Naturalist Spring 2014 Celebrating Our History Shaping a Hopeful Future

Artwork by John Costin 2014 Florida Audubon Society Leadership John Elting, Chairman, Eric Draper

Executive Director, Audubon Florida Photo By Ralph Arwood Florida Audubon Society President, Florida Audubon Society

Board of Directors Dear Audubon Members and Supporters: John W. Elting, Chairman Jud Laird, Vice Chairman On the cover of a recent Audubon publication was a quote from John Muir, one of my life-long West McCann, Board Secretary heroes. Michael Sheridan, Treasurer

Lisa Boyce “I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, Jim Brady Jennifer Johnson Duke I found, was really going in.” John Hood Reid Hughes We members and supporters of the Florida Audubon Society have a lot to celebrate: the Robert B. Keim Alan Keller completion of the C-111 Spreader Canal, the first CERP program to be completed diverting Sarah Joyce King water to Taylor Slough and Florida Bay; the Tamiami Trail Bridge; construction of the C-43 Randy LaBauve Storage Basin to mitigate the Caloosahatchee watershed; the restoration via rehydration of the Stuart Langton, Ph.D. Steve A. Lynch, III Picayune State Forest; the Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge to preserve lands and water Charlie Margiotta north of Lake Okeechobee; and the Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative on the West McCann ballot in November to purchase and protect our natural resources. Ann Moore Mark Morton John Orcutt, Jr., PhD All of the above are policy victories to be sure, hard fought and earned, but let us not forget Lida Rodriguez-Taseff those words from John Muir about “really going in”. We as conservationists spend countless Michael Sheridan Katie Sproul hours reading articles, journals, e-mails, and talking on cell phones. When was the last time Robert Stamps, Ph.D. we employed all our senses? When was the last time we touched the under-leaf of a Satin Tree, Scott Taylor or caught the scent of crushed Lemon Bacopa between our fingers, or bit off a bud of Spanish Bill Warren George W. Willson Needle to chew, or tracked a cat, or lay down for a nap in the shade of an oak hammock? We Doug Young owe it to ourselves for all the policy and public education work we do to take the time to re-energize, to recharge our senses, to renew our commitments. Board Members Emeritus: Joe Ambrozy Sandy Batchelor I opened with a quote from John Muir. Let me close with Emerson. John Flanigan Doug Santoni “In the woods we return to reason and faith. There I feel nothing can befall me in life---no disgrace, no calamity---which nature cannot repair.”

Best to all, Audubon Florida’s Everglades Program and Executive Offices are moving.

Cover art by John Costin Effective April 15, 2014, www.costingraphics.comYOUTUBE LOGO SPECS Audubon Florida relocated our state office to: APRINT resident of Yboron lightCity backgr (Tampa),ounds John’son dark backgr art ounds John W. Elting, standard standard capturesmain red gradient rich bottom and diverse bird life and other Chairman PMS 1795C PMS 1815C C0 M96 Y90 K2 C13 M96 Y81 K54 4500 Biscayne Blvd, #205 subjects throughout Florida. Florida Audubon Society Miami, FL 33137 white black WHITE BLACK no gradients no gradients StayC0 M0 Y0 K0Connected:C100 M100 Y100 K100 Join Audubon Florida Online The new efficient workspace supports staff and fl.audubon.org watermark watermark volunteers and saves on rent. GivetoAudubonFlorida.org fl.audubon.org/signup

stacked logo (for sharing only) stacked logo (for sharing only) Our phone number will not change. It remains (305) 371-6399. For a full directory of Audubon Florida’s staff locations and phone numbers go facebook.com/AudubonFlorida to http://fl.audubon.org/node/19446 twitter.com/AudubonFL youtube.com/AudubonFL Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Eric Draper, Executive Director Audubon Florida

Walking in the Footsteps of Legends

This year Audubon celebrates some important Florida milestones – the Coastal Island Sanctuaries were founded 80 years ago, the Everglades Science Center was established in the Florida Keys 75 years back and the old growth cypress forest at Corkscrew Swamp was saved 60 years ago.

These anniversaries are meaningful because they cause us to consider the courageous acts of people who came before us. We walk in their muddy tracks. We carry forward their vision for Florida conservation. We add to their accomplishments and defend their gains.

Audubon is an organization of stories. John James Audubon came to Florida to see bird colonies. Our founders met in a house in Maitland to charter Florida Audubon Society to fight the plume trade. Wardens Guy Bradley and Columbus McLeod were gunned down by poachers. Sanctuaries and research stations were established around Florida, driving important early decisions such as establishment of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

It is an exciting history and takes in so much more. More than one-fourth of Florida’s land area is managed for conservation, the state water policies are among the nation’s best, and our wildlife rules increasingly favor species protection.

Audubon leaders – hardworking and motivated volunteers and staff – have been involved in each and every important conservation initiative.

It is more than a cliché to say, “Don’t rest on laurels.” Better to remember these stories as a way to stay focused on these very ambitious goals that motivated those in whose footsteps we walk.

We must think big. As the state program of National Audubon Society, we are aligning our Florida work to accomplish these goals as part of a vision of interconnected efforts along the hemispheric Today’s Goals Inspired by Those Who Walked Before Us Atlantic Flyway. • Protect and restore wetland habitats throughout the At this time of the year when we see so many birds hurrying north Everglades and other special places guided by a strong commitment to science, sustainable land man- or nesting to ensure species survival, we remember that our heritage agement and restoration and protective water laws. requires that we step up. It is my hope that Audubon provides you with many choices on how to make a difference. Big or small – • Manage important coastal bird nesting sites and make a difference! Thank you. migratory stopover areas to recover numbers and diversity of wild birds. • Use our sanctuaries, centers and social networks to inform, educate, inspire and engage people in mean- ingful conservation work.

