Audubon Assembly: Florida’s SpecialPlaces Florida’s Special Guarding the Take Actionfor October 14-15 Everglades Connect to Treasure Places 2011

SUMMER 2011 2011 Florida Audubon Society John Elting, Chairman, Leadership Florida Audubon Society Eric Draper Executive Director, Audubon of Florida President, Florida Audubon Our April board of directors meeting was a pivotal point for Florida Audubon Society (FAS). It was at that moment in time, surrounded by a chorus of birds at the Chinsegut Nature Center near Board of Directors FAS-owned Ahhochee Hill, that I think we all realized how far we had come this fiscal year. Our John W. Elting, Chairman Executive Director Eric Draper, our committed board and tireless staff had a lot to celebrate. Joe Ambrozy, Vice Chairman Sheri Ford Lewin, Board Secretary Even during tough economic times, we were ending the year in a positive financial position, Doug Santoni, Treasurer something other environmental groups are struggling with this year. We have achieved 100 per- Sandy Batchelor, Esq. cent board giving, both financially and in terms of gifts of time and talent. Our marketing efforts, Jim Brady particularly the expanded focus on social media, have resulted in a strong online community that Henry Dean, Esq. helped protect Florida’s state parks on three different occasions this year. Improved outreach and John Flanigan, Esq. regional events are building engagement in Audubon throughout Florida. The board’s science Charles Geanangel committee is taking our applied science work to new levels including accelerated involvement John Hood of citizen scientists. Lastly, we are beginning to work at the local, state and national level as One Reid Hughes Audubon. Dave Kandz Alan Keller Audubon recently received public praise from several members of the Florida Fish and Wild- Randy LaBauve life Conservation Commission including Commissioner Brian Yablonski. At the Commission’s Stuart Langton, Ph.D. June meeting in St. Augustine, Yablonski said of our Audubon bird stewards, “These folks are the West McCann hearty souls who are the doers of the work—not just the talkers of the work or the readers of the Allan Milledge, Esq. work. These are the doers of the work, the folks who have mud on their boots and sand between Ann Moore their toes. I give a huge salute to these folks.” Those words describe what is so special about our Mark Morton staff and volunteers. Cynthia Plockelman Diane Reed We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Several key planning efforts are Michael Sheridan currently underway. Florida board members and staff have been engaged in National Audubon Katie Sproul Society’s strategic planning initiative. Andy Stamper, DVM The draft plan will be completed in October. It focuses on implementing large scale conserva- Robert Stamps, Ph.D. Barbara Sheen Todd tion projects in important bird areas (IBAs) linked to America’s various flyways resulting in sig- Jens Tripson nificant environmental benefits for birds and their habitats. The state and centers portion of the Doug Warns, Ph.D. plan is targeted for completion next year. George W. Willson In this edition you will see articles that showcase how far we have come – our remarkable work in the greater Everglades, a recap of our legislative and policy work, a peek at our exciting new Audubon Assembly features and a guide to some of Audubon’s own special places in Florida. Thanks for all you have done to support Audubon of Florida. Your donations, advocacy letters, bird stewarding and other volunteer actions have helped us end our fiscal year on a great note. Together we are becoming even better.

Sincerely, John Elting Chairman, Florida Audubon Society

Cover Photo by Mac Stone

Connect with Audubon Online John Elting is leading the charge to make Sign up for our eNewsletters: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary the Heart http://bit.ly/e5LPYX of the Experience in the Western Everglades. Join our Social Networks: Part of the marketing plan includes expanding http://www.AudubonofFloridaNews.org the Sanctuary’s experiential offerings http://www.facebook.com/AudubonofFlorida to include back country tours for major donors. http://www.facebook.com/ FloridasSpecialPlaces http://www.twitter.com/FL_Audubon Photo by Clyde Butcher Take Five for Florida’s Special Places A Message from Executive Director Eric Draper

Eric Draper sits in a bird blind made by Eagle Scouts at Laidlaw Preserve in Washington County. The sanctuary is managed by Bay County Audubon and is truly one of Florida’s special places.

