The Egret waking and stretching its wings in the Florida Love Oak as the morning sun filtered through the Spanish moss. This bird slept last night overlooking a lagoon that just yesterday morning was plugged with debris. What kind of day is in store for a wading bird that has a new, clean place to fish! I set up the camera tripod to photo our trophy catch of yesterday when my attention was drawn to a squeaking bark behind me. Much to the miracle of nature I turned to see an otter,  bobbing and weaving her head in curiosity!   I did happen to grab a few photos and snip-it of video as she fished. What kind of day is in store for a otter that has a new, clean place to fish!              ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ONE DAY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE…ONE BAG AT A TIME!

Saturday’s Clam Bayou Clean Up Report – The morning’s moisture hung heavy in the morning air. “The air you wear” as they say here! Stetson University College of Law took to the waters of the bayou with a mission to get some big items out of the estuary. Although I was reluctant at first knowing the effort it takes to first; get to the items. Second; actually getting them out.I thought we might start with something simple.

The lovely rains from prior days, although needed, usually wash in large amounts of debris. I was thrilled to see that this wasn’t the case!  St Pete deserves a lot of credit for their aggressive campaign for the bayou. All the garbage trucks and trash cans in the area carry huge signs that say “Save Clam Bayou”! City water bills carry the same message with suggestions on picking up debris and protecting this environment! The city workers have been diligent in their maintenance of the trash catchers in the upper creeks and this effort is making a differance!

Back to the bayou – A sophomore Stetson Sally eagerly pressed the nose of her kayak into the shoreline. A scream, a swat & a sting from a wasp in the ear only stopped her momentarily before demanding, “I want a shopping cart!”  Another Lass poked her head through the mangrove’s veil only to find a 4′ water moccasin sunning on a branch. She was a bit more vocal in her displeasure of such a critter, but it didn’t stop her from darting in and about for two hours either.  If anyone thinks that tidal flow restoration can’t be done without dredging…come out and watch the Stetson gang work! 

Catch totals from the bayou;  2 car tires    6 bags of bottles, cans & general litter   1 lawn chair (approx. 4 years old)   1 shopping cart (about the same age)   1 roller blade to match the one found by the Wedding Trashers     Thanks to Stetson for their hard work and support of Clam Bayou!