Eric Draper • Connect people of all ages and backgrounds with Florida’s special wildlife habitats to instill passion and Executive Director support for personal conservation and good public Audubon Florida policy. • Double our volunteer force of 1000 plus passionate citizen scientists, habitat stewards and trained grass- roots advocates.

Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Audubon Florida Spring 2014 3 TEW D S AR IR D B S H L I A P Coastal Bird Stewardship T

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Eighty years ago, Audubon’s first coastal This spring, Florida Coastal Islands dedicated volunteers and Project Colony wardens were established in Tampa Bay Sanctuaries will celebrate its 80th Watchers. Thirty species, including to protect the wading birds on Whiskey anniversary. In 1933, Dr. Herbert R. Mills some of Florida’s most beloved and rarest Stump Key and other coastal islands. traveled from Tampa to a bird colony birds, nest on Sanctuary-managed colony This effort has grown and expanded to a “in the wilderness of Hillsborough Bay”. islands in estuaries and inland lakes, with statewide coastal program. The nesting herons and ibis on Green a population totaling over 55,000 pairs. Key had been shot and chicks were dying in their nests. A member of the Florida While the threats may have evolved Audubon Society, Mills funded bird since the 1930s, the needs of Florida’s warden Fred Schultz beginning in early iconic coastal birds are just as urgent spring 1934, to post and patrol Green today. The legacy and vision of Herbert Key and the Alafia Bank, a role he served Mills echo in Audubon’s modern-day for 29 years. Schultz intercepted plume statewide coastal program, responding hunters seeking “Great Whites” for their to the birds’ needs in the face of habitat courtship feathers, hungry poachers eager loss, disturbance and the Deepwater to collect ibis young for “curlew purlew,” Horizon tragedy. and recreational gunners targeting adult birds flying back to the colony to feed their young.

Since then, 31 staff members have served the Sanctuary as wardens and sanctuary managers. Today, Sanctuary Manager Mark Rachal leads colony management and monitoring, and habitat restoration projects at Audubon bird colonies along Florida’s west coast, together with long-time Audubon biologist Ann Paul,

Dr. Herbert R. Mills and Fred Schultz

4 Audubon Florida Spring 2014 Restoring the Gulf: Four Years Later Four years ago oil washed onto Gulf Damage (NRD) Trustees as well as from beaches and Audubon mobilized thou- the National Fish and Wildlife Founda- sands of volunteers to respond to the tion. We view these projects as demon- tragedy. strations of what needs to be supported annually, in perpetuity, Gulf-wide if we In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon are truly committed to restoring the disaster, Audubon emerged as the orga- Gulf’s waterbirds. nization with the knowledge, network, experience and reputation to truly make Today between our historic and newly a difference for coastal bird recovery. added sites, Audubon is working with With more than 100 years of experi- volunteers and agency staff to protect ence shepherding Florida’s coastal birds, coastal birds at more than 140 sites in our vibrant Florida Shorebird Alliance Florida, ranging from solitary oyster- partnership with the Florida Fish and catcher nests wardened by the staff of Wildlife Conservation Commission the Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries, and the support of skillful bird stewards to the beach nesting colonies of South- and colony watchers, Audubon was best west, Northwest and Northeast Florida, positioned to identify emerging threats to a new rooftop nesting bird program to the birds and propose a path forward in the Florida Panhandle. towards restoration and sustainability for the Gulf’s bird populations. To- Our experience and broad chapter advocate for their modification. Special gether with our colleagues in the other network are proving key to restoration thanks to Francis M. Weston Audubon Audubon Gulf state offices, we created on another front as well: “restoration” in for their leadership and advocacy during a roadmap for bird restoration, “Restor- the context of the Deepwater Horizon the public meeting held in Pensacola on ing the Gulf for Coastal Waterbirds: A disaster includes not only ecological these projects! Long-term Vision,” which has become restoration, but also economic and rec- a touchstone for our lobbying efforts reational restoration. There is great po- First the spill hurt the Gulf’s birds, then and a resource for our staff and partners tential for projects serving these diverse the spill response harmed them. Our alike. ends to work at odds with one another new concern is ensuring the birds don’t and we have already seen this come endure further insults at the hands of Most significantly, we identified the to pass in the third round of Natural “restoration.” We are on the verge of need for long-term management fund- Resource Damage Assessment Early great opportunity for the Gulf’s water- ing for the birds—protecting them Restoration project proposals. Thanks birds and are grateful for the help of our and their habitat from disturbance and to our on-the-ground experience, our broad network of partners and volun- predation every year—and have been knowledgeable chapters and savvy policy teers in making sure that restoration is successful in attracting early restoration team, we were able to identify proposed genuine and lasting. funding from both the Natural Resource projects which would harm birds and Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries 80th Anniversary Celebration Sunset cruise to Richard T. Paul Alafia Banks Bird Sanctuary May 8, 2014, 5 to 8 p.m., Tampa, Florida