Last month 1,000 people showed up at a public meeting in Florida’s birds and wildlife depend on our public lands. And, Pinellas County to express their opposition to a state proposal if you are like me you depend on public lands – to see birds, to to allow a private RV campground to be developed at Honey- swim, and to find a respite in Florida’s diverse natural beauty. moon Island State Park. State officials withdrew the proposal If we care about Florida’s parks and public lands we must use and appear to have temporarily backed off from plans to put them or lose them. That is why I am asking you to Take Five: RV camps in other popular parks. • Take yourself to a park Audubon helped organize opposition to the private camp- ground development proposals, and I am personally impressed • Take friends or family and proud of the many local leaders who stood up against this • Take pictures and notes bad idea. What I have recognized since local groups helped • Take time to share your pictures and notes with others turn back proposals to close 53 state parks and then rose in • Take action to protect our special places – you can take ac- opposition to putting golf courses in other parks, is that peo- tion at audubonofflorida.org. ple really care about Florida’s award winning park system and other public lands. You can also support Audubon’s advocacy work by using the envelope in the center of this book to send a contribution or In my conservation career I have had the privilege of being make a pledge to support Audubon’s work to protect Florida’s involved in creating many parks. From the moment of getting special places. I hope to see you at the Audubon Assembly money approved by legislators or local voters, to revisiting October 14 and 15 in Lake Mary, where we will learn together parks long after they are in use, I get excited to know that these and set our conservation agenda for the coming year. special places are available to both people and wildlife. Those gems on the landscape are assumed to be permanently safe Eric Draper from development. Now we find ourselves fighting off not only a series of pro- posals to change the way parks are used and managed, Gov- ernor Rick Scott has proposed that public lands get no public funds and must become self-sufficient. In interviews with the press I have called this a bad idea. Executive Director

Eric Draper joins other Audubon members and conservationists in kicking off the Florida’s Special Places Campaign. The site is Big Blue Lake in Washington County owned by the Knight family. Learn more about Florida’s special places on pages 5-8.

Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 3 Tallahassee Report 2011 Legislature A Little Good, A Lotta Bad and Some Ugly

Longstanding environmental laws and fices were zeroed out and the programs were programs unraveled as Governor Scott and closed. legislators laid the baseless and not so pretty Ugly - Governor Scott vetoed a line item blame for Florida’s recession on providing $305 million in spending author- clean water and urban develop- ity for Florida Forever in the event that funds ment boundaries. Audubon’s could be raised by sale of surplus state assets legislative team worked hard such as parking lots and office buildings. to inject science and defense of Energy the public interest into these de- Sad - Renewable energy legislation died bates. Unfortunately, this year’s in committee when Governor Scott objected environmental successes were to allowing utility rates to be used to finance measured in bills made “less bad” clean energy. rather than good. Growth Management Water, Everglades and Lake Bad and Ugly - Florida’s growth manage- Okeechobee ment laws were revised to limit state oversight Good - Everglades Resto- of local land use decisions, making advocacy at ration received just under $30 the city and county levels more important now million in new and re-appro- than ever. The Department of Community Af- priated funds. Although it was fairs growth management staff was gutted and not so good that Governor Scott transferred to the new Department of Econom- Audubon helped organize later vetoed an Audubon prior- ic Opportunity, where it will become the Divi- oppostion to plans to put ity funding for nutrient reduction strategies sion of Community Development. an RV camp at Honeymoon north of Lake Okeechobee. Some Post Session Good News Island (shown above.) Bad - Bills passed making it harder for This summer, Department of Environmental State officials withdrew citizens to appeal bad permit approvals (HB Protection announced that it was fast-tracking the proposal affecting this 993), making it easier for agricultural land- four novel proposals to build vast privatized and other popular parks. owners to develop farmland without miti- RV campgrounds at DeLeon Springs, Fan- gating environmental damage (SB 421), and ning Springs, Honeymoon Island and Wakul- Photo by Stephen Mann gutting the budgets of the state’s five water la Springs state parks. Audubon sounded the management districts (SB 2142). alarm when the expedited process was first Ugly - After a tough fight the anti-envi- heard by the state Acquisition and Restoration ronmental regulatory HB 991 failed to pass, Council and along with chapters, park friends’ as did proposed repeals of Florida’s existing groups, and other advocacy groups, pushed ban on the land spreading of septage (HB back on the proposals until they were retract- 1479) and reclassifying Florida’s impaired ed by the Governor’s office! waterways to ease regulatory restrictions (HB Lessons Learned and the Way Forward 239). HB 13 repealing Florida’s septic tank This Legislature displayed disinterest and inspection law failed, but language in the disdain for arguments made on behalf of budget hamstrings the state’s ability to begin natural resources or the public interest. Much inspections this year. of this, we found, was due to the overwhelm- Florida Forever and Public Lands ing percentage of freshman legislators un- Good - The public rallied for state parks familiar with these priorities. Education of and a proposal to close 53 parks was scrubbed elected officials and grassroots advocacy are by the Governor mid-Session. Similar clamor the way forward. As in all three of the state resulted in Senate and House sponsors pull- park issues we won this year, public opinion ing back a bill which would have paved the won the day. way for private golf courses to be built in five Now more than ever, Audubon members state parks. need to be engaged and vocal. Be sure to Bad - Florida Forever received zero funds. connect with our conservation community Grassroots pressure helped save two aquatic through our advocacy center, Facebook and preserve offices in southwest and southeast our blog. Our ability to influence these de- Florida, but funds for another four of these cisions depends on informed and dedicated important regulatory and management of- advocates like you! Page 1 - Travel News

