Audubon of 444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850, Miami FL 33131 Tel: 305-371-6399 Fax: 305-371-6398 www.audubonofflorida.org WINTER 2011 Florida Audubon Naturalist is now published by Audubon of Florida. The Florida Audubon Society, National Audubon Society (doing business as Audubon of Florida), and the 44 chapters in Florida, work together in a strategic alliance. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Audubon of Florida © 2011. President and Executive Director Eric Draper Director of Development Margaret Spontak Design and Production Special Publications, Inc. Artist Jessi Miller Cover Photo Rod Wiley Contributors Monique Borboen, Eric Draper, John Elting, Candice Forsyth, Julie Hill-Gabriel, Vicky Johnston, Joyce King, Marianne Korosy, Jason Lauritsen Charles Lee, Caitlin Peterson, Margaret Spontak, Jaqui Sulek, Megan Tinsley, Katie Warner, Jonathan Webber, Julie Wraithmell Photographers Brad Cornell, Christina Evans, Marianne Korosy, Charles Lee, Lorraine Margeson, Sandra Marraffino, John Moran, Arnette Sherman, Greg Stephens, Mac Stone, Scott Taylor, Celia Westbrook, R.J. Wiley Share Your Annual Passion for Nature Report Fiscal Year This Holiday Season 2010-2011 There is no greater pleasure than hearing the sounds of a baby owl brought back to health, seeing a multitude of Roseate Spoonbills fill the fish-filled waters of the , or watching a child discover the wonders of the great Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Your gift to Audubon of Florida helps make these things possible.

Discover many ways to share a gift of nature this season. Photos by Scott Taylor • Adopt-a-bird at the Center for Birds of Prey. • Sponsor scholarships at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. • Support the and Florida Bay Science needed to guide the restoration of one of the world’s greatest ecological treasures. • Sponsor a coastal bird stewarding location.

If you are age 70 1/2 or better, use your IRA Charitable Rollover option, running out Dec. 31, to fund the conservation project of your choice by making a gift directly from your IRA.

Want to learn more from someone else passionate about nature?

Contact Margaret Hankinson Spontak, Director of Development, at (352) 229-2887 or email [email protected] to discover unique holiday giving ideas.

1 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 WINTER 2011-2012

Annual Report Fiscal Year This Holiday Season 2010-2011

Passionate AboutNature

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 1 2011 Florida Audubon Society Leadership John Elting, Chairman, Eric Draper

Executive Director, Audubon of Florida Photo by Charles Lee Florida Audubon Society President, Florida Audubon Society

In this special Annual Report Edition of our Florida Naturalist, we share some of the organization’s Board of Directors accomplishments over the past fiscal year. As I looked over the year’s highlights and reflected on our John W. Elting, Chairman Joe Ambrozy, Vice Chairman recent Annual Assembly, I was struck by one observation - people are at the heart of Audubon. Our Sheri Ford Lewin, Board Secretary members, local leaders, volunteers, board, and staff are generous in their gifts of time, leadership and Doug Santoni, Treasurer money. They truly are passionate about nature. Sandy Batchelor The bird stewards working at 23 beaches, the volunteers at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Jim Brady Center for Birds of Prey, the chapters leading local conservation projects and advocates for water and Henry Dean John Flanigan, Esq. wildlife policies - Audubon is made successful by contributions of time and talent. With 35,000 Florida Charles Geanangel members and an online network of more than 16,000 people, we are the voice and the legs of Florida John Hood conservation. Reid Hughes In addition to highlighting Audubon’s conservation impact made possible through your support, Dave Kandz this report allows us to thank donors who direct their checks and online gifts to Florida-based pro- Robert B. Keim Alan Keller grams. Although space allows us to list only major donors, we appreciate each and every gift. Sarah Joyce King Whether you write your check to Audubon of Florida, National Audubon or you are leaving money Randy LaBauve or land to Florida Audubon Society, we want you know that funds raised and spent in our state are being Jud Laird used to good effect. When you donate to Audubon’s Florida programs, you really make a difference. Stuart Langton, Ph.D. West McCann During the coming year I encourage you to take some time to get outside and enjoy Florida’s natu- Allan Milledge ral beauty and get involved with your local Audubon program or chapter. Your efforts will make a Ann Moore difference for birds and wildlife and the places that make Florida special. And you will be the heart Mark Morton of Audubon. John Orcutt, Jr., PhD Cynthia Plockelman Michael Sheridan Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Katie Sproul Andy Stamper, DVM Sincerely, Robert Stamps, Ph.D. Barbara Sheen Todd George W. Willson

