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Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Pitching in

As fellow volunteers, Tom and Sally, headed out to visit friends and relatives in Georgia late last week, they got a call that Sally’s father had taken ill.  Her parents live in Florida, so they made a detour to head down there.  The other day we found out that Sally’s dad had died, and they would not be able to return to the refuge when they expected.  I said I’d step up and cover their Visitor’s Center assignment today.  So I headed in to open things up a little before 8:00 this morning.  There aren’t too many visitors first thing in the morning, and it’s a good thing, as my key wouldn’t open one of the doors.  The refuge manager and I propped it open, and I got everything else set up.

Things went smoothly until 9:00 when a group of nine folks showed up from Gulf Shores State Park in Alabama for their scheduled tour of the refuge.  Say what?  There was nothing on the schedule that indicated a tour group was coming.  They insisted they had made arrangements with someone.  Alrighty then.  One of the interns had taken our van for the day, but the group from Alabama said they had a van.  So I hopped in the van with them and took them on a two hour tour.  It turned out exceptionally well, as we were able to observe 20 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes during out journey.  My key malfunctioned again when I tried to unlock the entrance to the area with the bald eagles nest, so we didn’t get to go to that area.  Grrr!  Everyone appeared to be quite satisfied with what we did see, so it all turned out well in the end.

66 MS Sandhill Crane NWR 20123

For newer readers that didn’t accompany me on my stint here last year, I’ve included a couple of collages of what the Visitor’s Center looks like and has to offer.  After Katrina, this facility was built and is quite nice.

66 MS Sandhill Crane NWR 20124

We have a number of interactive displays, and a very nice 12 minute movie on the work of the refuge.  This was the first refuge established under the authority of the Endangered Species Act in 1973.  The gentleman in the center was instrumental in the founding of this refuge, and even stopped the construction of I-10 back then as it cut through the last remaining stronghold of the Mississippi sandhill crane.  There were only 30 or so of these birds left on earth at that time.  Jake Valentine is considered the “father” of this refuge.  I sure wish I could have met him.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

16 comments:

  1. You sure do a great job of meeting unexpected challenges, and are a terrific asset to the NWR's you serve.

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  2. Judy you do such a great job with your photography. It is easy to see you love what you are doing....Interesting information about the Reserve as well. Now I really wish I would have stopped...as we passed through.

    Just BS!(Bob and Sue)

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  3. In your other life. The 9 to 5 one where you went to work each day. Well, you must have been one heck of a good employee. Those traits don't desert us when we retire. Nicely done, Judy.

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  4. Can you tell me what makes a Mississippi Sand Hill Crane different from the ones here in Florida?

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  5. Way to improvise and jump in there! A work trait that is hard to find now a days.

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  6. Thirty! Wow, that's an amazing bottleneck. Do they feel the cranes are particularly susceptible to any natural threats (viruses, parasites, Hostess Twinkies)?

    Way to improvise your way through a day!

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  7. When in doubt...punt! Great job on doing what needed to be done. Sorry to hear of the loss of Sally's father. I'm sure she appreciates you filling the gap.

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  8. We have wanted to explore Gulf Shores for so long. Maybe on our way to California next year we will be able to. Thanks for the photos

    Mike and Dee
    gonerving.blogspot.com

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  9. You are sure one great troubleshooter and thinking fast on your feet to keep the patrons happy! I am sure that is why these various nature centers and preserves LOVE to have you come and volunteer with them. You are a "keeper"
    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

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  10. Something about that Gulf Shores area really attracts me..I think the serene beauty of a swamp and the Savannah, and the wonderful water birds ...what an eco system it is...A last minute tour?? Only YOU, Judy, only YOU could have done it.

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  11. Have to echo the above sentiments on your taking the ball and running with it even when it's dropped in your lap and your keys don't work. Love the collages. Your pictures are wonderful! I want to go on one of your tours. Wonder if I can get there before you leave. We'll be in Ocean Springs in March.

    Sherry
    www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com

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  12. Always good to be flexible. Nice going.

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  13. Sounds like you are still good at keeping plans B,C and D in your back pocket.

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  14. I love the Sand Hill crane, so I guess I owe thanks to Mr Jack Valentine too.

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