Snowy Plover. Photo: Veryl Witmer.

As 2019 winds to a close, we are thankful for the support of our volunteers, members, and staff. To celebrate, we want to share five victories from the past year.

Because of you:

• Shorebirds and seabirds had a largely successful nesting season across Florida coasts. Snowy Plovers utilized habitat altered by Hurricane Michael to fledge 69 chicks – over five times a many as last year. On Little Talbot Island, the establishment of a critical wildlife area and new “no landing” signs meant successful fledging of five species of sea and shorebirds.

• Audubon Florida finished construction and signage of a shoreline stabilization project on St. George Island, protecting critical rookeries from erosion and sea level rise. We also finished construction on an additional mile of living shoreline in the Alafia Bird Bank Sanctuary, creating new habitat and ensuring safe nesting for Brown Pelicans, Reddish Egrets, and more.

• In the Everglades, Audubon documented a resurgence of submerged aquatic vegetation in Lake Okeechobee, secured record restoration funding from the current DeSantis administration, gained permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, founded the Everglades Brewers Council, and more.

• Audubon Florida continues to fight for Florida Forever funding. This year, critical habitats in springs, along the coast, and more were purchased using Florida Forever. 
• Local governments and states are stepping up to address climate change. Audubon published a Model Ordinance Toolkit that interested citizens can use to pass climate-friendly policies in their own communities. Counties like Miami-Dade County, which recently approved the purchase of 33 electric buses, are already taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.