Audubon Florida is honoring Latino Conservation Week by highlighting Latino members of our chapters. Now in its 11th year, Latino Conservation Week is an initiative of the Hispanic Access Foundation created to support the Latino community getting outdoors and participating in activities to protect our natural resources. Latino Conservation Week is held September 14 through 22 and includes events happening nationwide. Here in Florida, join us for events at Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples or the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and the Orlando Wetlands near Orlando to celebrate in person.

About Analee

My name is Analee Monrreal, and I was born and raised in Florida, in a little town called DeLand. I grew up in the vibrant Mexican culture as both of my parents were born in different parts of Mexico, making me proud of my Mexican-American heritage. As my parents worked tirelessly to provide my siblings and me with a better life, we cherished every moment spent outdoors, whether it was engaging in conversations, playing games, or simply spending time as a family. From a young age, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

My father, a devoted gardener, took time to tend to his garden and set up a water fountain that attracted beautiful and diverse birds. Our visits to Mexico were also filled with outdoor experiences, where we embraced the natural surroundings, indulged in delicious meals, and exchanged family stories. Like my father, my grandfather devoted countless hours to nurturing his garden and refilling water in the bird bath. Despite being 87 years old, he never overlooked replenishing the birdbath or caring for his plants. I believe that my family's deep-rooted connection with nature and our affinity for outdoor endeavors underscored my profound admiration for nature, not only within the United States but also in Mexico.

I am currently pursuing my master's degree in Geography and Planning with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Appalachian State University. This is a major achievement for me, as I will be the first in my family to do so. My ultimate aim is to apply the knowledge and skills I gain from this program to support bird conservation efforts and promote environmental justice. I am particularly passionate about using GIS to facilitate the sustainable coexistence of people and birds within our shared ecosystems!

Q&A

1. How long have you been involved with West Volusia Audubon? In what ways are you involved? Why did you choose to become a member?

I first got involved with Audubon during my time at Stetson University where I pursued my undergraduate degree, around 2022. It all began when I was connected with West Volusia Audubon to establish a strong relationship between Audubon and Stetson University.

Since then, I have been thoroughly enjoying my involvement and meeting wonderful people. One of the highlights was the opportunity to encounter the remarkable Florida Scrub-Jays at Lyonia Preserve. With the support of West Volusia Audubon, we established an on-campus chapter at Stetson, known as Stetson Audubon. Our primary aim was to raise awareness about Audubon and the wondrous bird life in Florida. We organized engaging activities such as bird walks, informative tabling sessions both on and off campus, and fun events to encourage student participation. Upon graduating from Stetson University, I was privileged to join the board of West Volusia Audubon, focusing on promoting Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to ensure that everyone feels welcome in the Audubon community.

2. What is your spark bird?

My top three favorite bird species are the Northern Cardinal, Florida Scrub-Jay, and the Mourning Dove. The Northern Cardinal is a frequent visitor at my house; I love seeing its bright red feathers. The Florida Scrub-Jay, with its striking blue feathers, is a symbol of conservation efforts in its habitat. Lastly, the gentle cooing of the Mourning Dove always fills me with a sense of serenity. I find each of these birds uniquely beautiful and observing them is always fascinating!

3. How do you think conservation organizations could do a better job including Latino voices, or increase Latino representation in their membership?

I believe there are several effective ways to ensure the inclusion of Latino/Hispanic voices in educational materials. One approach is to produce educational materials in both English and Spanish. This can include creating informative videos and pamphlets in Spanish and ensuring that they are easily accessible. Additionally, we can celebrate Latino heritage by integrating conservation-minded celebrations and traditions that are significant to the Latino community. This can involve showcasing and honoring prominent Latino environmental leaders and partnering with other organizations to actively engage with the community. Latino Conservation Week is an amazing event that not only highlights the remarkable contributions of Latino individuals but also reinforces the importance of conservation efforts within the Latino community. It's amazing that Audubon Florida does this celebration!

Read more about Analee's experience as a Jay Watch ambassador at Lyonia Preserve, from the 2023 Jay Watch Report.

Learn more about Latino Conservation Week here.