This year, the Florida Audubon Society (FAS) turns 123 years old. For 50 of those years, Charles Lee has been an iconic and innovative conservationist. Evolving with the organization and the times, Lee, currently serving as Director of Advocacy for Audubon Florida, remained constant in his tenacious advocacy for Florida’s natural resources and his bedrock commitment to the public trust.

As Lee approached 50 years of service, an anonymous donor initiated an effort to raise $250,000 to recognize Lee’s legacy by naming the Sabal Point Sanctuary in his honor.

Much of Lee's tenure has been dedicated to protecting the Wekiva River region. He led negotiations for the Wekiva Parkway and spearheaded local protection efforts. Sabal Point Sanctuary is the largest FAS property and protects approximately 700 acres along the Wekiva River. The Sanctuary is jointly managed by FAS and the St. Johns River Water Management District and is open to the public for hikers and bicyclists. When combined with the neighboring District lands, the Sanctuary helps to protect the 2,500-acre “point” formed by the confluence of the Wekiva and Little Wekiva Rivers.

The donor, who has known and worked with Lee since the beginning of his career, summarizes why they are committing $50,000 to this effort and why they decided to spearhead this effort amongst those who have known and worked with Lee the longest.

“Charles has, at personal risk and sacrifice, served as a voice in, and for, the wilderness and environmental protection. It is therefore most appropriate that Charles Lee should be recognized at one of many important wilderness areas that he fought to save.”

The funds will be used to support the work that Lee cares most deeply about: smart growth management, and advocacy of dedicated funds for Florida’s two signature conservation programs, Florida Forever and the Rural & Family Lands program.

On February 10, 2023, Audubon recognized Lee’s legacy and this pinnacle career moment through a dedication ceremony with Audubon friends and family.