If you have followed our blog Why this strong emphasis on or Facebook page, you have prob- identifying and connecting people ably heard of our “Florida’s Spe- with Florida’s Special Places? By cial Places” campaign, where nature, Audubon is an outdoors nature-lovers of all ages are en- organization. One of our main couraged to nominate their fa- priorities is to help citizens get vorite natural areas throughout outside and rediscover Florida’s the Sunshine State. Nominations natural treasures. We believe that can be a neighborhood park or a by connecting with Florida’s one- national forest, a wetland oasis or of-a-kind landscapes, we can re- stretch of pristine beach. We want energize ourselves while remind- to know why a particular part of ing ourselves of the natural wealth Florida is important to you, your we work to conserve: Florida’s family and your community. birds and their habitats. Photo by Carole Barice

Audubon’s Own Special Places

Many of Florida’s Special Places Audubon has our own special but all of which provide nesting are public lands, some are working places which include property areas, respite and habitat for many landscapes supporting agriculture owned and managed by Nation- important bird species. and timber production, some are al Audubon Society or Florida Before planning your next na- protected by non-profit entities Audubon Society, lands managed ture experience, look at these such as Audubon, and some may by Audubon Chapters and sites Audubon Encounters selected as be in your own backyard. The owned and managed by govern- special places by our own Audu- Audubon Encounters featured in ment or other organizations and of bon staff. We encourage you to this article reflect the special places significance to Audubon of -Flor nominate your special place by identified by many Audubon staff ida’s conservation work. Florida visiting our website at http://www. involved in our conservation work Audubon Society owns more than FloridasSpecialPlaces.org from the Panhandle to the Florida 60 sanctuaries throughout Florida, Keys. few of which provide public access, continued next page

Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 5 Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 5 Photo by John Moran

Photo by David Macci Photo by Susie Warren Photo by Susie Photo by Stephen Mann Photo by R.J. Wiley Photo by R.J.

Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 7 Photo by Mac Stone

Photo by Julie Hill-Gabriel

Photo by Mac Stone Rob Patten: Creating a Legacy for Coastal Island Sanctuaries

Florida’s Gulf Coast has been a focal Rob shares that he has al- point for Rob Patten his entire life. The ways been involved in en- Florida native, who has lived the last 35 vironmental issues and has years in Sarasota, owns his own coastal supported many conservation habitat restoration company, Coastal groups during his lifetime. But, Dunes Associates, where he does large he has a special place in his scale landscape and restoration projects heart for Audubon’s Florida for individuals from Palm Beach to Mar- Coastal Island Sanctuaries. “I tha’s Vineyard to the Caribbean. He and like to support groups where I his partner, Babette Bach, share a love for can see where my money goes,” Florida’s beaches and other natural trea- said Rob. “Through the years I sures. worked with Coastal Island’s In addition to his private sector work, staff including Ann Paul and he chaired the Sarasota County Planning her late husband Rich. I know Photo by Pat Haire Photo by Pat Commission from 1988 to 1992 and was how hard Ann works and how Rob stands on a piece of land purchased through funds Executive Director of Environmental Ser- she leverages the funding they from the Sarasota Forever Environmentally Sensitive vices for Sarasota County with more than receive to do good work,” he Lands Program. He chaired the citizen’s committee that 500 employees from 2001 – 2006. He has added. That is why Rob has passed the referendum and later managed the purchase been an advocate for reasonable commu- given to the program through- of such lands as Director of Environmental Services. nity planning that protects quality of life, out the years and why he has conserves environmental lands and im- included Audubon’s Florida proves Sarasota Bay and the shores of the Coastal Island Sanctuaries in his will. tinue critical coastal work. People that we Gulf of Mexico. Due to his expertise in It is not surprising that Rob has cho- know will put the funds to good use,” he coastal restoration and erosion projects, sen to commit a legacy gift to Florida ended. he provided great support for the Roberts Coastal Islands Sanctuaries. His life has If you are interested in creating a legacy Bay Bird Colony Islands wavebreak proj- been woven around coastal conserva- as Rob has chosen to do, please contact ect funded by Sarasota County, working tion. Rob shares that this is his way of Margaret Spontak at (352) 229-2887 or closely with Audubon’s staff to execute making a statement. “It is a way we can email [email protected]. You may this important project. support others that need funding to con- have a special Audubon place or program

