Friends of Trinity River Refuge is proud to introduce its new logo featuring the Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus, and the Bald cypress, Taxodium distichum, both indicator species of the bottomland/ hardwood ecosystem that the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge protects. When seen in flight, the deeply forked tail and distinctive black and white color pattern of the Swallow-tailed kite make it unmistakable. An agile and graceful flyer, the Swallow-tailed kite snatches flying insects from the air but also drops down on snakes, lizards and young birds. The soft, delicate, feathery foliage of the Bald cypress belies its status as a true conifer. But unlike the other conifers, the cypress loses its leaves in the winter thereby earning its name "Bald." The cypress is famous for its "knees" which develop mainly in the poorly drained areas of the refuge.

The logo was designed by Linda M. Feltner of Hereford, AZ a well-known artist and interpretive graphic designer who specializes in both the aesthetics and science of natural history. Her work adheres to the strict standards of scientific accuracy, while combining the creativity of artistic design and the realism of nature into what has become her trademark. FOTRR is currently offering a 3 ½ inch circular embroidered collector's patch with the logo for a $5.00 donation. Send your check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Friends of Trinity River Refuge, P.O. Box 12, Liberty, TX 77575