December! How did that happen? The usual seasonal holiday cues missed me in my Florida forest. So, the only thing significant about December this year is that my volunteer gig ends next week. Yes, time has passed too quickly. I will always remember the fascinating creatures I encountered. Every day, I watched animal movements and…
I am thinking ahead to my next adventures. I will complete my 3-month stint at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station in Melrose, FL, on Dec 6. With Thanksgiving, that leaves 6 working days! I will miss this beautiful slice of creation and all the people and critters I have met. Still, I am excited about the next…
Hurricane Matthew is long gone, not even a speck on the map. After whirling around for a week the storm system dissolved into nothingness in the Atlantic. Although a power line downed by a tree left me without power, I was safe and snug in a protected metal building. Matthew was an adventure. Others, who…
This is my fourth week volunteering and living at Ordway-Swisher. A full calendar month has not passed, but I have been 4 weeks on the job! The two biggest challenges for me have been fear and hard work in the humidity. I felt a momentary burst of fear when I learned that I am the…
At 6:30 AM, the sky is still dark. I keep the outside awning lights on so that Tango can roam around. He is afraid of the dark around here. Too many turkeys and deer that spook him. I just sit inside, with the door open. Cool, cool air wanders in. No breeze yet to push the…
I took a few photos while out monitoring invasive plants. These only give a feel for a small lake ecosystem. While we were working, the gal holding the turtle found a native lily. She has been looking around here for 10 years. It was an exciting moment. They took photos and set GPS markers. More…
Ordway-Swisher Biological Station (OSBS) land was donated to University of Florida by the Ordway Family and Carl Swisher. Most stories I hear center on Mr. Swisher, the creator of Swisher Sweets cigars. He quietly bought up thousands of prime Florida sandhills and pine forest acreage, south of his home in Jacksonville. The land was Swisher’s…
I am here safely! I misplaced my computer cord while driving down here, which is why I have not written. I have so much to share. I am overflowing with many blessings. “Here” is Ordway-Swisher Biological Station”, outside of Gainesville, FL. The station is about 9,500 acres of restored Florida habitat—classic live oaks draped with…