A Simple Way to Leave a Legacy without a Will Research indicates that only 50 to 60 eficiary. If you have already established you want your designations handled. percent of people over 50 have wills. The many of these beneficiary designations, The designation form should refer to the number drops dramatically for younger forms are available from your plan pro- letter and a copy of both should be kept citizens. To some the process seems too with your estate documents. daunting or overwhelming and they can’t Even designating a modest percent seem to make the first step to reach out “Do what you can. such as 10-25 percent to a charity can be to a lawyer or financial consultant. Some a tremendous boost to the work of that individuals do not have heirs, have heirs Use what you have. organization. You can name Audubon as that are financially very well off or have Start where you are.” the full beneficiary or split the residuals estates that are not very significant. The between various beneficiaries including – Arthur Ashe list of reasons individuals do not take this charities and family members. This sim- important action are varied. ple gesture allows you to protect Florida’s Creating a will is not the only way to viders to adjust beneficiary designations. birds and their habitats. leave a conservation legacy. Even if you do Carefully review the policies on how such If you are interested in making Audu- not have a will, you can still leave a gift or processes are handled at each institution. bon a beneficiary, we suggest you review legacy for Audubon or any of your favor- If the forms do not provide the flexibility you wishes with your retirement plan ad- ite charities through a few simple steps. for the detail you need (multiple designa- ministrator, legal advisor, tax professional Every time you establish an Individual tions or specific ways you want the funds or financial advisor. Retirement Account, life insurance policy applied), a separate, notarized letter can For more information call or email or annuity, you are asked to name a ben- be included that clearly establishes how Margaret Spontak at (352) 229-2887.

Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 9 The 2011 Assembly is the time and place to chart your course to take action for Florida’s special places. Join us for a time of discovery, reflection, celebration and planning for our next challenges together. Florida’s signature conservation event offers you the opportunity to connect with like- minded individuals, to participate in forming Audubon’s 2012 conservation priorities, to join exciting field trips, and to learn new conserva- tion skills and tactics. Photo by Kevin Boldenow

Exciting Features Included in This Year’s Audubon Assembly

Thursday Evening Special Event: Flyway members and college students to network, Florida. Enjoy table topic discussions on Fiesta at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey share and learn from each other. Partici- ways to take action for Florida’s special Migrate to the Audubon Center for Birds pants will learn how to better communi- places such as citizen science, green jobs of Prey to kick off the 2011 Assembly. Join cate and engage with the next generation and social networking. us from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 13 for of conservationists. Students are intro- an evening with international flair to cel- duced to advocacy, citizen science work Friday Afternoon: ebrate flyways. and green jobs. Friday morning includes Six Thought-provoking Learning Sessions Learn about walking workshops to some of Florida’s Expand your knowledge and sharpen Florida’s raptor special places including Lyonia Preserve your conservation skills by attending Fri- species, the hab- and Orlando Wetlands Park, which allow day afternoon learning sessions where itats they need to for great conversation and co-learning. scientists, conservation leaders, and pol- survive, and the Students receive scholarships to all of Fri- icy experts are on hand to share examples unique flyways day’s activities. Participation in this youth and case studies. Come away with new several of these forum is free and requires advance regis- contacts and ideas for taking action (see species use dur- tration and a commitment to mentoring a detail to the right).

