WOW!! The new exhibits are finally here and were they ever worth waiting for! I know that many of you came to the Grand Opening held October 17th, but for those of you who haven't seen them yet a real treat awaits. Your kids and grandkids will also have a great time – they can even climb into a gator hole! A special thank-you to the Gala Planning Committee who got it all together and the entire Refuge Staff who knocked themselves out to make all run smoothly. We had over 1,000 visitors that day.

Increased visitation is great, and it enhances our need for more volunteers. The Refuge was recently able to fill three open positions, but we're still not back to the staff levels of a few years ago. To learn more about how you can help, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Judy Colvard. Yes, we do need you.

Elinor Williams, our Membership Chair, sends out regular email updates on happenings and events. If you are not already on her contact list, or if your email has changed, please let her know. Her emails go out once or twice each month and are the best way to stay informed.

Our 2010 Photo Contest is underway. With over $2,000 in cash prizes and a new "point and shoot" category for novices, it should be bigger and better than ever. Lance Warley and the Everglades Photo Society are again the coordinators.

See you around and about.

Steve Horowitz
President
561-637-9751
stephenjayme@yahoo.com