2006 Devon Energy Fall Workday

Devon volunteers Lynn Travis and Liam Parker enjoy the ride out to Sundown Island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:46:00 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon volunteers Lynn Travis and Liam Parker enjoy the ride out to Sundown Island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Warden Chester "Pop" Smith on the way to Sundown Island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:46:14 -0700

SundownIsland
Warden Chester "Pop" Smith on the way to Sundown Island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Volunteers gather at the dock area to get organized. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson) (On the dock, eft to right: Ed Taylor, Chester Smith, Liam Parker and Dad, Bill Parker; in front, Tim Wilkinso ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:34:39 -0700

SundownIsland
Volunteers gather at the dock area to get organized. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson) (On the dock, eft to right: Ed Taylor, Chester Smith, Liam Parker and Dad, Bill Parker; in front, Tim Wilkinso ...

Capt. Bob Hill brings the first load of Devon volunteers to the island and parks next to the General Land Office boat. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:34:54 -0700

SundownIsland
Capt. Bob Hill brings the first load of Devon volunteers to the island and parks next to the General Land Office boat. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Niell Irvin (Port Lavaca Government Land Office (GLO) and Chris Bouley (Coast Guard) arrived before most of volunteers and already had the four wheeler and trailer on the beach, ready to hau ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:35:10 -0700

SundownIsland
Niell Irvin (Port Lavaca Government Land Office (GLO) and Chris Bouley (Coast Guard) arrived before most of volunteers and already had the four wheeler and trailer on the beach, ready to hau ...

Lynn Travis (Devon) tries out the walkie talkies used to communicate with other volunteers. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:35:16 -0700

SundownIsland
Lynn Travis (Devon) tries out the walkie talkies used to communicate with other volunteers. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Devon volunteer Molly Eskelson gets her feet wet preparing to come ashore. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:50:31 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon volunteer Molly Eskelson gets her feet wet preparing to come ashore. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Devon volunteer Brenda Eskelson wades ashore with lunch supplies for the group. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:50:47 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon volunteer Brenda Eskelson wades ashore with lunch supplies for the group. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Bill Parker and Chester Smith make their way through the tall weeds, mostly dead Silver Leaf Sunflowers. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:35:54 -0700

SundownIsland
Bill Parker and Chester Smith make their way through the tall weeds, mostly dead Silver Leaf Sunflowers. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Molly Eskelson and Capt. Bob Hill. Capt. Hill provided boat transportation for some of the volunteers. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:50:56 -0700

SundownIsland
Molly Eskelson and Capt. Bob Hill. Capt. Hill provided boat transportation for some of the volunteers. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Devon volunteers Jim Schuelke, Brenda Eskelson, and Barbara Van Horn change into dry footwear after wading ashore. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:51:09 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon volunteers Jim Schuelke, Brenda Eskelson, and Barbara Van Horn change into dry footwear after wading ashore. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Chris Bouley (Coast Guard) and Lynn Travis pack up the chairs and tables from the shed so that they can be setup on the beach for lunch. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:37:41 -0700

SundownIsland
Chris Bouley (Coast Guard) and Lynn Travis pack up the chairs and tables from the shed so that they can be setup on the beach for lunch. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Tim Wilkinson shows off his new PDA in front of the tractor shed. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:38:10 -0700

SundownIsland
Tim Wilkinson shows off his new PDA in front of the tractor shed. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Niell Irvin looks at the lush undergrowth that appears to be overtaking part of the dock area. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:38:28 -0700

SundownIsland
Niell Irvin looks at the lush undergrowth that appears to be overtaking part of the dock area. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Typical nest found in the trees planted on the island. Most of the nests are resused or refurbished each Spring. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:38:37 -0700

SundownIsland
Typical nest found in the trees planted on the island. Most of the nests are resused or refurbished each Spring. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Niell Irvin and Ed Taylor check for snakes near the tractor shed. It has turned out to be a popular place of shelter for the snakes. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson).

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:38:44 -0700

SundownIsland
Niell Irvin and Ed Taylor check for snakes near the tractor shed. It has turned out to be a popular place of shelter for the snakes. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson).

Potted trees ready for transplatting into two new tree plots, donated by Devon. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:39:11 -0700

SundownIsland
Potted trees ready for transplatting into two new tree plots, donated by Devon. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Jim Schuelke and Barbara Van Horn of Devon start with step one of the planting of new trees by laying out the tarp that will help protect them from overwhelming weeds. (photo by Peggy Wilkin ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:39:40 -0700

SundownIsland
Jim Schuelke and Barbara Van Horn of Devon start with step one of the planting of new trees by laying out the tarp that will help protect them from overwhelming weeds. (photo by Peggy Wilkin ...