Photo by Susie Warren Photo by Susie ing migration. young person (Friday only). Contact (407) Early birds can 644-0190, ext. 101 or email flconservation@ Friday Evening: experience a special behind-the-scenes audubon.org, if interested in participating Journey through Florida’s Special Places tour of this premier raptor rehabilitation in this exciting event. Beginning with the reception Fri- facility beginning at 4 p.m. Registration for day evening, join us for a photo journey Flyway Fiesta and the behind-the-scenes Friday Field Trips through Florida’s Special Places. Photog- tours is separate from Assembly registra- Assembly field trips to nearby special raphers will show- tion—space is limited. Please visit www. places, led by local, knowledgeable chap- case their beautiful audubonofflorida.org or call 850-222-BIRD ters, offer the opportunity to see new shots of habitats (2473) to register. habitats and species, and to make new across Florida, fol- NEW! friendships. Regular field trip sign-up oc- lowed by keynote Youth Forum: Connecting College Students curs on-site at the Assembly registration speaker John Mo- with Audubon Leaders table; visit www.audubonofflorida.org for ran, award-win- Audubon is including an innovative new a list of field trip times and destinations. ning photographer program in this year’s Assembly. Friday’s and journalist, who premier event unites Audubon leaders Friday Lunch: will present special with some of the best and brightest col- Take Action for Florida’s Special Places places of Florida lege students to develop new ways to take The official kick-off for the Assembly, through outstand- action for Florida’s environment. This in- the Take Action Luncheon begins with ing photography John Moran tergenerational experience provides a co- an inspiring lunchtime message by Eric and adventuresome storytelling at the mentoring opportunity for both Audubon Draper, Executive Director of Audubon of awards banquet. Saturday Morning: Register Now for Audubon Assembly 2011 Set Audubon’s 2012 Conservation Priorities The formal adoption of Audubon’s The Early Bird all inclusive Assembly registra- To register online: www.audubonoffolorida.org 2012 conservation priorities occurs Sat- tion package is only $120 per person if booked urday morning. Resolutions from the six To register by mail, contact Jonathan Webber at regional conservation committees will be on or before October 1. Package includes all Fri- 850-222-2473 or [email protected]. presented for additional input, and then day and Saturday programs: field trips, Friday formally recommended for approval by luncheon, learning sessions, cocktail reception Make Your Hotel Reservation by Sept. 24 Audubon’s Board of Directors at the Oc- (cash bar), awards banquet, Saturday breakfast Orlando Marriot Lake Mary tober 15 annual meeting. and lunch, conservation session and workshops. The Assembly takes place at this designated In addition to the conservation session, Flyway Fiesta: Thursday evening event at the several other informative workshops will Green Lodging facility. Call 1-800-380-7724 to Audubon Center for Birds of Prey: $25 (Not focus on advocating for Florida’s special reserve your room by September 24 and mention included in conference registration.) Please places. Florida Audubon Society to receive the special $90 visit www.audubonofflorida.org or call rate. Saturday Lunch: 850-222-BIRD (2473) to register. Celebrate Audubon Chapters Regular and at-the-door all inclusive ticket: Orlando Marriot Lake Mary The Saturday Chapter Awards Lun- $140 (after Oct. 2) 1501 International Parkway cheon recognizes significant chapter Lake Mary, FL 32746 achievements and Friday Only (field trips, Take Action Luncheon and learning sessions without reception milestones. West Special Note: Please consider migrating to the Volusia Audubon and banquet): $85 Assembly in flocks by sharing transportation in turns 50 this year! Exhibits on display Friday Evening (reception/awards banquet): $50 order to reduce climate change pollution. throughout As- sembly will high- light chapter ef- forts and projects. Friday Learning Sessions Dr. Ellen Prager, Ellen Prager marine scientist Flyways Connect IBAs and Other Special Places and author, will Florida is a critical component of the Atlantic Flyway and is home to numerous deliver the keynote speech at the Chap- Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and other special places. As National Audubon is ter Awards Luncheon highlighting her setting conservation priorities along this flyway, how do Florida’s special species new book Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The and places tie in? Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They One Everglades Matter. She will share her experience of From the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, to Lake Okeechobee and south to Florida using colorful words, storytelling and Bay, the Everglades is one ecosystem facing a myriad of challenges. Learn more compelling messages to connect people about current restoration plans and measurements of restoration success. with nature. Payment for Environmental Services Payment for Environmental Services (PES)—such as water supply storage and filtration, carbon sequestration, etc—is a conservation tool for the next generation. CHAPTER AWARD Explore the basics of PES including landowner’s perspectives, as well as Florida- NOMINATIONS DUE specific examples. Citizen Science in Florida’s Special Places SEPTEMBER 10, 2011! Citizen science is making important strides in protecting Florida’s special The inspiring accomplishments of places. Discover projects supported by Audubon volunteers and learn how you Florida chapters and volunteers will be can contribute to the conservation of a special place near you. recognized Saturday, Oct. 15 at the 2011 Audubon Assembly Chapter Luncheon. Spotlight on Strategies to Save Birds Award categories are: Chapter of the Populations of key ecosystem indicator species across Florida are declining. Year, Best Chapter Conservation Proj- What strategies is Audubon employing to save not only birds such as Everglade ect, Best Chapter Education Project, and Snail Kites and Roseate Spoonbills, but also the wetlands and other habitats they Best Membership Recruitment program. need to survive? Nominate your own chapter or another Private Lands are Special Places, too one. Chapter Presidents have received Florida’s special places and wildlife depend on private lands. With an email outlining award criteria and re- quirements. Audubon’s treasured Corkscrew Wood Stork colony as a case study, learn about the Nominations and supporting materials importance of ecosystem connectedness and what steps you can take to ensure must be received by Sat., Sept. 10th, to be private lands function as valuable wildlife habitat. considered. For additional questions or to Special Social Media Workshop submit your nominations, contact Jacqui Does your chapter have a Facebook page? Bring your laptop to Assembly to par- Sulek, Chapter Conservation Manager, at ticipate in a tutorial on how to grow your chapter’s online networking capability. [email protected] or (850) 251-1297.

Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 11 Guarding the Everglades Treasure

Abundant birdlife is the true measure of Everglades restora- the core nesting colony of Wood Storks at Corkscrew Swamp tion. Long known as the most significant breeding ground for Sanctuary near Naples. Corkscrew’s storks depend on the West- wading birds in North America, the Everglades is also host to ern Everglades’ freshwater wetlands that Audubon works so many other resident and migratory avian treasures. Audubon’s hard to protect, and our birds are the source of Wood Storks unique approach to restoration is science-based protection and seen throughout the state. But Storks are at risk as development recovery of these birds and their habitats. pushes into the Everglades’ forested wetlands that are so essen- From the vulnerable Southern Bald Eagles in the Kissimmee tial for nesting success. Valley to the dwindling colonies of Roseate Spoonbills in Florida The Everglade Snail Kite is Florida’s most endangered bird due Bay, scarce Wood Storks in the Big Cypress and the vanishing to loss of freshwater sources of their favorite food, apple snails – Everglade Snail Kite, four bird species characterize the corners of just 700 birds are left in Florida. The Everglade Snail Kite is one the vast wetland system known as the Greater Everglades. Each of only three “Total System-wide Performance Measures” for the of these iconic species is water dependent. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, And each in their core range, represents the making it one of the most important indica- points of an ecological diamond encompass- tors for the success of restoration. Audubon’s ing an avian treasure dependent on the great Lake Okeechobee Sanctuary is ground zero array of habitat we call the Everglades. for the Everglade Snail Kite, and our science If these four birds are present in abundant n and policy are deployed to advocate that state numbers then the ecosystem is functioning. The true measure and federal agencies manage water and com- But if they are disappearing to other parts of plete Everglades restoration projects to bring Florida, or just not reproducing in their his- of success this beautiful bird back from the edge of ex- toric range, something is wrong with the way for Everglades tinction. the system is being managed. Eagles, Storks, The spectacular Roseate Spoonbill was Kites and Spoonbills are the true measures restoration once the bright beacon of life at the estuarine of health of the Everglades and that is why edge of the Everglades and Florida Bay. For 70 Audubon is increasingly organizing its sci- is holding onto years Audubon scientists working from the ence and advocacy around these four species. Florida Keys research station have collected To understand Audubon’s work, imagine a its winged treasures. evidence showing the impact of draining the diamond that begins with the Northern Ev- Everglades on Spoonbill nesting success. Our erglades extending south and east to Lake n research is now used as the key measure of Okeechobee and the Central Everglades, the results of Southern Everglades restoration southwest to Florida’s Big Cypress National projects. Preserve and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp The Everglades ecosystem provides criti- Sanctuary, and finally ending at the Southern cal stopover for migratory songbirds. For 25 Everglades and Florida Bay. years, Audubon’s Keys Environmental Restoration Fund has re- Our signature approach is successful through the coordination stored mangrove swamps, seagrasses, and tropical hammocks. of Audubon’s far-reaching resources, including our science cen- Audubon’s sanctuaries and restoration projects in the Florida ters, sanctuaries, policy expertise and grassroots chapter leader- Keys and Rookery Bay are part of the coastal edge of the Ever- ship that spans the entire ecosystem. This expansive knowledge glades so essential to migrating birds. of all parts of the ecosystem is unique, and helps us connect the Everglades restoration will succeed if plans to clean up and points of this ecological treasure. free the flow of water through the system from the Kissimmee Audubon helped bring the Bald Eagle back to Central Florida headwaters to Florida Bay are implemented. Audubon’s policy by operating the Center for Birds of Prey and the EagleWatch work in the Legislature and Congress, where we push for ap- program near the Northern Everglades and Kissimmee Chain propriations for restoration projects and defend wetlands and of Lakes region in the Orlando area. Over thirty percent of the wildlife laws, is critical to the success of Everglades restoration. population of Bald Eagles can be traced back to the Audubon Earlier this year Audubon was credited with turning back legisla- Center for Birds of Prey. This includes rehabilitated birds re- tion that would have rewritten 27 different environmental laws. leased back to the wild and their offspring. More than 280 eagle The true measure of success for Everglades restoration is hold- nests are monitored by our volunteer EagleWatchers. We work ing onto its winged treasures. As our volunteers and staff count closely with public land managers and private ranchers to pro- the Eagles, Storks, Kites and Spoonbills, we will be measuring mote stewardship of the prairies and lakes that characterize the success. And if the birds are not there, we will redouble our ef- Northern Everglades. forts to get the water and habitat right so our treasured birds can Audubon owns the ancient cypress swamp that is home to return. Photo by David Pugsley Photo by Reinier Munguia Photo by David Pugsley Photo by David Pugsley

Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 13 Volunteers in Action

Richard Baker Receives National Audubon Society Callison Award Dr. Richard Baker, President of Peli- can Island Audubon Society in Vero Beach was awarded National Audubon Society’s Charles H. Callison Award for Outstanding Chapter Volunteer in 2011. Winners are individuals who have made remarkable contributions to conservation through environmental policy achieve- ments, creativity, coalition building, edu- Richard Baker receives award from National Audubon President David Yarnold (left) cation, and outreach. and National Audubon Board Chair Holt Thrasher (right). An active member of the Pelican Island Audubon Society chapter since 1991, Dr. Florida Coastal Islands Oystercatchers, Little Blue and Tricolored Baker has served on the Chapter Board Sanctuaries Sunset Cruise Herons, Snowy and Cattle Egrets, Least for 20 years. Currently a full time volun- On June 7, 130 of Florida Coastal Is- Terns and American White Pelicans were teer, Dr. Baker initiated a campaign that lands Sanctuaries’ devoted supporters also on hand. raised over $250,000 towards building a were treated to a sunset cruise around the 3,000 sq. foot nature center on Univer- Richard T. Paul Alafia Bank Bird Sanctu- Hernando Volunteers sity property. He has been very active in ary in Hillsborough Bay. Departing from Support Ahhochee Hill his community, where the chapter spear- Tampa, the participants made their way Hernando Audubon Society and headed rewriting the county’s landscap- south aboard the Florida Aquarium’s tour Brooksville Ridge Volunteers have sup- ing ordinance, mandating native plants boat, the Bay Spirit II. Chapter and com- ported Ahhochee Hill for many years and regulating water use. And with his munity leaders, as well as Board mem- through removal of invasive plants and wife, Juanita, Richard published a cof- bers Barbara Sheen Todd, Dave Kandz, other activities. On June 11, volun- fee table book about one of their favorite and John Hood, served as hosts for the teers spent a morning picking buckets rivers: Reflections of Blue Cypress. Sales of event. The birds of Florida’s most impor- of invasive coral ardesia berries at Ah- the book netted $50,000 for the chapter. tant colonial wading bird colony did not hochee Hill. Another berry picking day is planned for Oct 29 as part of Audubon Academy the TogetherGreen grant. This Joyce King, Academy Co- invasive plant is the most chal- ordinator and Jacqui Sulek, lenging management issue at Chapter Conservation Manag- Ahhochee. To aid with hauling er, organized the 2011 Audu- equipment, buckets of invasive bon Academy on March 18-20 berries and tools, Hernando in Gainesville with over 100 County Audubon members members and staff attending. recently raised enough money The event included five walk- to purchase a John Deere Ga- ing workshops, facilitated ses- tor utility vehicle. This will be a sions on Florida’s Special Plac- tremendous help in managing es, a keynote address from Eric this special place. Draper, and a presentation by Julie Wraithmell on working to- Developing a Conservation gether to save Florida’s Special Community in Northeast Florida Places. One focal point was the Audubon of Florida staff and workshop on social network- The Brooksville Ridge volunteers picked invasive coral chapter members held Bird- ing to reach aross the divide of ardesiaberries at Ahhochee Hill. a-thons throughout the state age and engage others in our Photo by Christie Anderberg from Tallahassee to the Ever- issues and chapters. A special glades this spring. Audubon of thanks to the host chapters, Alachua disappoint guests. Many young Roseate Florida board member Diane Reed pro- Audubon and Four Rivers Audubon, who Spoonbills, White and Glossy Ibis and vided an excellent report from Northeast helped organize this inspiring weekend. Brown Pelicans covered the sandbar as Florida’s recent Bird-a-thon to benefit The Academy was funded 100% through the adult birds streamed in from every Audubon’s Northeast Florida Program. registration fees and chapter donations. direction to feed the chicks. American The event attracted ten birding teams Audubon of Florida Program Offices

Eric Draper State Executive Director & Florida Audubon President Tallahassee: (850) 222-BIRD (2473) Miami: (305) 371-6399 Photo by Marianne Korosy [email protected]

