With 20 different volunteers and over 325 volunteer hours, the “Beulah Land” Laidlaw preserve in the Panhandle was ready for its first successful field trip. Twenty six members from the Bay County and Choctawhatchee chapters enjoyed the diverse beauty the 272-acre Audubon of Florida preserve.

Using a $1,000 grant from National Audubon, Bay County members began writing a management plan and memorandum of agreement with Audubon of Florida. Beginning in January 2009, volunteers started to clear trails to make this unique property accessible for people to enjoy.

One volunteer, inspired by the potential of “Beulah Land”, gave a $2,500 gift to Audubon of Florida for continued work on the preserve.

In its infancy stages, this Panhandle gem has already become and will continue to be a great example of Audubon collaborative efforts between national, state and local chapters.