Each fall, the Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) brings together 25 Florida college students and 25 Audubon chapter mentors to foster future conservation leadership. The program kicks off at the Audubon Assembly, an event that immerses participants in Audubon’s mission over the course of three days. The 2024 theme, “125 Years of Audubon in Florida,” highlighted the organization's pioneering conservation efforts, starting with work in the Everglades and extending to its modern-day leadership in Florida’s environmental initiatives.
Key components of the program included a special meet-and-greet with National Audubon Society's Chief Conservation Officer, Marshall Johnson, offering valuable insights into national conservation efforts. Students also took part in a field trip to the Marine Discovery Center, where they toured the bird and sea turtle hospitals and enjoyed a bird walk at Ponce Inlet Beach.
In addition, CLI students participated in curated learning sessions, including a career panel with Audubon staff and a leadership development session. Afterward, they rejoined the larger Assembly to network with environmental leaders, chapter members, and government officials, further expanding their connections within the conservation community.
This event marked the beginning of the students’ yearlong CLI experience.
Over the next several months, they will continue to work with their mentors in local Audubon chapters, further immersing themselves in Florida's conservation efforts, building professional skills, and forging lasting connections within the environmental network.
"My experience with the Audubon Florida Assembly was absolutely unforgettable. I learned so much from people across all branches of the organization. The field trips were incredible, from seeing injured sea turtles being rehabilitated to searching for elusive Florida Scrub-Jays. It was an incredibly enriching experience, and I had the chance to talk and connect to everyone—from directors to volunteers—all of whom were eager to share their stories and experiences, making it a truly welcoming environment. Made some really cool friends and met so many inspiring people along the way." — Shazad Baig, Broward College
This article originally appeared in the 2024 Winter Naturalist.