Join Audubon on a cruise aboard the Florida Aquarium’s Bay Spirit II and watch thousands of birds return to the nest. The Sanctuary, owned by The Mosaic Company, is managed by Audubon. Reservations are required as boat space is limited. An $80 minimum donation is recommended. For details contact Ann Paul at [email protected] or (813) 623-6826. Sponsored by The Mosaic Company, TECO Energy, Inc., Mallory Lykes and David Belcher, Barbara Sheen Todd, and Janet and Black-bellied Plover John Costin. Photo by Reinier Munguia

Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Audubon Florida Spring 2014 5 ES SC LAD IEN G CE ER C V E E N T ’S Seventy-five Year Anniversary th E N R

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I N puzzle of restoring the River of Grass. is more valuable than ever. Preliminary R N IE Acclaimed scientist Dr. Jerry Lorenz data gathered in the coastal zone suggest A RN TAVE leads Audubon’s research to understand that getting fresh water back into the the effects of restoration of freshwater Everglades is producing excellent flows into Florida Bay on key habitats ecological results. (See next article.) for iconic indicator species, like the Ro- seate Spoonbill. Water and fish samples In February, volunteers from the It is incredible to imagine what it must and observations of plant and animal Wells Fargo Green Team participated have been like for Robert Porter Allen, life are brought back to the historic in a renovation of Audubon’s historic Audubon’s first director of research, as he science center. At the center, data is Everglades Science Center at Tavernier ventured across the purple skies and roll- entered into computers, analyzed, and in the Florida Keys. Tireless individuals ing aqua waters of Florida Bay by boat in shared with other scientists and state provided the human power needed to the 1930’s. He was driven by a curios- and federal agency decision-makers. clean, paint, caulk, and replace floors. ity to better understand the mysterious Many people helped - even Audubon world of wading birds and migratory The purpose of the research is to track Florida board member Steve Lynch birds within the final sojourn of the the measure of our ecological health. joined the team to roll the final coat of River of Grass to Florida Bay. When he Wading birds once nested in large, paint on the building. established an avian research outpost in thriving colonies in the Southern Ev- the Florida Keys in 1939, Allen started erglades and Florida Bay. But over the The Everglades Science Center is the a legacy of Everglades science and data past century, their impressive numbers headquarters and laboratory for Audu- driven policy that our Audubon science dwindled as canals were built to divert bon’s Everglades Science Team. Audu- team continues to this day. water from the Everglades to the coast. bon would like to thank Wells Fargo’s This left vital habitat parched and in Green Team and the donors who sup- poor health. Roseate spoonbills, as well ported this project. Of course, we can’t as being the iconic pink Everglades wad- forget to thank the dedicated Science ing bird, are a key indicator species for Center staff who joined volunteers two the health of Florida Bay. They depend Saturdays in a row. Here’s to another on a habitat supported by freshwater great 75 years! flows from the River of Grass. If they are successful, it means the ecology of Florida Bay is improving.

The Tavernier Science Center in its early days. The Center has recently been renamed the Robert Porter Allen’s Audubon Everglades Science Center at Tavernier. spoonbill drawings from the field.

6 Audubon Florida Spring 2014 Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org The Everglades Team: Using Science and Advocacy to Shape Restoration Decisions Fourteen years ago Congress and the But guess what? We are already seeing researchers documented greater water Legislature approved the Comprehen- the results. Just over a year ago, our flow and improved salinity levels in sive Everglades Restoration Plan with Audubon Everglades team attended a northeast Florida Bay. These conditions guidance from Audubon scientists and ribbon cutting for the C-111 Spreader are improving critical habitat for Rose- support from Audubon advocates. Canal Western Component in the ate Spoonbills. This bold plan aims to restore the long Southern Everglades. This project degraded River of Grass to its natural created a hydraulic ridge to hold and As Everglades restoration continues, our splendor through projects, adaptive push freshwater into Taylor Slough, an science and policy staff are on the front- management, and sound science. important flow way that carries water lines measuring success through data Imagine the future when the 60-plus through the heart of Everglades Nation- driven processes, finding ways to adapt Everglades restoration of CERP are al Park into Florida Bay. Water is now and manage to changing conditions, complete. Miles of blue skies will be able to filter into the ground, rehydrat- and fighting for the necessary funding dappled with thick clouds of Roseate ing Taylor Slough and surrounding and political will to get the job done. Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, wetlands. and Ibises soaring across the famed River of Grass. Audubon’s Everglades Science Team is measuring the effects this project is No one said this will be easy. And it having on the ecosystem. Their prelimi- definitely will not be fast. As the largest nary data already suggests measurable ecosystem restoration project in the improvements in the area where the world, our work is ahead of us. C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project is operating. In the past year, Audubon Everglades Victory: Central Everglades Planning Project Gets State Support On April 11, Everglades restoration’s waters. The construction of CEPP is most ambitious project gained an one of Audubon’s top priorities for the important victory. A motion by South Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Florida Water Management District Governing Board Members Glenn Letters, phone calls and emails from Waldman and Sandy Batchelor was Audubon advocates helped build unanimously approved, committing support for this project. Passage shows the State of the Florida as a partner in Florida’s willingness to advance restora- the Central Everglades Planning Project tion. It was a remarkable victory for (CEPP). When implemented, this Everglades birds and wildlife. project will deliver long awaited benefits

for the Everglades and for our coastal Photo by Reinier Munguia

Photo by Kim Seng

Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Audubon Florida Spring 2014 7 AMP SA SW NC W TU E A R R C Y Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: S K R Years

