Fall 2004 issue
Why should I become a Friend of Talbot Islands State Parks?
We normally send our newsletter just to members who are Friends of The Talbot Islands State Parks. Periodically we will include non-members, trusting that many will want to know more about the Parks and will decide to become a member. Why should you consider joining? Its simple: The Park Service needs the financial and volunteer support of people like you who are interested in these wonderful parks that are part of our everyday life. The Park budget for staff educational enrichment, special equipment, interpretive and other needs is limited. The Friends provide these funds so that the Park staff can do more than just the basic park management responsibilities. And, for some of you, volunteering at the Parks is an important part of your life here in the Real Florida. There are many opportunities from shorebird surveys to trail upkeep. Please note that membership fees and other donations stay right here and support the Talbot Islands parks.

Volunteers return to help protect nesting areas.
Jim and Marilyn are two of many volunteers who camp at the park and volunteer to help us maintain the park and protect park resources. For two years now, Jim and Marilyn have had the special task of assisting Park Biologist, Kristin Ebersol, to sign and protect the least tern nesting areas on the islands within the park. We welcome them back and are thankful for their help in the shorebird program and numerous park tasks.

Whole Family Volunteers to Help Out on Little Talbot Island
The campground at Little Talbot Island shines when this family arrives! Regan and Elaine (and their daughters Leah and Star) fill one of the two campground host positions that help keep the campground on Little Talbot Island State Park in tip-top condition. Hosts maintain the bathhouses, clean campsites and provide information to visitors they encounter in their day. Regan also patrols the beach and provides visitors with helpful information on safety and precautions. We are thrilled to welcome the whole family back to Talbot Islands again this year!

Previous Newsletters

Spring 2004

Summer 2004

Talbot Islands State Parks
Staff changes

Nancy Garrison, Assistant Park Manager, has moved to the Tampa area to be closer to her parents. She has been with Talbot Islands State Parks for over 20 years. Initially hired as part-time staff; then promoted to Park Ranger, and then to Assistant Park Manager. Many wonderful and significant changes have taken place over the past 20 years and Nancy has been the key player in the extremely high visitation and superb reputation these parks hold today. She was always willing to help anyone(including Gopher Tortoises!)We all wish her luck in her new position as a Park Ranger at Hillsborough River State Park.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Mark Twain
Wanted Worker Bees
The CSO needs help! Occasionally we need extra hands to help with projects like labeling newsletters or helping at events.
We also need someone to take over the position of Secretary on the board.
If you are interested or have questions please call Jody during the day at 904-251-0016
Elizabeth Pavlinsky is our newest Park Service Specialist. She worked at Little Talbot as a Park Ranger but left to attend the University of Chicago. Now with a Masters in Social Sciences - Anthropology she will be managing and interpreting the cultural and archaeological sites in the parks. She has done an incredible job cataloging and organizing all the artifacts that have been collected. Her presentation on Timucuan pottery is a definite must see!

There is never a dull moment here at the Talbot Islands parks. It seems that, in the past few years, we’ve had a new opening or major renovation every 6 months! This is a very dynamic place to be. Now, the addition of Pumpkin Hill Preserve State Park will almost double the acreage managed by the Little Talbot Island office. This new park has different terrain than the other parks and includes one of the most beautiful creeks I’ve ever paddled. Pumpkin Hill Creek is one of those rare places where you can get a 360 degree view of what this area looked like thousands of years ago. This is because of the hard work done by the City of Jax, State and National parks and local land preservation groups. Please come out to the Open House on Saturday September 4 from 10-2.
Please note the help wanted ad on the next page. The CSO could really use some extra hands to get projects done. I would like to set up a list of volunteers that we could call on occasionally. We also need someone that would be interested in becoming a board member and serving as Secretary. This position requires about 5-10 volunteer hours/month. Call me to get a complete job description.(904-251-0016 days).
Our website (www.talbotislands.com) is growing. The current and past newsletters are there in color as well as other information about the parks. Check it for the schedule of Ranger Programs.

----Jody

 

 

 



Service Providers in the Park

Kelly Seahorse Ranch - one hour trail rides leave at 10, noon, 2 & 4, Call for reservations 904-491-5166, www.KellyRanchInc.com
Nassau Sound Bait & Tackle - rental & sale of fishing equipment, bait, sandwiches and cold drinks, 904-277-9772
Long Island Outfitters (Kayak Amelia) - guided kayak/ nature tours, kayak & canoe rentals, cold drinks and earth friendly gifts, 904-251-0016 www.KayakAmelia.com
Amelia Occasions at the Ribault Club - complete function facilities for weddings and meetings, 904-251-1050 www.AmeliaOccasions.com