John Elting Chairman, Florida Audubon Society

AUDUBON ACADEMY 2012: “RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT” Cover photo by March 16-18, Clewiston Inn, Clewiston, FL RJ Wiley, Audubon of Florida’s photographer Training and networking for Audubon chapter leaders. of the year. www.rjwileyphoto.com The 2012 Audubon Academy promises to be a fun-filled weekend as leaders from Florida’s 44 Stay Connected: Audubon chapters get together in Clewiston, Florida on March 16-18. Along with learning how to Join Audubon of Florida Online build a stronger chapter and get more people involved in conservation, the Academy offers the chance http://www.AudubonofFlorida.org/signup to see some of the special places of the Everglades including: , and the great flocks of birds at STA 5. facebook.com/AudubonofFlorida Keep an eye on www.AudubonofFloridanews.org for registration information or contact Jacqui .twitter.com/FL_Audubon Sulek at [email protected] or Joyce King at [email protected]. youtube.com/AudubonFL Passionate AboutNature “We’re passionate about nature. We share knowledge and experience and involve others in taking care of the places people and wildlife need.” – Eric Draper

Eric Draper with Paige at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Photo by Mac Stone The past few years have produced some painful setbacks for Flori- work over the next year. Using science to guide our policy positions da’s environment. But let me tell you that there is good reason to be and using solution based advocacy, Audubon of Florida will call on optimistic about Florida’s future. our members, local chapters and allies to work together to advance Take for example the dialogue on public lands recently convened our conservation goals. by Audubon with a select group of conservation leaders, ranchers We are ready to take our case to the public and policy makers. and foresters, legislators, and agency land managers. I was so pleased Conservation needs Audubon’s voice – your voice, so: to see how much these diverse participants voiced the same feelings for Florida’s special places and eagerness to do more to reenergize the • Show up - bring friends and family. state’s public land acquisition and management programs. • Share your passion. Or, how about the Audubon Assembly where more than 200 local • Make a difference. Audubon leaders and staff co-mentored college students from four universities. We learned more about how to engage young people as Thank you for all that you have done to help birds and wildlife and the students experienced our passion for nature and the places people to help others enjoy the places that make Florida special. Let’s have and wildlife need. another great year. You only need to take a look at the successes evident in this annual report to understand where our optimism comes from. Audubon’s work is making a difference as we focus on three major conservation priorities:

• Rallying Support for Florida’s Special Places • Stewarding Our Coastal Habitats Eric Draper • Restoring the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Executive Director, Audubon of Florida President, Florida Audubon Society Approved during the Assembly as our conservation action agenda, these three broadly focused campaigns will continue to direct our

Photo by George Willson

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 3 Restoring the Greater Everglades Ecosystem

Audubon scientists monitored 69 Spoon- bill nests – down from 233 the year before. Improving the health of the Everglades ecosystem is a top priority for The information is being used to design res- Audubon as we strive to recover wildlife abundance through this largest toration projects that will enhance nesting wetlands ecosystem restoration project in the world. and foraging conditions in the Everglades. Declining Florida Grasshopper Sparrow population counts in the Northern Everglades prompted Audubon to push for best manage- verglades restoration has made great to the Everglades and its estuaries. ment practices for wet and dry prairies. strides over the past year as all autho- With Audubon’s support, 150,000 acres rized projects got underway benefiting of ranchland in the Northern Everglades, Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks and Managing Private Lands for Everglades E home to Crested Caracara and Florida Improvements wading bird colonies. In the Southern Ever- Grasshopper Sparrow, are proposed for pro- glades, construction of a bridge over US 41 tection as part of the new Everglades Head- Audubon of Florida has championed a new () will unblock water flowing waters National Wildlife Refuge. wave of cooperative conservation by success- south into , and ca- fully advocating for 8 projects that will re- nals are being plugged to allow fresh water to tain over 1.5 billion gallons of water on pri- sheetflow across the Western Everglades and Protecting our Winged Treasures vate lands tributary to Lake Okeechobee. This into Florida Bay and . In the spring and summer Audubon also is in addition to a previously approved project In the Western Everglades, road and canal drew attention to the plight of the critically that will store 11 billion gallons of water. removal is returning a 55,000 acre failed sub- endangered Everglade Snail Kite and urged We are working with landowners to shape division to a natural forested wetland. new state and federal commitments to re- the future of habitat conservation for the strict the use of irrigation water from Lake Water quality and storage projects being Florida panther (whose population has re- Okeechobee to increase nesting survival of built south of Lake Okeechobee and near the bounded from 35 individuals to 100-120) by this iconic Everglades species. St. Lucie River will provide clean freshwater ensuring that panther corridors are not lost to development.

4 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 Photos (all) by Mac Stone