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SUCC 60ON ESS ATI graded. What remains in the western trend.. The bald cypress forest, nesting ERV NS Everglades is insufficient to sustain our wood storks and quality wetlands, dense O S wildlife. So today we are engaging new with forage fish, are vital links in the C NAPLE heroes to answer the call of conservation Corkscrew and Big Cypress ecosystems. once again as we restore wetland habitat Audubon’s science-based protection and and bring back Wood Storks and wad- restoration efforts are saving and recov- ing birds. ering these healthy wetlands to make Celebrating 60 Years of Conservation wading bird colonies abundant again. Success: Sixty years ago people from all During the past 60 years, dedicated Audubon’s advocacy and education over America pitched in funds to buy wardens and land managers have served programs must build the public and the last stand of old-growth cypress at as stewards of the Sanctuary. Audubon financial support necessary to advance Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanc- scientists have contributed to our un- this goal. tuary, at one of the most important derstanding of the ecosystem, naturalists wading bird rookeries in the nation, and educators have inspired the public including Corkscrew’s beloved Wood and improved ecological literacy, while Storks. In the intervening decades, the our policy team has guided legislation, natural habitat that once surrounded fought poorly conceived and harmful Corkscrew’s treasured forest has been developments and informed decision drained, filled, fragmented and de- makers. Despite these efforts, more is needed.

Our iconic wading bird, the endan- gered Wood Stork, nested at Corkscrew this year and foraged in nearby nearby wetlands to feed their young. Yet this was the first year they had nested in the Sanctuary since 2009. Given the storks’ status as indicators of wetland health, this is an exceptionally troubling

8 Audubon Florida Spring 2014 Imagine the Future: Corkscrew Launches Campaign to Restore 1000s of Acres of Wetlands

Imagine a landscape where thousands of Island Mitigation Bank to convert an- does not have the capital for restoration. acres of shallow wetlands have been re- other 397 acres of degraded farm fields These are opportunities for Audubon to stored. These lands, when connected to back to shallow wetlands within the step up and step in to design and imple- existing native habitat, will expand and 13,000 acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctu- ment targeted ecological restoration that enrich the mosaic of diverse wetland ary. Rigorous scientific monitoring is revive the western Everglades. types, improve water quality, recharge being enacted to measure success, and aquifers, attenuate floods, re-establish will be used to define and refine best lost wildlife corridors, and grow fish restoration and mitigation practices. and invertebrates to support sustainable communities of wading birds, including Next in line are three other degraded the endangered Wood Stork. Corkscrew parcels totaling 130 acres. In addition, Lee County has hundreds Over the past five years, Audubon sci- of acres of additional holdings within ence and policy teams have worked to their stable of conservation lands which improve protections, promote restora- fit the profile of fallow farm fields with tion and prioritize acquisition of shallow high restoration value, but the County wetlands among various stakeholders throughout Florida, including all levels of government, environmental organiza- Landmark Cypress tions and the private for-profit sector. These efforts have set the stage for our Receive New Recognition current conservation vision to restore three square miles of shallow wetland Corkscrew’s old-growth bald cypress habitat in the next five years, and to forest represents less than two percent effect meaningful policy change in per- of the old-growth bald cypress present mitting and mitigation with local and in Collier County in the 1850’s. It is Photo by Dennis Goodman national significance. now the largest remaining virgin bald cypress strand in the world, and the east coast’s answer to the west coast’s To this end, Audubon has formed part- redwoods, cousins to the bald cypress. Audubon biologist Dr. Mike Knight has nerships with like-minded entities to undertaken a survey to locate and map the largest trees in this historic stand. identify parcels of land with high poten- With more than 430 acres currently mapped, Dr. Knight and his research team tial for the restoration of shallow wet- have discovered 39 giant old-growth cypress trees, ranging from 17 to 23 feet lands. We are working with Lee County in girth. to restore 242 acres of fallow farm fields within the Wild Turkey Strand Preserve. In honor of the 60th anniversary of saving the forest, we launched a Landmark We are also working with the Panther Cypress program that celebrates our mighty trees and invites visitors to “see the forest through the trees.” New educational materials about the Landmark Cypress trees are available in the Blair Audubon Center, enlightening visitors and encouraging them to experience the boardwalk in a new way . We notice that Corkscrew’s visitors now look up at the magnificent giants as often as they formerly looked down to spot critters and flowers. The forest in its entirety is newly appreciated in all its wonder.

Photo by John Howard

Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Audubon Florida Spring 2014 9 Citizen Science: A Historic Tradition Plays a Greater Role What exactly is citizen science?

“Citizen Science is the prac tice of public participation - and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge.”

--- National Geographic

ance—enlists volunteers to collect crucial data on coastal bird nesting efforts and Photo by Anita Cooney success, and then to steward nesting EagleWatch volunteers at work in Ruskin, Florida. colonies to improve their productivity.

