Vertebrate Ecology Outreach

Safe Harbor and Private Lands Initiatives

Safe Harbor Agreements provide one of the best methods for rewarding the many Red Hills landowners who are “doing the right thing” with their properties.

Safe Harbor is a flexible, voluntary agreement that helps to remove fears when endangered species and governmental regulations cross paths with private properties. With Safe Harbor, landowners no longer need to worry about the discovery of threatened or endangered species such as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. The Safe Harbor Program provides incentives for landowners to manage their property in a manner that encourages rare species without incurring governmental restrictions.

Staff at Tall Timbers is available to provide landowners with a concise overview of the Safe Harbor Program and how it would work on their property. The meetings are confidential, the information is always tailored to the needs of each property, and there are no obligations other than setting aside about 20-30 minutes of time.

With over 85,000 acres now enrolled in the Safe Harbor Program in the Red Hills region, the program obviously has advantages that each landowner should carefully consider. To arrange a meeting, contact Joshua McCormick ( [850] 893-4153 ext. 224) or Jim Cox ( [850] 893-4153 ext. 223).

For more information on the Safe Harbor Program in Florida visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's web page, in Georgia visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources web page, and in Alabama visit the Outdoor Alabama website.

Field Trips and Tours

The Vertebrate Ecology Program conducts field trips at various times each year to help demonstrate some of the on-going research underway as well as teach people about the important wildlife of the region. Trips may be advertized through local newspapers, but the best way to hear about these trips is simply to send an email to Jim Cox. We’ll send you a note the next time we’re taking a group out to band sparrows, net woodpeckers, or chase after other wildlife of the region.

Pinewoods Bird Festival

The Pinewoods Bird Festival is an annual event held at the Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Geogia. The event includes wonderful activities for both the amateur birder and the more advanced are being planned. The Schedule of Events contains something for everyone including several special field trips. For more information visit the festival website at www.PinewoodsBirdFestival.com.