nesting success. Audubon science and policy Advocating for Public Lands experts are now working to develop and pro- Make a mote a practical, science-based solution to Difference Audubon of Florida called for expanding this problem. public lands in the Northern Everglades to protect habitat, water quality, and wildlife @Join an Audubon Chapter in your county to corridors. Audubon Executive Director Eric A Gateway to the Western Everglades participate in education and advocacy activities. Go to http://fl.audubon.org/who_ Draper appeared before Congress to advocate More than 86,000 people were thrilled for a 150,000 acre Everglades Headwaters by the spectacular experience at Audubon’s chapterList.html for a list of chapters. National Wildlife Refuge and conservation Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in 2011, along area while thousands of Audubon members @Sign-up to receive the Restore online with 5,000 students participating in educa- newsletter to hear the latest news on the submitted comments and showed up for tional programs. A gateway to the western Everglades and ways you can advocate for public meetings. We drew attention to inva- Everglades, the sanctuary is known for its sive species including Burmese Pythons and historic Wood Stork nests. Sadly, the Wood restoration progress: http://www.Audubon- advanced solutions in state law. Storks did not nest this year. ofFlorida.org/signup The preservation of Corkscrew’s back @Visit www.RestoreFloridaBay.org to learn Informing Everglades Conservation with country benefited this year from the acqui- many ways to get engaged with protection Audubon Science sition of 4,300 acres at Panther Island, a and restoration of Florida Bay. Sound science is a cornerstone of Audu- nursery where birds and wildlife can breed bon’s conservation work. Audubon scientists and raise their young. As animals reach @Donate to support Audubon’s Everglades identified shallow wetland loss as detrimen- adulthood, they broaden their horizons and policy work at http://ow.ly/6q9Wg. tal to Wood Storks and other wetland-de- expand their territory to include the public pendent species. The failure of federal and areas like Corkscrew’s Boardwalk Trail. The @Volunteer at Corkscrew Swamp state wetland mitigation policies to replace backcountry nursery promotes natural wild- Sanctuary. Call (239) 348-9151, lost Wood Stork foraging habitat is now life behaivior, resulting in a more authentic ext. 112 or 108. identified as a major reason for plummeting outdoors experience for visitors.

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 5 Stewarding Florida’s Coastal Habitats

“[Audubon bird stewards] are the hardy souls who are the doers of the work – not just the talkers of the work or the readers of the work. These are… the folks who have mud on their boots and sand between their toes.” ~Commissioner Brian Yablonski, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Photo by R.J. Willey Alive with birds, Florida’s coasts histori- daunting odds of long overwater flights. unteers statewide logged more than 6,400 cally supported beach-nesting species such Our irreplaceable coasts are major sources of hours in service of these vulnerable birds. On as Least Terns and Wilson’s Plovers, as well Florida’s economic vitality and quality of life. beaches in places such as Pinellas and St. Johns as shorebirds like Red Knots and Piping Plo- Yet these habitats and their wildlife are jeop- counties, our stewards (with support from vers, which winter in Florida or stop over ardized by human activities including beach Audubon staff Monique Borboen and Mari- on hemispheric migrations. Raptors follow “management,” construction, coastal armoring, anne Korosy) even spent hours after dark on th the coastal dunelines as they work their way dredging and filling, beach grooming, recre- July 4 , protecting the birds from disturbance southward. And coastal hammocks and scrub ational disturbance, oil exploration and climate during beach fireworks displays. Audubon- habitats are often the last southbound jump- change. The singular importance and vulner- funded research by Eckerd College’s Dr. Beth ing off points, and first northbound landfalls, ability of Florida’s coastal habitats have elevated Forys further documented what has long been for neotropical songbird migrants facing the them to one of Audubon’s top priorities. suspected: posted areas and stewards are essen- tial practices to reduce devastating disturbance to these species. Insuring Bird Colony Success

The small sand-colored eggs and chicks of Protecting Species Through Citizen beach-nesting birds are no match for the crush Science Data of recreational use on Florida’s beaches. That’s why Audubon’s bird stewards lend their time Audubon’s citizen science networks pro- and talents to chaperoning these colonies— vided valuable data and observations ensur- protecting them from disturbance while ing species like Least Tern, Black Skimmer, educating beachgoers about these remarkable Snowy Plover and American Oystercatcher Florida natives. This year, Audubon expanded remain in the highest category of state pro- our network of volunteer bird stewards and tection. At the meeting of the Fish and sites, protecting nesting colonies in the sum- Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) mer sun and watching over Red Knots on where the species’ Threatened status was migration at twenty-three beaches statewide. presented, commissioners praised Audubon This partnership has expanded to include 12 specifically for the work of our citizen scien- coastal Audubon chapters. Hundreds of vol- tists. Data on these birds is so valuable that Photo by Christina Evans

6 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 Partners & Sites

While many chapters statewide The following is a sampling of the many support our coastal work, the following partners without whom our coastal chapters have stepped forward to conservation work would not be survey beaches for nesting birds or to possible. Our heartfelt thanks to all our coordinate bird colony stewarding: partners and supporters.

