Assembly participants can choose two of the following:
Moving the Needle: Creating Community Through Innovative Events
In-person and virtual events can create a welcoming community for beginner birders, inspire action in devoted conservationists, thank dedicated volunteers for their service, and more. Hear from panelists across Florida on their experiences using events to create community and protect birds and the places they need.
Working with Nature: Flood Protection Through Natural Systems and Green Infrastructure
In this session, we will explore Florida's growing flooding threat as a result of climate change, rising sea levels, and increased urbanization. We will delve into the critical role that natural systems, including wetlands and floodplains, play in mitigating flood risks while highlighting the potential of green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales as innovative and sustainable solutions for enhancing flood resilience in our communities. Attendees will learn how protecting and restoring natural systems, combined with implementing green infrastructure, can significantly reduce flood risks while providing numerous environmental and community benefits.
Coastal Stewardship in the Face of Post-storm Recovery: Strategies for Getting it Right
Florida's coastal habitats and wildlife rely on erosion and accretion from hurricanes, while coastal buildings and roads need stability. Traditional armoring alters these natural processes, harming the beaches and wildlife that attract people. Plans for resilient coastlines aim to maintain these natural processes and reduce storm impacts, but emergency recovery efforts often revert to harmful armoring solutions. This session will address the need for coordinated, informed decision-making in coastal management, more thoughtful emergency permitting processes, and the potential need for managed retreat in the face of increasing storms.
