Waterways and IBAs

Florida is home to sixty-nine distinct ecosystems, each having evolved to host thousands of plant and animal species, including some that are rare and endemic. Native birds help maintain healthy ecosystems. As development, intensive agriculture, and human activity reduce the extent and functions of habitats, many of Florida’s native birds face greater threats.  

Audubon and partner organizations have designated a network of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) throughout the hemisphere. Audubon Florida is responsible for developing and pushing IBA conservation strategies within the state.  

Many IBAs overlap with protected waterways. Water defines Florida’s natural ecosystems. Seasonally abundant rainfall seeps into vast aquifers, wetlands, and floodplains. Freshwater flows through springs and rivers to nourish coastal marshes and seagrass beds.

Although humans have altered much of natural Florida, federal, state, county and local governments have protected considerable acreage as parks and other conservation lands. Of Florida’s 35 million acres, more than 30% has been designated as conservation land.  

Most of Florida’s waterways are managed in the public trust for the benefit of all people and to protect natural systems. However,

  • Reduced groundwater recharge and drainage of swamps and floodplains have depleted nature’s storage systems;
  • Diversion and discharge of wet season stormwater to coastal estuaries contributes contaminants and robs those same estuaries of freshwater during dry seasons and droughts;
  • Pollution from fertilizers and human and animal waste impair springs and rivers, leaving a legacy of human‐caused nutrients in soil, lakes, and groundwater; and
  • Overuse of water for farm and landscape irrigation depletes aquifers and surface waters and reduces flow of springs and rivers.
Important Bird Areas
Important Bird Areas

Important Bird Areas

Florida's Important Bird Area Program supports the persistence of our state's native avifauna and native habitats through sound land management, habitat preservation, and the work of volunteer citizen scientists.

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Sanctuaries
Conservation

Sanctuaries

Audubon Florida owns over 70 properties in 27 Florida counties, protecting a diversity of habitats with varying degrees of accessibility.

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News & Updates

Two Special Places Were Saved Today - The Latest on Florida Forever
News

Two Special Places Were Saved Today - The Latest on Florida Forever

Tell Us: What Special Places Matter to You and Why

Fighting for the Future of the Apalachicola
News

Fighting for the Future of the Apalachicola

Audubon Florida works statewide to protect rare and sensitive bird habitat. In Northwest Florida, the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay are some of the most diverse ecological waterways in the southern U.S.

Federal Rule to Protect Wetlands is Under Attack
News

Federal Rule to Protect Wetlands is Under Attack

Wetlands are ecosystems that make up some of Florida’s most biologically rich habitat. In addition to supporting birds and other wildlife, wetlands help improve water quality and provide flood control benefits.

Birding: Hobby or Tool for Conservation?
Waterways And IBAs

Birding: Hobby or Tool for Conservation?

Birders provide important information for resource management and conservation planning

Don’t Let Texas Holdem Hold Our Wildlife Hostage
Coastal Conservation

Don’t Let Texas Holdem Hold Our Wildlife Hostage

Vulnerable public land threatened by proposed private boardwalk

Coastal Water Crisis Update: Audubon's Eric Draper Discusses Solutions at Florida Capitol
Everglades

Coastal Water Crisis Update: Audubon's Eric Draper Discusses Solutions at Florida Capitol

Army Corps responds to the public’s call for water storage planning in the Everglades Agricultural Area

Coastal Water Crisis Update - July 15, 2016
News

Coastal Water Crisis Update - July 15, 2016

Audubon and Everglades Foundation present option to immediately hold more water south of Lake Okeechobee.

Coastal Water Crisis Update - July 8, 2016
Everglades

Coastal Water Crisis Update - July 8, 2016

More Questions than Answers as Algae Blooms Continue

Coastal Water Crisis Update - June 30, 2016
Everglades

Coastal Water Crisis Update - June 30, 2016

Audubon's new weekly newsletter series to address the emergency in our coastal waters.

Lightsey Cattle Company Presented with Audubon Florida's 2016 Sustainable Rancher Award
News

Lightsey Cattle Company Presented with Audubon Florida's 2016 Sustainable Rancher Award

Well managed cattle ranches produce a wealth of important wildlife habitat.

How you can help, right now