We’re excited to bring back our monthly Ales and Wild Tails event with the Center for Biological Diversity at The Ale and the Witch in St. Petersburg.

Join us Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. for a conversation about the Piney Point disaster and the continuing threat the gypstack poses to our environment. We’ll discuss the events leading up to the massive spill last spring, the devastating red tide it caused last summer, and how we can take action to prevent more pollution in the future. 

What: Ales and Wild Tails
When: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 6-7 p.m.
Where: The Ale and the Witch, 111 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL

The event takes place outdoors. Masks, vaccinations and social distancing are strongly encouraged. 

Mark your calendar: “Ales and Wild Tails” takes place on the second Wednesday of every month.

Dedicated Volunteers: 2021 Kiosk Renovations

Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island

Recently, volunteers Pat, Fran, Dave H, and Dave K revitalized the Passage Key kiosk at Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island.

Patrick and Dave cleaning up flexiglass panel.

Dave adding screws to complete installation.

Patrick pointing out the completed installation.

Maximo Park Kiosk Updates

Our team of Friend Volunteers completed updates to the Kiosks at Maximo Park in September.

Patrick and Dave refurbishing the kiosk.

Rick, Dave K and Patrick replace plexiglass.

Finished!

Thanks Dave H, Dave K, Edie, Rick  and Patrick for your dedication!

Guardhouse Kiosk Update

Volunteers and staff are busy renovating the six Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges interpretive kiosks this summer and fall.

First up was the kiosk at the Egmont Key Guardhouse.

Minor repairs, a coat of stain and new plexiglass are giving these kiosks a fresh look.

Thank you, Friends volunteers, and USFWS staff for your efforts!

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Good News

The Little Bird Key (part of the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge) shoreline stabilization project was awarded

the 2018/19 Golden Mangrove Award from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

The project was completed in 2019 and was a partnership with US Fish and Wildlife, Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tampa Bay Watch, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The award is presented to the most outstanding Bay Mini-Grant Project for each grant cycle. The Little Bird Key Shoreline Stabilization Project was selected as the winner from all the completed Bay Mini-Grant projects for the 2018/2019. The selection was delayed due to the pandemic, but the results were worth waiting for!

The project included the installation of 500 concrete oyster reef balls to stem the erosion of the Little Bird Key shoreline and loss of mangroves from recreational boat waking. The design and installation of the project was led by Tampa Bay Watch staff and volunteers. We are proud to be a part of protecting our Tampa Bay natural resources.

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Check out the 2021 Fall Issue of the Friends Newsletter.

Stories featured:

• Updates With the Refuges and Friends
• Egmont Key Notes
• Birds of the Refuge: White Ibis
• Little Bird Key Wins Golden Mangrove Award
• Calendar of Events
• Monthly Bird Surveys
• Future Trips