More than a century ago Audubon vation issues, becoming more educated Finally, Jay Watch, the initiated the first Christmas Bird Count. and emboldened when the need arises to newest citizen science Twenty-two years ago Audubon advocate for birds and their habitat. program to Audubon, engages established EagleWatch resulting in the volunteers in the sophisti- return of the Southern Bald Eagle and While single-day citizen science events cated survey and mapping creation of the model for current citizen remain alive and well—such as the of Florida Scrub-Jay family science efforts. In recent years, Audubon Christmas Bird Count and Great territories providing land has taken on Jay Watch, expanded coastal Backyard Bird Count—we’ve grown managers with essential data to bird stewardship, and many other citizen these pursuits into longer standing inform fire and mechanical science efforts. projects, with a greater investment from treatment prescriptions volunteers and greater importance for without which habitat would Audubon jumpstarted citizen science in their data. become unsuitable for jays. 1900 with 27 people taking part in the first-ever Christmas Bird Count, and Audubon Florida’s Eagle Watch celebrates nd even from the beginning, it was science its 22 year in 2014, with volunteers Florida Scrub-Jay combined with social change. Founder monitoring the fate of Frank Chapman envisioned the Christ- eagle nests across the state. mas Bird Count as an alternative to the tradition-of-the-day, the Christmas “side Audubon’s Colony Watch hunt” in which participants travelled the involves volunteers in countryside shooting birds simply for monitoring and protect- sport. While Chapman’s goal was collect- ing the wading bird rook- ing data, it was also looking to a desired eries of Central Florida future condition, one in which birds were in the proud tradition valued more alive than dead. of Audubon’s rookery wardens. Audubon has been built on this prem- ise—that we can not only accomplish Audubon’s partnership more good science and conservation by with the Florida Fish involving more participants, but that and Wildlife Conserva- through this involvement, we all increase tion Commission—the Jay Watch citizen scientists at Duette Preserve our knowledge of the science and conser- Florida Shorebird Alli- 10 Audubon Florida Spring 2014 Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Citizen Scientists of Today and Tomorrow

Citizen science is growing exponentially Jays to exotic snakes and lizards, today’s in Florida and technology is helping citizen scientists are not just collecting make that possible. Standardized field data but transforming it into electronic survey protocols for shorebirds and knowledge that helps protect birds both Florida Scrub-Jays are fine-tuned to locally and globally. scientific rigor in collaboration with academic advisors and agency partners. Audubon Florida’s vision for the future New and experienced computer-savvy of citizen science includes the doubling citizen scientists enter survey data into of citizen scientists throughout the state; eBird from their smartphones or into technology has made data more robust specially-designed databases through and easy to interpret; results from citi- online portals that require “webinar” zen science efforts are well-documented training for volunteers learning these and widely shared; the knowledge is 21st century skills. From EagleWatch creating better protection for birds; and nests to Corkscrew Swamp’s floodplain younger and more diverse audiences are forest, from beach-nesting birds to wad- engaged. ing bird rookeries, from Florida Scrub- Chapters Provide Valuable Citizen Science Work By Jim Brady, Francis M. Weston Audubon

Just as the Christmas Bird Count has a sions. The three-year study documented For more information, contact Jim long history with National Audubon, a total of 181 species, including 16 Brady, Science Committee Chairman at many Audubon chapters were founded species of wintering sparrows in food [email protected] or Jacqui Sulek, on a long tradition of citizen science. plots planted for deer, turkey and Chapters Coordinator, at In Pensacola, for example, Francis M. quail, and the first nesting record of [email protected]. Weston (the chapter’s namesake) was Southeastern American Kestrel in the a draftsman at Pensacola Naval Air area in 30 years. These data proved Station who collected 53 years of bird invaluable to efforts to defend the forest occurrence data from 1916 until his from proposed incompatible uses, and death in 1969. In 1968, Bob and Lucy prompted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Duncan picked up Weston’s mantle, Conservation Commission to install adding to regional knowledge of migra- kestrel boxes, four of which are now tion and avian distribution with records occupied! continuing today. The work of these birders resulted in two formal reports of These data were all collected by birds in Northwest Florida, which are citizen scientists who complemented by Breeding Bird Atlas painstakingly recorded their surveys, Christmas Bird Counts, North observations. Many Audubon American Migration Counts, and other chapters have likewise regular surveys by local birders. conducted, or are conduct- ing, regular surveys of local Like many chapters, Francis M. Weston birds. The Science Commit- Audubon (FMWAS) has since elabo- tee of the state board would like rated on these bird occurrence studies to to know of your work, and is eager conduct discreet citizen science projects to provide technical assistance on key sites and species. A longtime in designing studies and member on the Forest User’s Liaison reporting your data. Committee of Blackwater River State Photo by Reinier Munguia Forest (BRSF), FMWAS began a multi- Southeastern American Kestrel year seasonal study of the birds of the 220,000-acre forest in 2010, to provide the Florida Forest Service data to help guide their resource management deci- Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org Audubon Florida Spring 2014 11 Legislative Update Audubon Helps Lead Charge for new Water Laws and Money to Protect Springs and Coastal Estuaries and the Everglades