Jim Schuelke and Barbara Van Horn of Devon, obviously enjoying their work and nearly finished. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:51:47 -0700

SundownIsland
Jim Schuelke and Barbara Van Horn of Devon, obviously enjoying their work and nearly finished. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Brenda and Hanna Eskelson at work on the second of the two new test plots. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:51:57 -0700

SundownIsland
Brenda and Hanna Eskelson at work on the second of the two new test plots. (photo by Steve Tripp)

The two new test plots were placed in low areas so as to retain rainwater while being somewhat sheltered from the wind. Here we see Barbara Van Horn and Jim Schuelke (right center of photo) ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:52:06 -0700

SundownIsland
The two new test plots were placed in low areas so as to retain rainwater while being somewhat sheltered from the wind. Here we see Barbara Van Horn and Jim Schuelke (right center of photo) ...

Barbara Van Horn, Chris Bouley, and Jim Schuelke at new test plot #1. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:52:17 -0700

SundownIsland
Barbara Van Horn, Chris Bouley, and Jim Schuelke at new test plot #1. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Jim Schuelke lends Brenda Eskelson a hand with the second test plot. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:52:36 -0700

SundownIsland
Jim Schuelke lends Brenda Eskelson a hand with the second test plot. (photo by Steve Tripp)

"Glamour on Sundown Island." Devon's Barbara Van Horn. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:52:44 -0700

SundownIsland
"Glamour on Sundown Island." Devon's Barbara Van Horn. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Pelican rookery, northeast end of the island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:53:07 -0700

SundownIsland
Pelican rookery, northeast end of the island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Chris Bouley takes Warden Chester Smith for a spin on the four wheeler to survey the island.

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:41:28 -0700

SundownIsland
Chris Bouley takes Warden Chester Smith for a spin on the four wheeler to survey the island.

The new tree growth is incredibly important because it provides habitat for many of the large wading birds that return each Spring to Sundown Island. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:41:39 -0700

SundownIsland
The new tree growth is incredibly important because it provides habitat for many of the large wading birds that return each Spring to Sundown Island. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Closer image of the nests found in this area. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:42:13 -0700

SundownIsland
Closer image of the nests found in this area. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

This meadow is a popular spot for pelicans during breeding season. Walking through the grass is soft and spongey from the sand and matted grass below it. The tree in the background is usuall ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:43:08 -0700

SundownIsland
This meadow is a popular spot for pelicans during breeding season. Walking through the grass is soft and spongey from the sand and matted grass below it. The tree in the background is usuall ...

Some of the new tree growth from prevous tree plots. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:34:27 -0700

SundownIsland
Some of the new tree growth from prevous tree plots. (photo by Peggy Wilkinson)

Niell Irvin of the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and Peggy Wilkinson. The GLO is partly responsible for the welfare of the Matagorda Bay coastline, including the containment of any chemic ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:53:27 -0700

SundownIsland
Niell Irvin of the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and Peggy Wilkinson. The GLO is partly responsible for the welfare of the Matagorda Bay coastline, including the containment of any chemic ...

After the recent storms, more than the usual amount of trash had accumulated, keeping the trash cleanup crews busy. (photo by Steve Tripp).

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:53:35 -0700

SundownIsland
After the recent storms, more than the usual amount of trash had accumulated, keeping the trash cleanup crews busy. (photo by Steve Tripp).

The volunteers begin to gather for the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:54:04 -0700

SundownIsland
The volunteers begin to gather for the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Niell Irvin shares some new ideas with Pop about what the GLO can do to help protect Sundown Island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:54:59 -0700

SundownIsland
Niell Irvin shares some new ideas with Pop about what the GLO can do to help protect Sundown Island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Devon's Jim Schuelke and Chris Bouley help themselves to lunch. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:55:17 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon's Jim Schuelke and Chris Bouley help themselves to lunch. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Gary Eskelson takes a break from his tractor duties. One of these is to broadcast fire ant killer over large areas of the island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:55:29 -0700

SundownIsland
Gary Eskelson takes a break from his tractor duties. One of these is to broadcast fire ant killer over large areas of the island. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Devon's Bill Parker and Lynn Travis get ready for the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:55:35 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon's Bill Parker and Lynn Travis get ready for the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Lynn Travis suggests that the wooden shoe sole she is holding could be used to start plant seedlings. Molly Eskelson looks on. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:56:20 -0700