State Office/ Development Office/Everglades Policy Office 444 Brickell Avenue from throughout the region who ended Suite 850 up with a list of 153 unduplicated species Miami, FL 33131 and raised about two thousand dollars 305-371-6399 for the program. Board members Ann son. On the east coast, bird stewards are State Policy Office Moore and Allan Milledge participated. protecting Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers, 308 N. Monroe Street The event underscored that the North- Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls chicks in Tallahassee, FL 32301 east Florida Program initiated by Carole Duval and St. Johns Counties. 850-222-BIRD (2473) Adams, past President of Duval Audu- bon, has created a true conservation Orange Audubon Society Northeast Florida Program community in Northeast Florida. Since Photography Contest 9601 Ocean Shore Boulevard St. Augustine, FL 32080 its inception, the relationships between Orange Audubon Society (OAS) re- 904-813-5115 the coastal chapters (Duval Audubon, cently held their annual banquet and St. John’s County Audubon and Fla- nature photography contest. The con- Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries gler Audubon) and Audubon staff have test drew 100 participants with well over 410 S. Ware Boulevard served as a model of cooperation. three hundred images entered. The goal Suite 702 Tampa, FL 33619 of the Chertok Nature Photography 813-623-6826 Bird Stewardship and Contest is “to promote interest and con- Protection Efforts Expanding cern for preserving the native fauna and Tavernier Science Center Audubon of Florida’s bird stewarding flora of Florida, and to encourage nature 115 Indian Mound Trail model is being used throughout Florida photography.” There were three catego- Tavernier, FL 33070 from the panhandle to southwest Florida ries (youth, amateur and advanced) and 305-852-5318 to protect nesting shorebirds and their over $1,200 in awards. Winners from Lake Okeechobee Watershed Program chicks. Our model for training citizen sci- 2006 through 2011 contests, and news PO Box 707 entists is now being shared with Audu- about the 2012 competition when avail- Lorida, FL 33857 bon conservation leaders throughout the able, can be seen at the OAS website 863-655-1831 United States. (www.orangeaudubonfl.org). The con- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary The online Coastal Strand e-newslet- test, now in its 23rd year, is totally self- 375 Sanctuary Road West ter has been expanded to capture stories sustaining financially. Selected images Naples, FL 34120 of new and growing programs around from the contest are displayed both in 239-348-9151 the state. Just to mention a few, Clear- the front windows and inside the contest water Audubon initiated a bird steward co-sponsor’s store (Colonial Photo and Southwest Florida Policy Office Collier County Audubon Society program at Three Rooker Bar which in- Hobby, Orlando.) 1020 8th Avenue, South, Suite 2 cluded private boats delivering stewards Naples, FL 34102 to this state-owned barrier island located 239-643-7822 just north of Honeymoon Island. Col- lier County and Lee County’s fledgling Keys Environmental Restoration Fund Beach Nesting Bird steward programs 11399 Overseas Highway Suite 4E at Big Marco Pass and Ft. Myers Beach, Marathon, FL 33050 respectively, expanded from the beaches 305-289-9988 to gravel rooftops used by Least Terns. St. Petersburg and Clearwater Audubon’s Center for Birds of Prey collaborative program has expanded 1101 Audubon Way to include banding and tracking of fall- Maitland, FL 32751 407-644-0190 en chicks at rooftop colonies. Manatee Audubon’s partnership with the Beach Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary Nesting Bird/Turtle Watch team on Anna Megan Authement, 16-year-old Orange 24268 Lake Lindsey Road Maria Island has also taken on a Least Audubon Member, won the chapter’s lst Brooksville, FL 34601 352-797-3545 Tern rooftop site. In the Panhandle Alan place award in the youth category for To email a staff member, Knothe continues to build his volunteer two years in a row. This year’s entry, the use first initial of first name + last name @ Audubon.org Example: [email protected] base. Bay County and Choctawhatchee Snowy Egret, was taken at Fort DeSoto Audubon have generously provided State Park near St. Petersburg, Megan’s funding for several scopes for the pro- home. Megan is currently working with gram. St. George’s Island State Park was park personnel to create a photography a new site for Bird Stewards this sea- display of beach nesting birds. Audubon of Florida Summer 2011 15 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3953 MIAMI, FL

Audubon of Florida 444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850, Miami, FL 33131 Tel: 305-371-6399 Fax: 305-371-6398 www.audubonofflorida.org SUMMER 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 Gifts and Grants Margaret Spontak Design and Production Special Publications, Inc. Artist Jim Canada Cover Photo Mac Stone at www.macstonephoto.com Contributors Christie Anderberg, Monique Borboen, Brad Cornell, Eric Draper, John Elting, Julie Hill-Gabriel, Paul Gray, Jeanette Hobbs, Victoria Johnston, Marianne Korosy, Charles Lee, Ann Paul, Mark Rachal, Jacqui Sulek, Megan Tinsley, Katie Warner, Jonathan Webber, Julie Wraithmell Photographers Christie Anderberg, Megan Authement, Kevin Boldenow, Clyde Butcher, Pat Haire, Julie Hill-Gabriel, Marianne Korosy, David Macri, Stephen Mann, John Moran, Reinier Mungula, David Pugsley, Mac Stone, Susie Warren, Rod Wiley

Audubon’s Mission To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

JOIN US AT THE AUDUBON ASSEMBLY See details on pages 10-11. TAKE ACTION FOR FLORIDA’S SPECIAL PLACES October 14-15, 2011 Lake Mary Marriott* Lake Mary, Florida *A designated Florida Green Lodging Hotel Special features include: • Pre-conference Flyways Fiesta at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (Thursday evening) • College Youth Forum – 30 area youth will join us from UCF, Stetson and New College • Field trips and special Walking Workshops for youth and mentors • Friday Take Action Luncheon with table topic discussions • Journey through Florida’s Special Places – showcase of Florida photography during our Friday evening cocktail party • Author and photographer John Moran as our Friday evening keynote speaker • Saturday featured luncheon speaker Dr. Ellen Prager, author of Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime Register online at www.audubonofflorida.org Notice of Annual Meeting of the Membership of Florida Audubon Society. Pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Florida Audubon Society will be held at the Lake Mary Marriott, Lake Mary, Florida at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 15.

Mystic Springs, Chipola River. Photo by John Moran and David Moynahan