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

Audubon Works With Northern Everglades Cattle Ranchers on Sustainability
News

Audubon Works With Northern Everglades Cattle Ranchers on Sustainability

Audubon is working with ranchers to increase habitat protection and water storage in the Northern Everglades. Audubon’s efforts with ranchers in the Northern Everglades began over 50 years ago with collaborative efforts to save the Bald Eagle population on the Kissimmee Prairie.

Audubon Celebrates Jimmy Wohl as Recipient of Audubon's First Sustainable Rancher Award
News

Audubon Celebrates Jimmy Wohl as Recipient of Audubon's First Sustainable Rancher Award

This award recognizes a rancher who has exemplified a commitment to stewardship and conservation on lands in the Northern Everglades.

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