In 2010, Skidaway Audubon’s Caryl Warner pulled together a task force of knowledgeable islanders from multiple disciplines — birders, native plant experts, invasive species crusaders, pollinator specialists and a golf course superintendent — to reimagine the role of the Sparrow Field, the only field environment at The Landings. An earlier well-intended and hard fought effort at this location on the north end off Bartram Road to create a habitat of wild flowers had been overrun by dog fennel, dogs off leash and invasive Chinese tallow trees.
With funding from Skidaway Audubon to remove the largest of the tallows on the golf course edge and a huge push from volunteers to remove what was within their ability, including along the State Park border, the Sparrow Field was ready to be re-envisioned. Today a pollinator garden graces the southern edge of this wildlife conservation area, with drip irrigation from a nearby lagoon, and is home to birds and butterflies, including the migrating monarchs who lay eggs on the milkweed.
Documenting the wildlife coming to the garden through his extraordinary photographs, Fitz Clarke has become the steward of the Pollinator Berm Garden. For his dedication to capturing ephemeral wildlife on film, his understanding of the relationship between plant and insect species, and his willingness as a hands on educator, Fitz is a winner of a 2011 Skidaway Audubon Environmental Stewardship Award.
What to look for at the Sparrow Field in May
Click the image below to see photos from May 2010
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