From Tyson Dallas, Southwest Region Shorebird Biologist IV, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tyson.dallas@myfwc.com
"As part of our long term vegetation management plan at the Big Carlos Pass beach (Carlos Pointe), I am looking for as much help as I can get with manual removal of sandspur seed pods in and around the shorebird nesting colony. We are aiming to reduce the presence of sandspurs at this nesting site to improve future nesting conditions for the shorebirds. The objective of this fieldwork is to collect as many sandspur seed pods as possible to minimize the amount of incidental planting that occurs when the beach is tilled in early September.
I will be on-site around 745 and we can pick until it gets too hot or thunderstorms (or unprofessionally unconfirmed tropical storm) chase us away. I recommend shoes (not sandals), long pants, and plenty of water to drink. Optionally you may bring gloves or a pair of sheers to cut seed heads. I will supply some grocery bags/ 5g buckets to collect the spurs in and large trash bags for disposal. If you prefer a bucket and have access to one, I would recommend bringing it since we do not know how many volunteers will show up."
What: Sandspur manual removal
When: Wednesday 8/16 @ 8am
Where: Big Carlos Pass Beach (Carlos Pointe), 8350 Estero Blvd, Ft. Myers Beach
Who: Anyone available, the more participation the better!
Parking: There is public parking immediately south of Big Carlos Pass bridge on the right if heading south, or left if coming from Bonita.