Apalachee Audubon Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Audubon of St. Johns County Florida Shorebird Alliance Audubon of Southwest Florida Florida Park Service (including the staff of 17 state Choctawhatchee Audubon parks) Clearwater Audubon U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Collier Audubon National Wildlife Refuge System Duval Audubon Flagler Audubon U.S. Department of Defense Halifax River Audubon Florida Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (including Manatee County Audubon the staff of aquatic preserves in eight counties) Peace River Audubon St. Johns County St. Petersburg Audubon Volusia County Sarasota Audubon Santa Rosa County Tampa Audubon Charlotte County Make a Venice Area Audubon Collier County Difference Hillsborough County Lee County @Become an Audubon bird steward. Pinellas County Pasco County Email [email protected] for The following 23 beaches were the Manatee County information about sites and opportunities sites of Audubon nesting season bird Sarasota County near you! stewarding in 2011: Polk County Palm Beach County @ for Audubon of Panhandle Coast Citrus County Register/Signup City of Jacksonville Florida’s Coastal Strand and The Advocate City of Anna Maria online newsletters to learn how you can get Gulf Islands National Seashore City of Clearwater involved. Enroll at http://www.AudubonofFlor- St. George Island State Park City of Fort Myers Beach St. Joe Peninsula State Park City of Tampa ida.org/signup Navarre Beach County Park City of Marco Island Tyndall Air Force Base City of Safety Harbor @Donate to Audubon’s coastal conserva- Port Manatee tion programs at http://ow.ly/7xaiB. Southwest Gulf Coast Tampa Port Authority Anclote Key Preserve State Park Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Anna Maria Island Reserve the FWC designed a custom database so that Clearwater Beach Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve volunteers can more easily contribute their Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Fort Desoto Park Eckerd College observations documenting the birds’ declines Fort Myers Beach and Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area University of West Florida and planning for their conservation. Gasparilla Island Northwest Florida State College Indian Shores University of South Florida Knight Island Florida State University Restoring Habitat in Tampa Bay Lido Key Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences Siesta Key National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Audubon’s Richard T. Paul Alafia Bank Bird Shell Key Preserve Florida Master Naturalist Program Sanctuary received a major upgrade with the Tigertail Beach and Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area Tallahassee Community College Green Guide Program installation of a 425-foot reef system to pro- Florida Sea Grant Program tect the sanctuary’s Bird Island from boat wake Atlantic Coast Department of Transportation erosion. The sanctuary is home to over 10,000 Fort Matanzas National Monument Southwest Florida Water Management District Huguenot Memorial Park Amelia Island Plantation pairs of nesting birds ranging from White Ibis Nassau Sound Bird Island St. Augustine Eco Tours and Brown Pelicans to American Oystercatch- Summer Haven Beach Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary ers. However, the islands are rapidly eroding Anna Maria Turtlewatch and Shorebird Patrol Inc. as a result of ship wakes generated in the adja- Turtle Time Inc. Tampa Bay Conservancy cent shipping channel. Installation of a wave Tampa Bay Watch attenuation system for the sanctuary’s Sunken Sarasota Bay Watch Island began this fall. Already, mangroves and Lee County Bird Patrol seagrasses are taking root and invertebrates are Friends of Tigertail recruiting to the structures.

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 7 Rallying Support for Florida’s Special Places

Photo by John Moran A year has passed since Audubon announced the beginning of the After significant media attention and pub- Florida’s Special Places campaign – a project designed to get people to lic response, Governor Scott backed away enjoy Florida’s conservation lands and waters. Anticipating that a stingy from the proposal. legislature would cut funding from public lands programs, Audubon The grassroots advocates who showed such determination earlier in the year were soon is encouraging people to use our special places or lose them. By getting tested again when a proposal was announced people into the parks with family and friends and then sharing those to build golf courses in state parks. Using the experiences through photos and online posts, a new wave of public lands Florida’s Special Places network, Audubon worked with local chapters and other conser- advocates is arriving – just in the nick of time. vation groups to rally opposition until that plan was also withdrawn. udubon kicked off the Special Places Rallying for Florida’s State Parks campaign in the precious Sandhill Lakes Last winter Audubon and others respond- Connecting People with Florida’s region of the Florida Panhandle. The ed to state proposals to close 53 state parks. Special Places Asugar-sand hills and crystal blue lakes in In just a few days the Florida’s Special Places Audubon staff and volunteers hosted and this region were the first of scores of projects to Facebook page and the Audubon of Florida guided numerous events connecting people make Audubon’s list of special places. News blog were bursting with comments and with and increasing public engagement for Hundreds of people told their own online testimonials in support of these cherished Florida’s Special Places. stories of Florida’s incredible natural beauty public lands. Led by former Florida Audubon • Hosted the Northwest Florida Water and public lands. From awe-inspiring wild- President Clay Henderson and journalist Lucy Festival introducing more than 100 peo- life to family memories and picture-perfect Tobias, Audubon launched a tour of 53 Parks ple to the waterways of the Panhandle. sunsets, Florida’s Special Places connect peo- in 53 Days. Advocates held rallies and tours • Guided a sunset cruise through the ple with nature. and celebrated the importance of these special famed bird islands of Coastal Islands places to our families and neighborhoods. Sanctuaries.

8 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 Photo by John Moran Photo by George Willson “My heart swelled with uncontrollable delight…” ~John James Audubon describing his visit to Florida