SundownIsland
Lynn Travis suggests that the wooden shoe sole she is holding could be used to start plant seedlings. Molly Eskelson looks on. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Brenda, Hanna, and Molly Eskelson and Jim Schuelke ponder how they will vote in the "Most Unusual Trash Found" contest. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:56:57 -0700

SundownIsland
Brenda, Hanna, and Molly Eskelson and Jim Schuelke ponder how they will vote in the "Most Unusual Trash Found" contest. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Ed Taylor, Pop's "Right-Hand Man" on Sundown Island for many years. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:58:08 -0700

SundownIsland
Ed Taylor, Pop's "Right-Hand Man" on Sundown Island for many years. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Peggy Wilkinson watches the "Unusual Trash Found" display. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:58:17 -0700

SundownIsland
Peggy Wilkinson watches the "Unusual Trash Found" display. (photo by Steve Tripp)

The tension of the final vote in the "Most Unusual Trash Found" contest proves to be too much for Devon's Bill Parker. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:58:57 -0700

SundownIsland
The tension of the final vote in the "Most Unusual Trash Found" contest proves to be too much for Devon's Bill Parker. (photo by Steve Tripp)

And the winner is...LIAM PARKER. Lynn Travis congratulates him as Niell Irvin looks on. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:59:27 -0700

SundownIsland
And the winner is...LIAM PARKER. Lynn Travis congratulates him as Niell Irvin looks on. (photo by Steve Tripp)

An outstanding group on a great day. Thanks to all the volunteers. (photo by Steve Tripp) (Back row, left to right: Jim Schuelke, Tim Wilkinson, Ed Taylor, Gary Eskelson, Chester Smith (Wa ...

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:59:39 -0700

SundownIsland
An outstanding group on a great day. Thanks to all the volunteers. (photo by Steve Tripp) (Back row, left to right: Jim Schuelke, Tim Wilkinson, Ed Taylor, Gary Eskelson, Chester Smith (Wa ...

Devon volunteer Bill Parker continues his trash pickup duties after the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:00:23 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon volunteer Bill Parker continues his trash pickup duties after the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Barbara Van Horn and Jim Schuelke assist with beach cleanup after the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:00:52 -0700

SundownIsland
Barbara Van Horn and Jim Schuelke assist with beach cleanup after the lunch break. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Fall color, "Sundown Island Style." (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:01:21 -0700

SundownIsland
Fall color, "Sundown Island Style." (photo by Steve Tripp)

The path to Devon Plot #2. The large vegetation in the background is about 3 years old and contains numerous abandoned nests. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:01:29 -0700

SundownIsland
The path to Devon Plot #2. The large vegetation in the background is about 3 years old and contains numerous abandoned nests. (photo by Steve Tripp)

It's no wonder that our avian friends love this place. (photo by Steve Tripp).

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:02:23 -0700

SundownIsland
It's no wonder that our avian friends love this place. (photo by Steve Tripp).

Abandoned nests in 5-year old test plot. Most of these nests are reused each breeding season. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:03:26 -0700

SundownIsland
Abandoned nests in 5-year old test plot. Most of these nests are reused each breeding season. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Brenda and Hanna Eskelson pull weeds from around older test plot plants, a vital part of maintaining the introduced vegetation...A TOUGH JOB WELL DONE!! (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:04:29 -0700

SundownIsland
Brenda and Hanna Eskelson pull weeds from around older test plot plants, a vital part of maintaining the introduced vegetation...A TOUGH JOB WELL DONE!! (photo by Steve Tripp)

Pelicans and fishermen co-exist peacefully on Sundown Island. Fishermen are respectful of the bird sanctuary and do not come ashore. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:05:27 -0700

SundownIsland
Pelicans and fishermen co-exist peacefully on Sundown Island. Fishermen are respectful of the bird sanctuary and do not come ashore. (photo by Steve Tripp)

East shore, Sundown Island. Sundown Island had a long breeding season this year. Notice the nearly all brown juvenile pelican in the background. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:05:48 -0700

SundownIsland
East shore, Sundown Island. Sundown Island had a long breeding season this year. Notice the nearly all brown juvenile pelican in the background. (photo by Steve Tripp)

East shore, Sundown Island, October 2006 with pelican feather on top of shells. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:07:16 -0700

SundownIsland
East shore, Sundown Island, October 2006 with pelican feather on top of shells. (photo by Steve Tripp)

Devon volunteers leave the island after a day well-spent. (photo by Steve Tripp)

nobody@smugmug.com (SundownIsland) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:08:28 -0700

SundownIsland
Devon volunteers leave the island after a day well-spent. (photo by Steve Tripp)