Dear Audubon Members and Supporters,

 

I have always believed that the strength of Audubon Florida lies within the hearts and minds of the people that make conservation in our state possible. The diverse Audubon family is made up of hardworking volunteers, local chapters, and professional staff across the state. We work every day to conserve and protect birds and the special places they need.

 

Without you, we can’t protect our environment and accomplish our mission. I choose to focus my conservation efforts through board service while other volunteers serve in many different capacities in the field. Whether it’s monitoring eagles as an EagleWatch volunteer or participating in the largest citizen science program in the country through the Christmas Bird Count, these individual actions create a significant collective impact. We are all working together to have a positive impact on the natural world, and we all have a vital role to play in protecting Florida’s natural resources.

 

In this edition of the Naturalist, you’ll see some of these stories highlighted as you flip through the pages. But for every one story you see printed here, there are dozens of untold people-powered conservation stories happening in the field. I hope you enjoy learning about the unique ways our network advances conservation, and please continue sharing about the work you’re doing with your local chapter and our staff at Audubon Florida.

 

Our largest gathering of conservation leaders is right around the corner. In October, we will meet, celebrate, and learn in St. Augustine at the annual Audubon Assembly. With a special focus on water for Florida’s future, we will come together and work to solve Florida’s water crisis. This is an opportunity for all of us, at every stage of involvement in Audubon, to deepen our understanding around the challenges facing our natural resources. We all depend on water, and I know you’ll enjoy getting a chance to engage with policy experts and scientists. I look forward to seeing you there, and thank you for all you do for conservation.

 

For the birds,

Jud Laird 

Chair, Florida Audubon Society