• Led chapter bird walks and field trips that would end replacement of septic tanks getting thousands of people outside in springsheads and other areas. Make a watching wildlife and enjoying Florida’s Difference Special Places. Managing Centers and Sanctuaries • Attracted flocks of visitors to the Center Audubon manages a Florida sanctuary @Join the Florida’s Special Places commu- for Birds of Prey in Maitland and Cork- network of 100,000 acres of lands and water nity in nominating your favorite natural spots screw Swamp Sanctuary in the Western for the benefit of wildlife and people includ- in Florida. Be ready to speak up when your Everglades – Special Places showpieces. ing a Ramsar designated vital Wetland of In- voice is needed to defend our iconic wildlife ternational Importance at Corkscrew Swamp and signature landscapes. Go to http://www. Defending Florida’s Springs Sanctuary near Naples. facebook.com/FloridasSpecialPlaces Few special places in Florida feel more This year the Center for Birds of Prey immediately magical than our renowned treated more than 500 injured birds includ- @Visit a public park, refuge, or conserva- freshwater springs, and Audubon has been ing 64 Bald Eagles and many other other tion land today. Take 5 for Florida’s special their staunch defender this year. This sum- raptors. The Center’s EagleWatch mobi- places: Take yourself to one of Florida’s Spe- mer when the Florida Park Service proposed lized more than 250 citizen scientists keep- cial Places. Take friends and family. Take to build extensive RV campgrounds in three ing close eye on more than 25% of the state’s pictures, take notes. Take time to share springs parks, including the fragile cavern nesting population. Thirty thousand indi- your experience with others. Take action to system for Wakulla Springs, Audubon rallied viduals were inspired through the Center and protect the places that make Florida special. the Florida’s Special Places network to op- its education programs this year, creating a pose the plan at three lively public hearings. culture of conservation for birds of prey and @Sign-up to be the first to receive break- After much media attention, the proposal the habitats that support them. ing environmental and conservation news was pulled by state officials. in your inbox – sign up for the free Audubon Audubon led the fight to kill a bill that Advocate today: http://www.AudubonofFlori- would have reversed the ban on land disposal da.org/signup of sewage sludge from septic tanks and a bill

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 9 Audubon Assembly Celebrating the Year: Snapshots from the 2011 Audubon Assembly Oct. 13-15, Lake Mary, FL

Conservation Leadership Initiative

Twenty-seven students from area universities brought new life to the Assembly thanks to competitive scholarships from Disney. Partnering with Audubon members for a mutual learning experience, the next generation of environmentalists explored Florida’s special places through walking workshops and forged connections with the leaders in their field. Audubon members agreed that the students were “an inspiration,” and gave them valuable insight into how Audubon can appeal to a young, energetic audience. To get a copy of the full report email flconservation@ audubon.org.

Assembly Highlights

•The Flyway Fiesta at the Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, FL, kicked off the year’s As- sembly in style with food and wine, talks from Audubon’s excellent staff, and roving raptors taking in the evening’s proceedings. •The Theo- dore Roosevelt Award for resilience, resolve, and courage on behalf of Florida’s environment Prager was presented to Senator Bill Nelson, who spoke during the Take Action Luncheon. •Out- standing Learning Sessions covered a range Jacob and KendallLewin of topics, from Everglades Restoration plans, to Citizen Science, to Ecosystem Services. •Keynote speaker John Moran, a noted Florida nature photographer, celebrated Florida’s Special Places during the Awards Banquet. •A Photo Journey through Florida’s Special Places featured stunning artwork from some of Florida’s best nature photographers • Marine Biologist Dr. Ellen Prager highlighted her book, Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Ocean’s Oddest Creature and Why They Matter, to close out the Nelson assembly.

10 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 Bell Tschinkel

Laakkonen

Pantano

Dean

J. Walker

Annual Award Winners This year’s honorees included Colonel Alfred A. Pantano, Jr. (Champion of the Everglades), the late E. Thom Rumberger (Lifetime Champion of the Everglades), Keith Laakkonen and the late Missy Christie ( Award), Victoria Tschinkel (Florida Woman in Conservation), Henry Dean (Florida Special Places), Rayonier (Distinguished Corporate Philanthropy), Chingos Foundation (Distinguished Foundation Philanthropy), Louise Courtellis (Distinguished Individual Philanthropy), Jackson Walker (Artist of the Year), Rod J. Wiley (Nature Photographer of the Year), and Mac Stone (Exceptional Nature Cinematography).

Alachua

B. Walker Clearwater Tobias

Chapter and Volunteer Awards Well-deserving chapters and individuals were recognized throughout the Assembly and during the Chapter Awards Luncheon, including St. Petersburg Audubon (Best Chapter Display), Clearwater Audubon (Best Education Project for the Clearwater Audubon Explorers Club), Alachua Audubon (Best Conservation Project for their role in 53 Parks in 53 Days, Payne’s Prairie and Bird Island Management), and Pelican Island Audu- bon (Best Chapter). Chapter Milestones were celebrated for West Volusia Audubon (50 years), Ridge Audubon (50 years), and Hendry-Glades Audubon (5 years). For more details go to pages 12-13. Volunteers of the Pelican Island St. Petersburg year included Barbara Walker (EagleWatcher) and Lucy Tobias (Florida Special Places volunteer blogger and photographer).

