Based on preferences shown in a survey of Audubon Chapter Presidents last spring Audubon Academies for 2015 will now be one day regional events! Yes, after 10 years of full weekend events the Chapters Committee of the Audubon Florida board has decided to bring leader education and support closer to you! Leaders from two regions have volunteered to host these “by-the-chapters-for-the-chapters” programs. Orange Audubon and Pelican Island Audubon will host the first Academy on Feb. 28 in Central Florida.

The Central Florida AUDUBON ACADEMY will include an introductory driving field trip on Lake Apopka’s North Shore Restoration Area (a globally important IBA, much of which is not currently open to the public), presentations on chapter building, chapter fundraising and fiscal obligations, how to reach diverse audiences, taking birding a step further with citizen science, integrating social media into chapter communications and outreach, after school programs for kids and more. There will be adequate opportunities for networking with Audubon colleagues which is always a highlight.

The day includes this very special field trip, relevant learning sessions and lunch all for just $15 and will be held at the University of Florida/IFAS/Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, 2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703 on Saturday, Feb. 28th from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (field trip from 7:45–9:45 a.m.).

Additional resources:

• Detailed program with schedule
• Registration Information
• Orange Audubon Society (You can pay online here)

Questions?—contact Loretta Satterthwaite or Bob Stamps, (407) 886-2925, LNS-oas@att.net, or RHS-oas@att.net.

PS - For those of you in the northern part of the state, NW chapters are planning the second Academy for May 9th in the Panhandle so stayed tuned!