Summer 2007 Update 1

It's been about 6 months since my last post. This has mainly been due to technical difficulties with blogspot and my busy schedule. Blogspot was bought out by google. The Crosby site didn't have a smooth transition and I didn't have much time to devote to dealing with it.

The wonderful young men and women of the FYCA conducted another workday out a Crosby in March. They were led by Scott Davis and did an excellent job of planting 9 native trees (donated by Robert Sanford of Sanford Landscaping), removing air potat0es and vines, as well as picking up trash and debris. They were also able to determine that all of their bird nest boxes appeared to be occupied or showed signs of activity. They also took a walk back through the swamp to just enjoy being outside in natural surroundings. Scott hopes to be able to bring the FYCA group out more often throughout the upcoming school year, as they really love outdoor activities at Crosby.

Prothonotary Warblers have been seen out along the swamp trail. It's likely they nested in one of two nest boxes installed by FYCA. Please go to www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Prothonotary_Warbler_dtl.html for info on these wonderful birds.

Officials with Clay County were given notebooks with information about the sanctuary in May. One notebook was given to Doug Conkey the county commissioner for Crosby. He is interested in helping our process by developing partnerships with the county and funding resources.

The Homeowners Association of Orange Park Golf and Country Club has contacted us about the donating additional land to the northwest part of the sanctuary. I will continue to update on the status and details of this interesting development!

Please feel free to contact me anytime. We need volunteers willing to help out! Especially someone local in Orange Park willing to spend about 1 hour every 2-3 weeks mowing the entrance area.

Pete Johnson
904-536-4806
petejohnson71@bellsouth.net