The 2011 Audubon Assembly – Made Possible by Generous Support from our Sponsors Gold

Grow ing Value fro m Exce

Silver FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY • FLORIDA ENERGY PIPELINE ASSOCIATION • THE PEW ENVIRONMENT GROUP FLORIDA GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY • MOSAIC • WILSON & ASSOCIATES

Photos by: Marianne Korosy, Charles Lee, Larry Rosen, Mac Stone, and Celia Westbrook

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 11 Local Conservation Leaders: Making an Impact Photo by Arnette Sherman

Northwest Florida Apalachee Audubon, in collaboration with tablished the Clearwater Audubon Explorer’s Choctawhatchee Audubon Society was Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, hosted Club in a bold move to inspire the conserva- awarded a TogetherGreen grant this year the “Go Green for God!” Youth Environmental tionists of tomorrow. The project taps into for the Hurlburt Field Youth Center in Fort Empowerment Summit, which taught youth the potential of 10-14 year olds to become Walton, Florida. The Center provides quali- from Tallahassee’s South side community the ambassadors between birds, their friends, ty care for the children of airmen, airwomen, importance of environmental stewardship. The and their families. and civilians. Butterfly gardens, terrariums, youth, ages 6-18, took part in hands-on, minds- ponds, and vegetable gardens help children on activities that included ways to preserve na- Southwest Florida and parents connect with nature—a power- ture and protect the environment using a bibli- ful healing force for those coping with the cal perspective on the “Go Green” movement. Collier County Audubon Society partici- hardships of war. Center staff and chapter pated in the First Annual Florida Panther Festival this October in Naples, which helped members are also using the grant to restore Gulf Coast a degraded wetland stream on the property. to educate the public about the best ways to Citrus County Audubon, collaborating live alongside wildlife. The largest number of Bay County Audubon Society has a with other chapters, Audubon staff, and Florida panther live in the area, making live- Memorandum of Agreement with Florida Southwest Florida Water Management Dis- stock protection a critical concern of land- Audubon Society to manage the Beulah A. trict (SWFWMD), adopted the Potts Pre- owners. Over 1,000 people attended. Laidlaw Preserve, 272 acres of land in Wash- serve, an 8,500-acre tract of land between the Collier Audubon’s next big event in partner- ington County that are home to the Swain- Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka son’s Warbler, flame azalea, and gopher tor- ship with Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary features chain of lakes – a rallying point for public well-known author and columnist Carl Hiaas- toise. The chapter has received grants for land surplus concerns. It is part of the state’s amenities such as boardwalks, a pole barn en. The Feathers and Friends Gala, scheduled protected conservation lands, acquired for for Feb. 9 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf shelter, birdhouses and signage. A manage- protection and restoration of their natural in- ment plan, developed by chapter leaders, Club, is filling up fast. Go to www.collieraudu- tegrity. The chapter’s first survey of the area’s bon.info/friends-feather.html for details. promotes wildlife through topography en- birds revealed enormous variety of both com- Hendry-Glades Audubon along with the hancement of swamp, bog, uplands, and mon and rare species. This data should help Southwest Florida Regional Conservation clearings that support a rich and diverse flora to preserve this Florida special place. and fauna. Due to limited access, the prop- Committee will be hosting the 2012 Audubon erty is currently open by appointment only. Clearwater Audubon, winner of Audu- Academy. One of our newer chapters, they are Visit http://www.baycountyaudubon.org. bon’s Best Education Project Award, has es- celebrating their 5th Anniversary this year!

12 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 Potts Preserve Photo by Brad Cornell

Potts Preserve Photo by Payne’s Prairie Photo by Greg Stephens Lorraine Margeson

Panther Festival Photo by Brad Cornell Phoro by Sandra Marraffino

Northeast Florida Their Quality of Life Indicator Project was tion center with interpretative signage, trails, Alachua Audubon joined the Partnership designed to measure and motivate progress and a computer kiosk system explaining the for Payne’s Prairie State Park (PPSP) this year, towards a sustainable future. Led by Dr. Gra- benefits of native plant landscapes and the combining efforts to manage the vital wet- ham Cox, with the help of 23 county advisors, dangers posed by invasive species. A nurs- land that hosts up to 5,000 migratory birds this innovative, inclusive, community-based ery area will provide native tree seedlings to every winter, including the rare Whooping process surveys quality of life indicators to Adopt a Tree and TREEmendous, groups Crane. While the state park has a well or- guide the county towards an environmentally, that will donate them to cities, schools, and ganized Friends of the Prairie group, chapter socially, and economically sustainable lifestyle. neighborhoods. The project aims to increase volunteers will focus on habitat quality. West Volusia Audubon and Ridge Audu- urban tree canopy, connect wildlife corri- dors, and reduce carbon footprints. Alachua Audubon volunteers plan to play a bon were recognized at Audubon Assembly for key role in the future management of the Prairie. their 50 years of conservation work, confirming Members are planning the first Florida Crane their role in Florida’s conservation history. Find a Chapter Near You Festival which will be held in January 2012. The If you would like to make an impact Chapter was recognized for their Conservation South Florida through your local Audubon chapter, go work at the Audubon Assembly in October. Tropical Audubon Society, under the lead- to http://fl.audubon.org/who_chapterList. ership of Rafael Galvez, stepped in to save html. Visit chapter web sites for more details the 12-year-old Keys Hawkwatch program, on how local Audubon leaders are making a difference in Florida. West Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Audu- building a coalition of volunteers that includ- bon Societies designed and hosted a series of ed partners from Space Coast Audubon So- stimulating Walking Workshops and field ciety, Florida Keys Audubon Society, Hawk trips for the 2011 Audubon Assembly. Lo- Migration Association of North America, Florida Ornithological Society, Leica Sport In Memory of Ken Morrison cations featured Special Places and success- Audubon lost a special friend this year when ful partnerships such as Orlando Wetlands Optics, William H. and Patricia M. Kleh, Carlton Fields – Attorneys at Law, and the Ken Morrison, President Emeritus of Florida Park, Lyonia Preserve, Volusia Blue Springs, Audubon, Former Editor of Audubon Maga- and Helena Springs in Seminole State Forest. Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival. http://floridakeyshawkwatch.wordpress.com zine and founder of Ridge Audubon passed Pelican Island Audubon won the Audu- away. Ken contributed a lifetime of service on Tropical Audubon Society, a Together bon Best Chapter Award with 2011 Callison Audubon’s behalf helping with Audubon As- Green grantee, is creating an outdoor educa- Award Winner Dr. Richard Baker at the helm. sembly literature and programs.