Will the 2014 Legislature Listen? projects to better manage and treat water before it is released into the natural envi- Florida’s twin tragedies in 2013 were ronment. One of Audubon’s top proj- declining springs and devastated estuar- ects is money to finish the Kissimmee ies. Both are the result of years of bad River Restoration, which will help Lake water resources decisions. Florida has Okeechobee and reduce flushes of dirty laws to protect both the natural flows of water to the coasts. Other projects will springs and rivers and to control pollu- help build treatment marshes and water tion sources. But agencies and lawmak- storage reservoirs to better manage runoff ers have been slow to fund and enforce from farm fields and urban ditches. these programs. Audubon is also working to help fund springs protection programs. The Gov- Working with allies including the ernor recommended and the Legislature Florida Conservation Coalition led by is likely to approve roughly $50 million former US Senator and Florida Gov- for springs’ protection – mostly waste- ernor Bob Graham and the increas- water treatment projects. ingly effective Everglades Foundation, Mary Jean Yon, Legislative Director Audubon has advocated for a series Another funding priority is conserva- of funding and policy decisions that tion lands. With the Florida Forever should help springs, coastal waters and Coalition Audubon has been advocating A push for major water policy this year the Everglades. for appropriations to buy and preserve seems to have faltered. Both pro-springs habitat. One part of that funding may legislation and wetlands bills have run As of this writing the Legislature seems go to support the Rural and Family into trouble. As expected 2013 Audu- poised to appropriate roughly $160 Lands program, which puts conserva- bon award recipient Senator Charlie million for Everglades and the Caloosa- tion easements on working ranches and Dean had used his committee chair- hatchee and Indian River Lagoon estuar- forests. manship to stop the bad environmental ies. Those funds will help to build bills and promote springs protection. Audubon Keeps Conservation Lands from Being Sold Audubon Florida and its members have public meetings. In meeting after meet- made it clear that securing the most im- ing, passionate advocates made it clear portant conservation lands in Florida is to state officials that many of the lands the most precious gift that one genera- on their list were vital to our Florida’s tion can give to the next. For decades, natural heritage and should not be sold. leaders from across the state worked Charles Lee led the effort for Audubon with government officials to acquire and Florida, rallying the public and supply- protect these special places and critical ing officials with detailed analysis on habitats. specific properties.

In May 2013, Audubon learned that It didn’t take long for DEP to begin just because an area is in public own- the process of removing sites from their ership, it does not mean all threats proposed surplus list. One by one the disappear. That was when the Florida list began to shrink before nearly all of Department of Environmental Protec- the most important sites had been re- tion (DEP) announced a controversial moved. By the beginning of 2014, only new plan to sell off or “surplus” some of a few key locations remained threatened these important conservation lands. by surplus sales. The state cancelled this Audubon and its members were quick initiative in early March 2014. Con- to come to their defense, insisting that gratulations to everyone who spoke up DEP review proposed land surplus on this important conservation issue. Green Swamp. Photo by Charles Lee. decisions property by property in open

12 Audubon Florida Spring 2014 Chapters Collaborating for Conservation Audubon chapters do many things. bon Chapters. Thanks to the vision bon as that is what it is going to take Sometimes they are watchdogs and and guidance of Executive Director to pass the amendment. With only other times visionaries. As watchdogs Eric Draper, Audubon played a key a limited amount of time before the they can bring conservation concerns role in gathering the petitions and elections, many Chapters around the to light elevating them to statewide raising funds for the Florida Water and state will be forgoing the traditional issues. Other times they take the lead, Land Legacy Campaign to secure the summer shut down in order to take working with partners to turn vision Water and Land Legacy amendment advantage of all opportunities to get into reality. In either case it is the pas- a place on the 2014 ballot. While the word out. The message, Vote Yes sion, reach and willingness to collabo- the Legacy team in Tallahassee builds on Number 1! rate that has creates a powerful force their strategy for the next 6 months, for conservation. Audubon Chapters started develop- ing their own plan at the Academy in Vote YES on number 1 is quickly be- mid-April. Fortunately outreach and coming the mantra of Florida’s Audu- education are strong suits for Audu-

The North Shore of Lake Apopka turn this place into a National Wildlife over $2 million to restore fragile scrub Audubon promotes a winning vision. Refuge.” Having led many bus tours habitat inside the refuge. The Service and field trips out to the north shore, has stated that Space Florida’s proposal While one should not underestimate Bob should know. “Once people get may cause them to curtail their entire the incredible restoration efforts that out there and see it, they are hooked. Scrub-Jay restoration effort – a step have gone into the North Shore of We just need to build the political will backwards that could doom this vital Lake Apopka, there remains a vision to make it happen.” sub-population. to be fulfilled. The 20,000 acre north shore—once a toxic wasteland—now Audubon Chapters Defend Merritt Audubon Florida’s Director of Advocacy has a 360+ species bird list, more than Island National Wildlife Refuge Charles Lee has campaigned vigorously any inland site in the entire U.S. and to stop Space Florida’s proposal. Central Florida chapters including Halifax Riv- a Christmas Bird count of 174 species When Audubon recently learned that a that ranks as the highest-ever inland er, Space Coast, Southeast Volusia, West state agency called Space Florida wanted Volusia, Oklawaha Valley, Kissimmee total in North America; yet there is still to build a rocket launch facility on top work to be done. Valley, Seminole and Orange Audubon of one of the most ecologically impor- chapters rallied around the cause getting tant parts of Merritt Island National opponents out to attend and speaking at Creating a National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife Refuge, you can imagine the an ecotourism destination and an two public hearings. Over 500 people response: NOT ON OUR WATCH. attended each night. The crowd’s op- economic driver for Lake and Orange Early Audubon leaders pushed to estab- counties has become a priority for a position to the plan was overwhelming. lish the refuge and we will defend their Though an environmental impact study growing number of individuals and legacy. organizations. Audubon’s Charles Lee is now underway and the challenge is far has been working closely with leaders from over you can rest assure that Audu- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge bon is watching and ready to engage. from Orange Audubon and Oklawaha is home to one of the most beautiful Valley Audubon to promote the value ecosystems on Florida’s Atlantic coast. of building an economy based on this The Refuge is a globally recognized IBA extraordinary wetland habitat. While (Important Bird Area), a key migratory members from Oklawaha Audubon stopover on the hemispheric Atlantic have played a key role in developing flyway, and destination for millions of the Wings and Wildlife Festival in Lake out-of-state and international tourists. County, Orange Audubon leaders have The state’s ill-conceived plan to con- complemented it with the Lake Apopka struct rocket launch facilities on natural Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza on habitat just miles from the under- the Orange County side. utilized NASA facilities makes no sense. The inconvenience to Florida’s “The key is to get people out there to residents and visitors is great, but the see the north shore area,” shares AF proposal also affects the recovery of the Board member and chapter leader Bob threatened Florida Scrub-Jay, Florida’s Stamps. We need to provide access in only endemic bird species. The US Fish order to continue to build support to

