MEDIA ADVISORY: Oct. 24, 2014 CONTACT: Sandra Chafin, 850-229-1787, Sandra.Chafin@dep.state.fl.us ST. JOSEPH BAY BUFFER PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS EAGLES ON UPCOMING TRAM TOUR ~Guests participate in free outdoor tour to observe and learn about eagles~ PORT ST. JOE – Staff members from the St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve are partnering with bald eagle expert Lynda White to offer a free tram tour through the preserve on Nov. 7, 2014, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. to learn about bald eagles and observe them in their natural habitat. Prior to the tram tour, White will make a presentation titled “Eagles in Florida” to teach guests about the lifespan, diet and migratory patterns of eagles, along with education about the many reasons bald eagles are honored as the United States’ national bird. The “Eagles in Florida” presentation will kick off this unique tram tour at the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Visitor Center, just five miles from Port St. Joe. Upon its completion, guests will board the tram for the excursion to the eagles’ habitat. A safe distance will be kept from the area so the birds are not disturbed. Guests are encouraged to wear a hat and sunglasses and bring binoculars, a camera and a water bottle. Lynda White recently retired from Audubon Florida after 14 years as the EagleWatch Coordinator. She recruited and trained citizen-science volunteer nest monitors and traveled the state with a non-releasable bald eagle, conducting educational programs. “We are delighted to have Lynda White offer this presentation at the Buffer Preserve,” said Preserve Manager Dylan Shoemaker. “This program is a special treat for our guests to learn more about this incredible bird and the habitat that it lives in.” Participants on the tram tour must have the ability to enter and exit an ADA-accessible tram independently or with the assistance of a companion and be able to withstand exposure to the outdoors and insects in an open tram on wooden seats for the length of the tour. For more information, please click here. WHAT:     Eagles in Florida Presentation and Preserve Tram Tour WHEN:     Friday, Nov. 7, 2014                   8:30 - 11 a.m. WHERE:   St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Visitor’s Center                  3915 State Road 30-A                  Port St. Joe, FL 32456 About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention, and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. To view the department’s website log on to www.dep.state.fl.us. http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/d7f79e

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