Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group Fall Meeting

1151 Tower Boulevard,Lake Wales FL 33853

10 November, 2022

Description

The Mission of the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group is to ensure the long-term protection of the native plants, animals and natural communities of this unique region of Florida. Members accomplish this by encouraging information exchange, promoting research, sharing plans and solutions, coordinating training, and fostering public awareness and support. Please Join us for the LWREWG fall meeting at Bok Tower Gardens! We are happy to hold our first in-person meeting with our partners all over the ridge! We will be meeting in the Olmstead Room. We encourage land managers, researchers, volunteers, and those working to preserve the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem to attend. Themes and presenters for this meeting include: Prescribed fire training resources and partnerships - Adam Peterson, The Nature ConservancyUsing Drones to map and monitor prescribed fires and wildfires -Vivienne Sclater and Julie Sorfleet, Archbold Biological StationRestoring cogon grass fields to native grasses- Casey Beavers, Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionFlatwoods restoration at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest- Nathan Bartosek, Florida Forest ServiceIntegrating natural history, science, and management to recover threatened and endangered birds at APAFR: a 30-year perspective. -Reed Bowman, Research Program Director, Avian Ecology, Archbold Biological StationAn optional guided walk through the Pine Ridge Preserve and the Knoll at Bok Tower Gardens after the meeting. Savanna Sutherland, land manager at Bok Tower Gardens will lead participants through a century-old conservation parcel original to Bok Tower Gardens, and half 30-year restored sandhill. Light refreshments will be served.  The Blue Palmetto Cafe is located next to the visitor center as a lunch option.  Registration is required. Please email [email protected] for any questions.