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 13 Thank You $100,000 and above The Everglades Foundation Our work is made possible by the generous support of individuals, corporations, foundations The Batchelor Foundation and organizations that share our vision to restore natural ecosystems. $50,000 - $99,999 Darden Restaurants Foundation Mrs. Roger Drackett Mr. James Brady Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund – The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation, Inc. Mr. Ted R. Brown Disney’s Friends for Change Goodman Networks Eran Brusilow The Energy Foundation The Gracey Luckett Bradely Charitable Unitrust John Bullitt R. Kirk Landon and Pamela Garrison Ms. Gloria A. Hibbard CGMK Foundation The Martin Foundation Reid B. Hughes Coastal Dunes, Inc. Mosaic Hydromentia, Inc Community Foundation of Collier County Kitson & Partners, LLC Cheryl Cummer and Jack Lyle Lee Lauderback David Dance $25,000 - $49,999 Lykes Bros. Inc. Dr. W. Michael Dennis Paul Appleton Burnham Marcia MacKinnon Mr. Warren H. Durling Collier County Audubon Society MPS Foundation - Joanne Arbaugh Engelhardt Hammer & Associates, Inc. Louise Courtelis Ocean Reef Conservation Assoc. Inc. Dana Fund The Jessie Ball duPont Fund Plum Creek Administrative Corp, Inc Leona Fitzsimonds Randy LaBauve The Prentice Foundation - Lynn P. & Jerry Babicka Mr. John F. Flanigan The Forrest and Frances Lattner Foundation Progress Energy Foundation GE Foundation Mitigation Marketing, LLC - Dennis Benbow Robert and Helen Ritchie Charitable Foundation Mr. Peter R. Gerbert The Nature Conservancy Mr. Jack E Spillane Mr. Winston Guest Nextera Energy Foundation, Inc. Katie Sproul Hamilton Family Foundation Perkins Charitable Foundation Stallion 51 Corporation Mrs. Shirley Hankinson The Robinson Foundation Ernst Steudle Harold L. Wyman Foundation, Inc. Elaine Berol Taylor & Scott Bevan Taylor Foundation Jim and Jonnie Swann Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation - Lisa H. Peterfreund Pinellas County Community Foundation - Theodore and TECO Energy Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hawkins Marian Tonne Fund Mrs. Roger Drakett Eloise Ingram The Stanley J. and Mildred L. Zamo Foundation Ed and Lois Konikowski $10,000 - $24,999 Walter and Barbara Korntheuer Joseph T. Ambrozy Kate B. Luzius $2,500 - $4,999 Marty Magpuri Bailey Wildlife Foundation Dr. Ralph Arwood Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation Geraldine F. Martin Dr. & Mrs. Robert S. Baker Lowell Mason Barron Collier Companies Citizens for Clean Energy, Inc. Judith and Frederick Buechner J. West McCann Hamill Family Foundation Fredric R. Mishkin The Chingos Foundation Eric Draper Disney’s Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives John Murphy Duval Partners, LLC Orange Audubon Society The Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation Ms. Mary Anne Gettel John and Nancy Elting Ms. Lois J. Paradise Kenneth Hale Employees of Progress Energy of Florida The Felburn Foundation Brian and Donna Hampton Fowler White Boggs, P.A. Tom and Teresa Quinn John & Gail Hankinson Mr. Mark Riley FPL Group Foundation Janicki Environmental, Inc. Islamorada Fishing & Conservation Trust Inc. The Robert and Jean Taylor Fund Mr. Stuart Langton Sam’s Club Foundation Mainstream Energy Corp. The Lawrence Foundation James R. Palmer Mrs. Elinor Beidler Siklossy VS Consulting, Inc - Sheri Ford Lewin Elinor Beidler Siklossy Foundation Gloria M. and W. Douglas Pitts The Alex & Agnes O. McIntosh Foundation The Rayonier Foundation W. Kelly Smith B.D. & Jane E. McIntyre Foundation Margaret Spontak Douglas Santoni Stephen Nellis Mr. Leslie Scharf - in memory of Anita Scharf Robert H. Stamps and Ms. Loretta Satterthwaite Peg R. Olsen Earl Stutzman-Miller Mr. Irving J. Schwartz - in memory of Judy Schwartz The Palmer Companies SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Dr. Edwin Sved Richard Pettigrew Tall Timbers Research, Inc. Mr. James R. Simcoke Nathaniel Pryor Reed TerraPointe LLC The Carol Colman Timmis Foundation Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers Victoria and Walter R. Tschinkel Mr. James Trice Susan Schumann-Skehan Mitigation Bank Mr. and Mrs. Richard Van Enige Stenstrom, Mcintosh, Colbert, Whigham, & Partlow PA - Dennis Bill and Ann Vanderbilt Mae Wood Benbow Worksite Communications, Inc. Vanderbilt Family Foundation Mr. John A. Tory Walt Disney World Resort Wheelabrator McKay Bay Doug and Madeleine Warns $5,000 - $9,999 Pinellas County Community Foundation - Mary Sue and William Weinaug Robert and Francine Barrett William P. Bushnell Fund Whitefish Community Foundaiton - Tom and Teresa Quinn Fund Dennis and Kay Benbow Mr. Don Vivenzio and Ms. Dorothy Wilkes Mr. Fred Bennett $1,000 - $2,499 Mr. David P. Bornhoeft Alliance Marketing Partners, Inc CF Industries Inc. Mary Barley This list acknowledges donors from July 1, 2010 through Mr. Jack Curlett Ms. Jane M. Berry June 30, 2011. Please contact the Development Dept. at Joanne and John DallePezze Foundation The Edward E. & Lillian Bishop Foundation 305-371-6399 ext. 134 to report corrections. Henry Dean The Bond Foundation, Inc.

