Audubon Florida would not be able to deliver much-needed conservation results for our state without the generous support of our donors. Each year, we recognize a Philanthropist of the Year, celebrating the spirit of generosity that makes this work possible. Audubon is pleased to honor Steve and Merrilee Nellis with our distinguished Philanthropist of the Year award. Steve and Merrilee Nellis see the importance of preserving Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and use their hard-earned resources to do that. They have made transformational investments to ensure that the Sanctuary continues to thrive for the benefit of both wildlife and people. In addition to their treasure, Steve dedicates his time. Whether it's through educating visitors along the boardwalk or cleaning up after hurricanes, Steve spends countless hours helping out where needed at the Sanctuary.

The Guy Bradley Award recognizes an individual for stewardship in the face of threats to birds and their habitats and a relentless commitment to conserving Florida’s wildlife. Audubon selected Laurie Dolan, Environmental Specialist II at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, to receive this year’s award for her outstanding dedication to the protection of the Florida Scrub-Jay. Dolan has had a transformative impact on the habitat and population of Florida Scrub-Jays at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Triangle near Ocala. At a site that poses management challenges, her ability to adapt and innovate has kept the jays thriving.

The Everglades Champion Award is given for bold action on behalf of the Everglades or continuous leadership on behalf of Everglades restoration and the recovery of Lake Okeechobee and its estuaries. Audubon congratulates Kathy Burchett and her team at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the establishment of the new Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area, a transformative milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve and restore the Everglades.

The Special Places Award is given to someone who makes an extraordinary effort to protect the places that make Florida special. Audubon chose Max Chesnes and the team at the Tampa Bay Times for efforts to sound the alarm about the state park development proposals, including breaking the story, doing deep fact-finding, keeping Floridians up to date on proposal details, and so much more. They equipped Floridians with the information they needed to defend these special places.

The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award is given to an officer who has demonstrated that protecting wildlife is more than a job, but a moral obligation, and has made significant contributions to protecting Florida’s wildlife either within or above the course of their regular duty. This year’s award went to Lieutenant Jason Register in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Register and his team play a pivotal role in protecting sea and shorebirds in Franklin County—especially at critical wildlife areas on busy holiday weekends. He not only protects birds, but he has also proposed new strategies to reach beach visitors with educational messaging before nesting bird disturbance occurs.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to those who have a history of exhibiting exemplary dedication to birds and the places they need and consistently go above and beyond in their service to conservation. This year’s award went to Lynn and Harry Etters. Within just the last two years, the Etters have contributed more than 350 hours to support critical land stewardship activities at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, including prescribed fire, invasive plant treatments, and trail trimming. They also assist with the Sanctuary’s popular back-country bike tours.

President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with the founding of America’s National Park System and making land conservation a core American value. Every year, Audubon Florida recognizes a conservationist who has made significant contributions to conservation in Florida with the Teddy Roosevelt Award. Audubon Florida is pleased to announce that Senator Gayle Harrell is the recipient of the 2024 Teddy Roosevelt Award in recognition of her long history of environment leadership, including her sponsorship of Florida’s stormwater rule update and her principled stance opposing the development of golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park.