The 2011 Audubon Assembly is fast approaching. Have you registered to attend Florida's premiere conservation event? As always, Audubon is dedicated to bringing you nothing short of a spectacular program that will leave you educated and enlightened about Florida's one-of-a-kind environment. Please see the following information to learn more about what you will experience at the 2011 Audubon Assembly at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. Hope to see you there!
Journey Through Florida’s Special Places
Beginning with the reception Friday evening, join us for a photo journey through Florida’s Special Places. Our keynote speaker John Moran, award-winning photographer and journalist, will present special places of Florida through outstanding photography and adventuresome story telling at the awards banquet.
Celebrate Audubon Chapters
The Saturday Chapter Awards Luncheon recognizes significant chapter achievements and milestones. West Volusia Audubon turns 50 this year! Visit exhibits on display throughout Assembly to view chapter efforts and projects. Dr. Ellen Prager, marine scientist and author, will be on hand to deliver the keynote speech at the Chapter Awards Luncheon. Dr. Prager is an expert at connecting people with nature, as evidenced by her new book Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter.
Friday Learning Sessions
Expand your knowledge and sharpen your conservation skills by attending Friday afternoon learning sessions where scientists, conservation leaders, and policy experts are on hand to share examples and case studies. Come away with new contacts and ideas for taking action. Topics include:
Flyways Connect IBAs and Other Special Places
Floridais a critical component of the Atlantic Flyway and is home to numerous Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and other special places. As National Audubon is setting conservation priorities along the Atlantic Flyway focusing on IBAs and species that depend upon them, do places identified by Audubon and its chapters lie within these same areas or fill spaces in between?
One Everglades
From the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, to Lake Okeechobee and south to Florida Bay, the Everglades is one ecosystem facing a myriad of challenges. What strategies must we adjust and pursue to restore this world-famous wetland before it is too late? Discuss current restoration plans and how we will measure restoration success.
Payment for Environmental Services
Environmental services are the benefits people enjoy as a result of natural processes and biological diversity, and are often vastly undervalued by society. Payment for Environmental Services (PES)—such as water supply storage and filtration, carbon sequestration, etc—is a conservation tool for the next generation. Explore the basics of PES including landowner’s perspectives, as well as Florida-specific examples.
Citizen Science in Florida’s Special Places
From banding least terns born on roof tops to documenting the nest success of bald eagles, citizen science is making important strides in protecting Florida’s special places. Discover projects supported by Audubon volunteers and learn how you can contribute to the conservation of a special place near you.
Spotlight on Strategies to Save Birds
Population declines of key ecosystem indicator species across Florida point to the need for action. What strategies is Audubon employing to save not only birds such as Everglade Snail Kites and Roseate Spoonbills, but also the wetlands and other habitats they need to survive?
Private Lands are Special Places, too
In some way, all of Florida’s special places and wildlife depend on private lands (from golf courses to urban back yards). With Audubon’s treasured Corkscrew Swamp Wood Stork colony as a case study, learn about the impact of habitat fragmentation, the importance of ecosystem connectedness, and what steps you can take to ensure private lands function as valuable wildlife habitat.
