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Join us virtually for Florida’s premier conservation event, when grassroots leaders from around the state connect with Audubon’s professional staff and partners to grow their knowledge and skills to protect Florida’s precious natural resources.
This year’s virtual event will include learning sessions, panel discussions, a chapter celebration, and field trips via video with a theme of inclusive conservation. The Keynote Presentation by J. Drew Lanham, author, poet, and wildlife biologist, will tie it all together.
On the board of Audubon South Carolina, he writes and speaks about conservation, science, and his work in the outdoors. In 2019 he was awarded the National Audubon Society's Dan W. Lufkin Prize for Environmental Leadership, which recognizes "individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to the environment.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Lanham will discuss his life experiences as a Black birder, his work in the conservation field, and his vision for the future.
| Monday, Oct. 19 | 5 p.m. | Conservation Leadership Initiative Social (students and mentors only) |
| Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 5 - 5:45 p.m. | Learning Session (FREE) Audubon 101 |
| 6:15 p.m. | Chapter Successes Celebration (FREE) | |
| Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 5 - 5:45 p.m. | Learning Session Outdoor Hacks: Tips and Tricks from the Experts for Safety, Comfort, and Enjoyment in the Outdoors |
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6:15 - 6:45 p.m. | Virtual Field Trip: Lake Okeechobee with Doug Gaston and Paul N. Gray, Ph.D. Join Doug Gaston and Paul Gray, Ph.D. as they take a trip across Lake Okeechobee. The largest freshwater lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee influences estuaries along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, while providing sought-after recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. |
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| Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5 - 5:45 p.m. | Panel Discussion Outdoors for All: How Racism Impacts the Outdoor Experiences of People of Color and Recommendations for Allies and Organizations |
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6:15 - 6:45 p.m. | Virtual Field Trip: Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Our Center for Birds of Prey and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary share birds and the places they need with their their visitors. These field trips will bring virtual visitors on-site and behind the scenes in Maitland and Naples. |
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| Friday, Oct. 23 | 5 - 5:45 p.m. | Learning Session How Climate and Water Quality Affect Communities of Color and Low Income: Opportunities for Conservation and Justice |
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6:15 - 6:45 p.m. | Virtual Field Trip: A Day in the Life of a Coastal Biologist Across Florida's famous beaches and shorelines, our coastal team protects and monitors iconic, seabird, shorebird, and wading bird species. Take a virtual walk through the seasons as Audubon staff showcases our stewardship and research efforts. |
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| Saturday, Oct. 24 | 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. | Workshop: Agenda Setting |
| 11 - 11: 45 a.m. | Keynote Speaker: J. Drew Lanham |
Oct. 20 Audubon 101: What is Audubon?
Audubon Florida was founded at the turn of the 20th century. Beyond birds, Audubon protects the natural environment, clean water, and native species important to the Sunshine State. Policies based on sound science make Audubon a unique and influential partner for decision-makers from local communities all the way up to the federal government. Please join us to find out more.
Oct. 21 Outdoor Hacks: Tips and Tricks from the Experts for Safety, Comfort, and Enjoyment in the Outdoors
Whether you’re new to the outdoors or a seasoned naturalist, we all need new tips to make our outdoor experiences even better. Join our panel of outdoor professionals to learn their go-to tips for great excursions, learned from years of their own field experiences. You’ll emerge from this session excited and more prepared for your next rustic adventure in wild Florida.
Oct. 22 Outdoors for All: How Racism Impacts the Outdoor Experiences of People of Color and Recommendations for Allies and Organizations
This spring, Black birder Christian Cooper captured on video a white woman falsely accusing him of threatening her in Central Park’s Ramble. This snapped into sharp focus for the birding community that, while public lands belong to all, these spaces have a history of being less welcoming and less safe for communities of color. Join our panel of Black outdoor enthusiasts for a discussion of their lived experiences in the outdoors, and how allies and organizations like Audubon can work to eliminate these barriers.
Oct. 23 How Climate and Water Quality Affect Communities of Color and Low Income: Opportunities for Conservation and Justice
Low-income communities and communities of color face disproportionate environmental burdens. Frontline communities, those that experience first and worst the effects of climate change, are increasingly vulnerable as climate change impacts accelerate and worsen. Additionally, with problems ranging from stormwater runoff, sea-level rise, and water shutoffs, these communities face insufficient and inequitable access to clean water. While the government should play a role, advocacy groups and citizens should learn to recognize and support the work being done to respond to environmental justice issues. Join Audubon Florida as we hear from a range of voices on water and climate justice: why it matters and why we should be intentional in addressing environmental injustice as we advocate for strong and protective policies for water and climate.
Oct. 24 Keynote: J. Drew Lanham, Ph.D.
J. Drew Lanham, Ph.D., is a noted wildlife biologist, speaker, and author. On the board of Audubon South Carolina, he writes and speaks about conservation, science, and his work in the outdoors. In 2019 he was awarded the National Audubon Society's Dan W. Lufkin Prize for Environmental Leadership, which recognizes "individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to the environment.” In his keynote address, Dr. Lanham will discuss life his experiences as a Black birder, his work in the conservation field, and his vision for the future.
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