Page 3 - The Shores of Jupiter - November '19

The Shores, Page 3
Audubon Center For Birds Of Prey

Celebrates 40 Years Of Conservation!

Help Audubon Center for You started at “In a wildlife tragedy of this magnitude all our energy
Birds of Prey celebrate 40 Audubon in 1989, went into trying desperately to save lives. These were
years of conservation this that’s 30 years ago! mostly American white pelicans but also wood storks, great
month and prepare for the 40- Tell us about your blue herons, and great egrets. All of our energy went into
plus years to come! first experiences at “response,” and while we were unable to save all of the
In October of 1979, Doris the center and what victims that day, we saved some, learned lessons, and tried
Mager, an Audubon staff brought you here. to keep moving forward.”
member, recognized the “That first year What excites you most about today?
need to save bald eagles in I learned that I had “I get to share these amazing creatures with the world. To
Florida. She sat in an inactive so much more to learn. After spending 16 years as an avian watch a grown man cry because he got to personally meet
nest to raise funds to start wildlife rehabilitator on the west coast of Florida working a bald eagle, or a little girl giggle when she sees how large
a rehabilitation center that with all species of birds, including raptors, I learned that an owl ear actually is, or the look on the person’s face when
grew into the Center for Birds specializing allows us to be the best. The more you know they watch the bird they helped rescue fly free, that’s what
of Prey. about a species, their habitat, hunting techniques, prey, Audubon is all about … the connections, caring and sharing
Staying true to its Dianna Flynt, rehabilitation behaviors, socialization, migration, etc., the better you can that experience.”
passionate and purposeful supervisor at Audubon accommodate them in their captive time with us.” Thank you for all you do for Florida’s birds of prey.
beginning, the center has been Center for Birds of Prey In the late 1990s, the center assisted in one of Central
saving the lives of raptors Florida’s biggest disasters to birds when thousands of white
ever since. We spoke with Dianna Flynt, rehabilitation pelicans were found sick and dying on Lake Apopka due to
supervisor and raptor champion, who shared some of these the flooding of toxic former farmland. Can you tell us about
experiences. your experience with this?
Commissioner’s Update

Weed Awareness are spread by birds, yet others are found in compacted soils. Weed control is also very important to the county in
There’s a lot to consider, but if you can get a handle on maintaining our natural areas. Palm Beach County uses
By Commissioner controlling weeds, you won’t have to use as many chemicals and recommends an integrated pest management approach
Hal Valeche to fight them. that reduces the need for chemical applications. This
Let’s talk about those All weeds are easier to control when small and prior to includes a variety of practices such as proper selection
pesky plants that sprout up flowering. Once they flower, the seeds can easily spread. and maintenance of landscape plants, use of pest resistant
in your yard where they’re Some steps you can take to prevent weed growth include: plants, and biological controls. When chemicals are
least desired. Weeds are • Purchase garden soil that is formulated for beds and is required, the products are carefully selected, use is
commonly defined simply as likely to contain little to no weed seed minimized, and label instructions are strictly followed
plants in the wrong place. • Edge around your beds to reduce the risk of exposure to people, animals and the
With our moist, subtropical • Install edgers, pavers and garden walls environment.
climate, weeds can be • Clean mowers and tools Much has been reported about the use of Roundup,
challenging to manage. Palm • Check the nursery stock that you purchase and dispose the most common herbicide whose key ingredient is
Beach County’s Cooperative of any weed material glyphosate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Extension Service Environmental Horticulture Program in To control weed growth in your lawn, experts recommend is studying the chemical and may outline new guidelines
partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food that you mow at the higher level, since this will create shade or restrictions on its use. If you decide to use herbicides, I
and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) provides the most and keep some weeds from germinating. Too little or too cannot overemphasize the caution that you must carefully
current, research-backed information to help meet the needs much water or fertilizer can also encourage weed growth. read the label for information on safety, environmental
of residents and businesses. As you know, mulch is a popular method for weed control. factors, the product and use.
Our local horticulture experts tell us that your approach The best type is coarse, textured mulch, two inches thick, in Palm Beach County is committed to safety and is
to controlling weeds should start with scouting your pine or hardwood bark. Cypress mulch is not recommended monitoring the research and litigation linked to glyphosate
property and identify the types of weeds to determine what because it is mostly harvested from natural areas and wetlands. products closely, to ensure full compliance with applicable
management methods will work best. For instance, some Additionally, rubber mulch is also not recommended, because laws and regulations. Our staff is researching alternative
weeds found in our area like the dollar weed are aquatic, it is made from recycled tires that can leach heavy metals and products for weed control and will comply with any new
indicating an area receiving too much water. “Florida Snow” other chemicals into soil, aquifers and storm water runoff. regulations or recommended practices on glyphosate use
which is seen covering many lawns in the county and contains Rubber mulch also absorbs heat, does not decompose or add that may come from the EPA or any other regulatory body.
small white flowers, can indicate dry conditions. Some weeds organic matter, and is a potential fire hazard. There is a lot more information you can access from
the Cooperative Extension Service to help you maintain
a healthy and beautiful yard and garden. If you would
62 Marina Gardens Drive like further details on different methods of preventing or
Palm Beach Gardens eliminating weeds, or if you have other questions about
what types of fertilizer to use, what species are the most
drought tolerant, or the best watering practices, you can
call the Master Gardener Hotline at (561) 233-1750.
Online you can access a wealth of information at http://
Private Gated Community discover.pbcgov.org/coextension/horticulture.
Your input on areas of concern is very helpful. As
Upscale, Urban Lifestyle always, please contact me if I can be of assistance at (561)
355-2201, or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org.
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