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Natural Area Teaching Laboratory
2005-2006 Report and OutlookMark Clark, Chair Natural Area Advisory Committee
Mission Statement
Develop and help implement a plan to restore and maintain a variety of ecosystems in the University of Florida Natural Area and Teaching Laboratory (NATL) while maximizing the use of the area for teaching.
Teaching AssistantKevin Ratkus – Interdisciplinary
Ecology Program
Promotes NATL resource to Instructors and TA’s
Coordinates and facilitates toursCoordinates Volunteer efforts
Provides maintenance and project implementation.
• Critter-Proof Trashcan: • SEEP’s weir: coordination (PPD & Wetlands
Club)• Trail Maintenance• Exotics control
Teaching AssistantKevin Ratkus – Interdisciplinary
Ecology Program
Promotes NATL resource to Instructors and TA’s
Coordinates and facilitates toursCoordinates Volunteer efforts
Provides maintenance and project implementation.
• Critter-Proof Trashcan: • SEEP’s weir: coordination (PPD & Wetlands
Club)• Trail Maintenance• Exotics control
Volunteer EventsNATL-West2 separate Ardisia crenata plant removals
SNRE, Wetlands Club, WEC, Entomology: Dr. Alison Fox lecture on Non-native Invasive
Plants
Greek Volunteer Day (Center for Leadership & Service)
Fence removal: east trail/sinkhole pond Trash clean-up (Sinkhole pond)
NATL-East Trash clean up
Center for Leadership & Service
“Super Volunteers” Recognition First Recipient Ken Prestwich 11 years of service since 1995 Every year since before the start of NATL, Dr.
Prestwich has provided part time support for a month to six weeks in May and June.
NATL Ecosystem Management Upland pine restoration
advances Major seedling recruitment of
Longleaf this spring No managed burn opportunity
Florida Department of Forestry trying to mow in areas to partially mimic fire
Exotic species control continues Monitoring success, discussion of
different strategies Alternative chemical Timing of application
NATL CITF Projects
Two major Capitol Improvement Trust Fund projects associated with NATL.
Erect and replace portions of perimeter fencing $67,000 initial estimate.
Self guided Nature Trail $100,000.
Corral fencing
Field fencing
6’ Chain-link fencing
Stormwater trashtraps (fences)
Proposed Fencing for NATL
Self Guided Nature Trails at NATL
Museum ConnectorUpland Pine TrailHammock TrailSuccessional TrailWetland TrailBoardwalkInterpretive Kiosk
Layout of upland pine completeHammock Trail layout underway
Susan Jacobson and class working on interpretive information
Future Management, Maintenance and Funding of NATL mission. Need to secure budget based support of Graduate Assistant
Prospectus presented to SNRE for support through their budget – to date they have not been able to confirm viability of proposal
CALS Dean Kirby Barrick supported Graduate Assistant this academic year.
2006-2007 funding of Graduate Assistantship as well as increase in management and maintenance funds uncertain at this time.
Continued $1000 annual support from Provost Office CITF Projects will increase management needs for trail and upkeep
of interpretive information.