The Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary has been protected by Audubon of Florida for over 70 years. Earlier this month, it received a major upgrade: the installation of a 425 foot man-made reef system to protect Bird Island, one of the islands that make up the sanctuary.

The reef will help guard against erosion as well as providing a habitat for planktonic oysters.

The islands that make up the Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary are home to over 10,000 pairs of nesting birds and is one of the most diverse in the United States. Although, the sanctuary's most abundant bird is the White Ibis.

Audubon's Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries' next project is to implement a stronger wave-catcher system for Sunken Island, the sanctuary's larger island. They hope to begin the planning phase this summer.

You can learn more about this great project by visiting our website or by reading this article by TBO.com. Stay tuned to this blog for updates as we make progress!

Congratulations to Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries for the completion of this important project and thank you to all our supporters who helped make this a reality!