and Wildlife Service recently invested Photo by Reinier Munguia Audubon Florida Spring 2014 13 Great Legacies of Florida Audubon Society of classic St. Johns River marsh includes islands with Sabal palms and hardwoods. Miles of winding St. Johns River run through this land.

•Bird Island and Orange Lake in Alachua County. Over 500 acres of Orange Lake, marsh and emergent islands. One of the first Audubon sanctuaries, patrolled by the famous Audubon wardens of the early 20th Century.

•Crocodile Lake on North Key Largo in Monroe County – over 120 acres of mangrove wetlands and shallow ponds adjacent to the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

•The Miller Family Island in Pinellas Garden Grove elementary students learn about the importance of insects as pollinators during their County – only an acre in size, this lovely visit to the Street Audubon Nature Center in Winter Haven, Florida. mangrove island in the midst of the urban St. Petersburg metropolitan area is Among the great legacies of the Florida Thousands of school children and adults home to a magnificent wading bird rook- Audubon Society are the conservation take advantage of these facilities each ery. Managed by the Audubon Coastal gems preserved in its wildlife sanctuaries, year. Islands Sanctuaries office. and the three Nature Centers operated by Audubon Florida, and its chapters. The Around Florida the Florida Audubon The ownership of land is both an advan- continuing generosity of Audubon mem- Society owns and manages 80 wildlife tage in conservation, and a responsibil- bers is required to manage and sustain sanctuary properties. Some of the most ity that must be properly cared for. The these sites now, more than ever. noteworthy conservation lands in Florida upkeep of buildings, renovation and Audubon Society sanctuary system are: modernization to keep public places Audubon’s Center for Birds of Prey is suitable for visitation, wildlife and land located on three acres on Lake Sybelia in •The Sabal Point Sanctuary on the management are all activities that require Maitland, Florida. It houses the Raptor Wekiva River in Seminole County. This the Florida Audubon Society to spend Clinic, visitor exhibits, and rehabilita- 600 acre sanctuary contains outstanding substantial amounts of money each year. tion mews for injured eagles, hawks, and examples of wetland swamp forest, and is owls brought in for treatment from all noted for bears and other wildlife charac- Over the years, all of our sanctuary and over Florida. The Audubon Center for teristic of the majestic Wekiva River. nature center lands and facilities have Birds of Prey is the premier rehabilitation come about through the generosity of and education facility of this type in the •The Beulah Laidlaw Sanctuary in Audubon members. In addition to Eastern United States, and is visited by Washington County, nearly 300 acres of Sanctuary operations, Florida Audubon thousands every year. magnificent cypress swamp headwaters Society supports Audubon Florida’s of Holmes Creek. Rich in wildlife, the legislative staff in Tallahassee, as well as In Winter Haven, the 40 acre Street sanctuary is managed by the Bay County other executive staff costs. Often, the Nature Center houses classrooms and ex- Audubon Society chapter. resources necessary have come to the hibits and is the site of numerous nature Florida Audubon Society through dona- trails, while owned by Florida Audubon •The Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary north of tions, bequests, and trusts from people Society, Inc., the day to day operations Brooksville, Florida. This unique 270 just like you. are managed by the Lake Region Audu- acre property occupies an unusual hilly bon Society. A little further south in habitat in Florida. Largely forested, its To request a brochure on leaving a will Polk County, the Babson Park nature open field is the site of highly successful or bequest to Florida Audubon Society, center boasts five acres of classic Florida bluebird nesting in nest boxes main- email Margaret Spontak at mspontak@ Scrub habitat, with nature centers and tained by Hernando Audubon Society audubon.org or call (407) 644-0190, classrooms. This nature center is also volunteers, and a resident caretaker. ext. 102. owned by Florida Audubon, and is man- aged on a day to day basis by the local •The St. Johns River Marsh Sanctuary chapter, the Ridge Audubon Society. in Brevard County. This 750 acre tract 14 Audubon Florida Spring 2014 Learn more at www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org 48 Hours for Conservation Audubon Florida Staff Audubon Florida Audubon Florida launches an online 48 For more details and to participate go to fl.audubon.org hour fundraising campaign starting on 444 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 850 Miami, FL 33131-2407 Tuesday, May 20 at 9 a.m. and ending www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org 305-371-6399 at 9 p.m. on Wed., May 21. Funds gen- Key Contacts erated through this intense grassroots Eric Draper, Executive Director fundraising drive support Audubon’s 305-371-6399, ext.123 important conservation work through- [email protected] out Florida. Margaret Spontak, Development Director 352-229-2887 [email protected] Take part in this exciting online cam- Victoria Johnston, Donor Relations Manager paign and receive special incentives. 305-371-6399, ext. 134 Donate $100 or more and receive your [email protected] choice of an Audubon print (while sup- Public Policy Office plies last). http://fl.audubon.org/conservation-efforts 308 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 Jonathan Webber New Eagle Scout Gift to Center for Birds of Prey 850-222-2473 [email protected] Continuing a Great Legacy of Eagle Scout Projects Local Audubon Chapters young men to install the LED lighting http://fl.audubon.org/audubon-locations Jacqueline Sulek on the map. The whole exhibit took the 850-251-1297 Bond family approximately 96 hours to [email protected] complete. EVERGLADES CONSERVATION