14 Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 Audubon of Florida & Florida Audubon Society Audubon of Florida Staff Audubon of Florida www.audubonofflorida.org Financials JULY 1, 2010 - JUNE 30, 2011 444 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 850 Miami, FL 33131-2407 National Audubon Society and Florida Audubon Society work together and fund conservation Key Contacts programs operating under the name Audubon of Florida. Funds received by Audubon of Florida Eric Draper, Executive Director are spent exclusively on Florida conservation. 305-371-6399, ext.123 • [email protected] Margaret Spontak, Development Director 352-229-2887 • [email protected] Vicky Johnston, Development Associate Audubon of Florida 305-371-6399, ext. 123 [email protected] Public Policy Office Revenue Sources Expenses by Program http://www.audubonofflorida.org/conservation.html 308 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-222-2473 Local Audubon Chapters http://fl.audubon.org/who_chapterList.html Jacqueline Sulek (850) 251-1297 • [email protected]

Everglades Conservation Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Ed Carlson, Sanctuary Director 375 Sanctuary Rd. West, Naples, FL 34120-4865 (239) 348-9151 Everglades Policy Total Revenue $5,123,869 Total Expense $5,124,523 Julie Hill-Gabriel, Director of Everglades Policy 305-371-6399, ext. 136 Everglades Water Quality Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy Florida Audubon Society (407) 620-5178 Lake Okeechobee Watershed Program Assets and Liabilities Paul Gray, Ph.D., Science Coordinator Florida Audubon Society is an independent non-profit that owns sanctuaries, manages endowment fund and provides 863-655-1831 support to Audubon of Florida through chapter and membership training programs and conservation and other funds. Southwest Florida Collier Audubon Policy Office FLORIDA AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC. Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Assets - As of June 30,2011 Brad Cornell, Big Cypress Policy Associate 239-643-7822 ASSETS Current Assets Everglades Science Center Cash 126,907.87 Jerome Lorenz, Ph.D., State Director of Research Cash - Restricted 540,238.53 305-852-5318 Account Receivable 171,352.85 Keys Environmental Restoration Fund Naples Capital Investment Trust 2,514,719.13 Jeanette Hobbs, Manager Total Current Assets 3,353,218.38 305-289-9988 Other Assets Land 3,034,379.00 Birds and Coastal Stewardship Building & Improvements 2,247,386.97 Furniture & Equipment 154,971.83 Coastal Wildlife and Habitats Accumulated Depreciation -830,260.05 Julie Wraithmell, Director of Wildlife Conservation 850-222-BIRD (2473) Total Other Assets 4,606,477.75 Important Bird Areas TOTAL ASSETS 7,959,696.13 Marianne Korosy, Florida IBA Coordinator (727) 742-1683 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities 16,810.95 Coastal Islands Sanctuaries Equity Ann Paul, Tampa Bay Area Regional Coord. Land-Preservation 503,612.00 813-623-6826 Aquisition Fund 2,307,155.00 Unrestricted Net Assets 738,107.57 Florida Special Places Retained Earnings 3,848,292.31 Center for Birds of Prey Net Income 545,718.30 Katie Warner, Center Manager Total Equity 7,942,885.18 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, FL 32751-5451 407-644-0190 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 7,959,696.13 Full a full directory of staff and locations go to

www.AudubonofFlorida.org

Audubon of Florida Winter 2011-2012 15