Earlier this week, 5 of our Regional Conservation Committees of Audubon of Florida completed their January meetings. Audubon staff and individual chapter leaders participated in lively discussion of the important conservation issues facing our state - from protecting Florida's Special Places to membership to the proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge. Roll your mouse over the photos for information on attendees! And a giant "thank you" to our wonderful chapters!
Southwest RCC -
Southwest Florida Regional Conservation Committee met on Sunday January 16 at the home of Pete and Maria Quasius on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Both the setting and the lunch spread were fabulous! Thank you Pete and Maria!
The meeting was scheduled by Brad Cornell who holds a position funded primarily by Collier County Audubon in collaboration with Audubon of Florida. In his unique position Brad works not only on Collier County issues but serves Audubon of Florida and the other chapters in the larger issues of the region. Brad also provides the Audubon of Florida support to the Regional Conservation Committee. Discussions included updates on long-term conservation issues, chapter conservation reports and a discussion on membership in anticipation of the Chapters Forum that will be held January 28 in conjunction with the National Audubon Board meeting in Naples.
Gulf Coast RCC -
The Gulf Coast Regional Conservartion Committee met at the Colonial Oaks Park in Sarasota on Saturday, January 15. Several members went birding with the St. Petersburg Chapter at the Celery Fields before the meeting. Jeanne Dubi (whose leadership and vision saved this area from development) lead the group. A visit with the birds is always a good reminder of why we work so hard on conservation.
The meeting included reports from the Board of Directors, Chapter reports and a special presentation by Lorraine Margeson regarding the expanded use of Suwanne River Water Management District properties.
Central Florida RCC -
The Central Florida Regional Conservation Committee met on Saturday, January 15th at the City of Deltona’s Lyonia Nature Center. Representatives of the Orange, Seminole, Ocklawaha, Kissimmee Valley, Lake Region, Space Coast, West Volusia, Southeast Volusia, and Highlands County Audubon Societies were in attendance along with Florida Audubon Board member Ann Moore and Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy.
Major issues discussed were the new “Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge” proposal as a flagship example of “Special Places” to be worked on under our “Florida's Special Places” campaign; the proposed high speed rail stop in the Green Swamp area, and learning about the new administration and legislative leadership in Tallahassee.
Northwest Florida RCC -
The Northwest Florida RCC met the evening of January 18 in DeFuniak Springs with attendance from all four constituent chapters: Francis M. Weston Audubon (Pensacola), Choctawhatchee Audubon (Niceville/Destin), Bay County Audubon (Panama City) and Apalachee Audubon (Tallahassee). Newly elected Florida board member Jim Brady presided while the chapters discussed mutual issues as well as their individual projects and priorities. Highlights included: Choctawhatchee Audubon president Gary Parsons reported that his chapter hosted State Representative Matt Gaetz as their program speaker this month, building a relationship with this rising star in the Republican-led House. Bay County Audubon President Neil Lamb reported his chapter is gearing up for a hit parade of special events: their annual film series, a birding festival March 18-20 and a water festival March 26! Jim Brady reported on Weston Audubon’s hire of part-time environmental educator Jennifer Butera for the chapter’s award winning Roy Hyatt Environmental Center. The Center provides environmental education to Escambia County 2nd and 5th graders. Apalachee Audubon President Julie Wraithmell reported that the chapter’s winter fundraiser, a series of events featuring renowned author and writer Pete Dunne, would occur this coming weekend, and the chapter’s Backyard Wildlife tour would coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count February 19.
South Florida RCC -
Will be holding their meetings shortly. Check back for a report on this important region!
Northeast Florida RCC -
This meeting was held earlier than the others and was reported on last week. Please click here to read all about "Conservation in Action" in Northeast Florida!
