In 2019, Audubon expanded its Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) from a three-day program to a full year training fellowship for Florida students interested in conservation. CLI brings together college participants who demonstrate great potential as environmental leaders, pairing each with a mentor and providing workshops to showcase conservation careers. This year, Audubon was proud to welcome 25 gifted students from 12 Florida Colleges and Universities. 

Throughout the year, CLI participants will continue to attend regional events and activities, volunteer events, chapter meetings and programs, leadership training, and a celebration event at the close of the program. 

The expansion of the CLI program trains the next generation of conservation leaders while providing opportunities for current Audubon staff and chapter members to engage with enthusiastic and passionate students. 

The extended initiative would not have been possible without grants from Darden Sustainability, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, and the Maggie Walker Incentive Fund. The Maggie Walker Incentive Fund has challenged us to match their funding 1:1 in order to receive the full $75,000 grant.