
"We were only a few
hundred yards downstream of the spring when Safi
spotted three manatees
grazing in the clear, barely waist deep, water. A mother and two young
ones. The mother was the same injured mother Sarah Blocker was the
first to spot this summer (boy, those young women's eyes!). If you
missed that story (attached for your convenience), this mother had
a watermelon sized tumor near what would be our left shoulder.
Likely the result of having been run over by a power boat, according to
a state biologist I talked with at the time.
"We all just sat there
in our boats and softly oohed and ahead and grinned and shook our heads
as if we couldn't quite believe we were actually witnessing these three
gentle, but still wild animals, quietly eating what for us would have
been a mid morning snack. I think that for at least half the group it
was the first time they had ever seen manatee, so surely they'll never
forget the moment.
"In addition to all
those good feelings though, you couldn't help but feel bad, too. The
tumor is even bigger now, if you can believe it, and it's moved more to
her side than her back. It makes you sick to look at it, but at least
we saw her eating plants in the water and the two beautiful little
young ones (one about four feet long and the other maybe five or six
feet), appeared to our untrained eyes to be healthy, though even they,
even these babies, had scars on their backs from propellors running
over them. The larger of the two's fluke (tail to us) was cut into
three pieces, the wounds having healed, but the fluke obviously no
longer able to operate as efficiently when it swam.
"Everyone else was now
out of sight around a bend in the river. I was just sitting in my boat,
taking it all in. I'm not sure how it happened, whether she came to me
or I floated over her or what, but drifting along, my canoe at right
angles to the river's flow, I noticed the smallest of the three
manatees floating along parallel tothe current. No more than a foot
away, I could see her two little eyes set wide in her cute, round face,
looking up at me. I decided she had to be a girl because I already had
a crush on her, and you know, the cognitive dissonance would be too
much, so.......
"I reached out and
stroked her forehead and rubbed her back. I held my hand to her mouth.
It filled my palm. I could feel her whiskers against my skin as she
explored my hand with her lips, nuzzling it and taking my fingers a
tiny bit into her mouth before I guess she decided they weren't food
and I remembered she had teeth designed to grind tough grass. We must
have drifted along like that for fifty yards or so before, for some
reason, maybe her mom calling, maybe her sensing she was getting too
far from her mother, I don't know, but she turned and gently swam back
upstream.
For those few moments though, it was as if there was nothing else
going on in the whole world. No sounds I can remember, and except for the one
thought that maybe I should keep my fingers out of her mouth, no
`thinking brain function', just two animals from two different worlds
relating to one another, both silently floating down the river
together. I'm not sure how she felt really, or what she may have been
thinking, but I was falling in love:)
"Unlike summer
weekends when the Weeki Wachee is usually eat up with
too many motor boats
and people who have, umm, lets' see now, how can
we say it and at least
give the appearance of being non judgemental...... okay, how 'bout we
say, they have a different idea of how to engage the natural world
........ we about had the river to ourselves. Only a couple of stinking
(literally, not figuratively) motor boats and at least the young father
who was taking his two boys out for aday on the water looked like he
might be feeling apologetic for usingsuch a profane means to make his
way downstream.
"This is one of my
favorite rivers. I love the green tint to the clear water. I love the
narrow, twisting course the river takes as it threads oasis like
through the xeric sand pine and scrub oak forest in it's upper reaches.
I love the shapes the cypress trees and their knees take in the swamp
that lines the middle stretch. And as houses along rivers go, even the
houses that mess up the lower stretch aren't too bad. I love how there
are so many cool places to hop out of your
boat and swim.
"As lovely as the
river is though, think of how much nicer it would be if it were like
Ichetucknee Springs State Park. No trash at all (once again, I filled
up a large garbage bag), no more houses, maybe buy up some of the
existing ones. No more having to pay the private concessionaire a
usurous rate for the privilege of walking through his building to get
to the put in. No more power boats except in the very lower stretch of
the river.
"If someone like Cris
Rich, who is probably better organized than God, could get a movement
started, by the time we are all old, we might get to go to a dedication
ceremony where some politician gives a long speech taking credit for
the hard work a bunch of people who love the river actually did, and
we'll eat pork barbeque, drink cold beer, and go home and sleep well
because we know there is at least a pretty decent chance our children
will know the same feelings of joy and wonder and rapture we have felt
floating down this elysian waterway, this little piece of heaven here
on earth.
"Thanks to everyone
who came.........Darci Waldon, Nick Christie, Karen Holder, Brenda
Chalfin and children, Eliot and Safi, Bob Hornberger, Cris Rich,
Beverly Bennett, John Williamson, Sena Bergeron, and her whitewater
kayak friend (oh, please forgive me, I cannot remember your name, but
he's a nice guy, I promise!).
"P.S. A little tip I
thought of: when you're paddling toward the gulf after a cold front has
just passed through and a cool, dry, stiff wind is coming from the
west, put some of the lotion you have brought in your little 'personal
stuff' bag on your face, it'll make the make the ride home more
pleasant:)"
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