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Christopher solicited donations from Jason Lauritsen, Sanctuary Director family, friends, and the community in 375 Sanctuary Rd. West, Naples, FL 34120-4865 order to complete the exhibit. During 239- 229-8170 National Audubon’s President and CEO Rebecca Beck, Center Director David Yarnold’s recent visit to Audubon 239-348-9151, ext. 114 Florida, he commented on the great Everglades Policy Julie Hill-Gabriel, Director of Everglades Policy exhibit, and how Christopher is an excel- 305-371-6399, ext. 136 lent example of a young man embracing Everglades Water Quality Audubon’s strategic focus of building Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy future stewards. When asked by an 407- 620-5178 Audubon staff member who inspired him Lake Okeechobee Watershed Program for this project, Christopher replied with, Paul Gray, Ph.D., Science Coordinator Photo by Susie Warren 863-655-1831 Christopher Bond next to the Atlantic Flyway “You did.” The Center staff are excited Exhibit featuring raptor migration routes. that the exhibit can educate and inspire Southwest Florida Collier Audubon Policy Office Brad Cornell, Big Cypress Policy Associate people about the flyways and birds 239-643-7822 Audubon Florida’s Center for Birds of of prey that migrate along them. Everglades Science Center Prey opened its newest education exhibit Jerome Lorenz, Ph.D., State Director of Research in March with the help of a local, More than 50 projects have been 305-852-5318 completed at Audubon Center for Prey dedicated Eagle Scout and his father. BIRDS AND COASTAL STEWARDSHIP Christopher Bond, an Eagle Scout based by Eagle Scouts as their contribution to the Central Florida community before Coastal Wildlife and Habitats out of the Orlando area, created an Julie Wraithmell, Director of Wildlife Conservation interactive Atlantic Flyway exhibit for their final review as Eagle Scout rank. 850-222-BIRD (2473) These projects range from exhibits such as the center with help from his father. The Important Bird Areas Bald Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, the the Flyways exhibit to building nest boxes Marianne Korosy, Florida IBA Coordinator Swallow-tailed Kite, and the Osprey are for screech owls. The Center has great re- (727) 742-1683 represented on a flyway map, with each spect for these young men, who are help- Coastal Islands Sanctuaries ing to benefit raptors and their habitats Ann Paul, Tampa Bay Area Regional Coord. raptor’s migratory patterns illuminated 813-623-6826 upon pushing its corresponding but- and supporting Audubon’s mission. ton. Truly a family effort, Christopher’s FLORIDA SPECIAL PLACES older brother Andrew, who is now in To see Christopher’s exhibit and other Center for Birds of Prey scout projects, visit the Audubon Center Katie Warner, Center Manager college for computer science, helped his 1101 Audubon Way brother by doing graphic additions to the for Birds of Prey in Maitland. The Center Maitland, FL 32751-5451 Atlantic Flyway map. Their father lent is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 407-644-0190 his electrical engineering expertise to the a.m. to 4 p.m. Full a full directory of staff and locations go to http://fl.audubon.org/audubon-locations

Audubon Florida Spring 2014 15 4500 Biscayne Blvd. #205, Miami, FL 33137 Tel: 305-371-6399 Fax: 305-371-6398 fl.audubon.org Spring 2 0 1 4 Florida Audubon Naturalist is published by Audubon Florida. The Florida Audubon Society, National Audubon Society (doing business as Audubon 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 Florida © 2013. President and Executive Director Eric Draper Director of Development and Naturalist Managing Editor Margaret Spontak Assistant Editor Nancy Elting Production Rose Printing, Inc. Design Reinier Munguia Cover Artwork John Costin Post Production Assistance Victoria Johnston Contributors Virginia Bland, Jim Brady, Eric Draper, John Elting, Jane Graham, Marianne Korosy, Jason Lauritsen, Charles Lee, Jerry Lorenz, Ann Paul, Jacqui Sulek, Beth Preddy, Katie Warner, Jon Webber, Julie Wraithmell Photographers Annita Cooney, Dennis Goodman, John Howard, Marianne Korosy, Charles Lee, Reinier Munguia, Kim Seng, Susie Warren

Save the Date Assembly 2014

October 17 and 18, 2014 Hutchinson Island Marriott Stuart, Florida Mark your calendar now for the Audubon As- sembly 2014. Watch for registration details on fl.audubon.org to be posted in May.

Hutchinson Island, at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Estuary, has 21 miles of beautiful beaches and unique marine and inland habitats providing home to more than 2,200 marine and wildlife species. The host hotel, a certified green lodging facility, overlooks the Intercostal Waterway. The area provides the perfect setting for this Assembly which focuses on the importance of renewing Florida’s commitment to Bath Tub Beach is one of many great birding spots near the hotel. Photo by Kim Seng water and land conservation.