winter 2005-2006 florida naturalist audubon of florida

8/9/2019 Winter 2005-2006 Florida Naturalist Audubon of Florida

1/9

NaturalistPreserving

COASTAL WETLANDS

2006 Conservat ion Agenda

RECOGNIZINGOur Supporters

WINTER

2005-06

Florida


2/9

The use of seawalls and levees creates a mistaken impression

that peop le and th eir property are safe from floodwaters.Yet those

structures almost always occupy and enclose th e very places that

water should go during storm events. Seawalls keep waves and

winds from rebuilding dunes. Levees rob floodplains of the

nourishing deposits of sand and silt that help build landforms.

For birds,Audubons signature class of living things, attempts

by humans to remold coastal areas into expensive real estate are

even more costly. Populations of many species of coastal birds are

in sharp decline.

It is in the best interests of people - and our birds - to ask

tough questions about future public investments on the coasts.

Rebuilding the city of New Orleans and providing protection

against future storms seems certain to happen. However, bigger

levees must go hand in hand with a plan to restore the coastal

wetlands and marshes that once served as a natural flood control

system by reducing storm surges and absorbing wind and wave

energy.More th an one million acres of these coastal wetlands

or 1,900 square miles have been lost since 1930. Reversing

the land loss and restoring these important wetlands is absolutely

fundamental to any plan to help secure Louisiana from

future storms.

The agenda of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,w hich has

been in charge of flood control and wetlands destruction, should

change.The corps, also in charge of Evergladesrestoration, should

direct more resources to restoring natural systems and less on

struggling against nature. It is time to encourage projects that

protect, enhance and restore rivers,coasts and flood plains instead

of doing the opposite with levees,locks and dams.

Audubon of Floridas strategic plan includes workable strategies

to protect coastal habitat.These include growth management , rules

against developing marshes and other wetlands, and an end to

government subsidies for unsustainable coastal development.

You can help defe nd Floridas coasts. Let public officials know

that the best security against storms is to m aintain natures defenses.

Stay involved with your local Audubon Society (found in 42communities throughout Florida go to audubonofflorida.org).

Join our free Florida Conservation Network for an easy way to stay

informed and p articipate in important policy decisions.We can make

a difference.We can influence decisions for a better environment.

David E.Anderson, Executive Director, Audubon of Florida

The recent hurricanes that caused such loss of life and property along the Gulf Coast

remind us of t he storms t hat severely damaged Florida last year.Like so many in Florida,

I was inconvenienced by early,weaker versions of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but losing

power for a few days and throwing away spoiled food was nothing compared to what

our neighbors endured.

New Orleans was my home for many years.I was heartbroken by the impact on the

city, yet relieved to learn that relatives and friends were safe.

I hope our Florida coast will be spared further hurricane damage this year; but that

hope, frighteningly, may very well be in vain. And even if spared this year,we all know

that storm s will come next year and for years to come.

Amid discussions of government relief efforts and p romises to rebuild, and in view

of Governor Jeb Bushs appointment of a special coastal study commission, I worry thatsome essential messages will be lost and some key questions ignored.

Can anyone really design a way to armor the Gulfs coastal areas enough to

withstand hurricane-force winds and destructive storm surges? How much money are

we willing to spend and how much are we willing to alter the natural coastal

environment to create zones safe for human development?

Coastal habitat is,by its nature, shaped by climate and climatic events. Beaches,

barrier islands,an d even marshes like the ones eroding and subsiding in south Louisiana,

are created mainly from sediments carried from inland areas by storm water runoff. Only

recently have humans undertaken efforts to control natures events with levees, seawalls

and other structures, despite abundant evidence that these structures rarely survive

natures repeated assaults.

Not surprisingly,nat ure itself designs the best coastal defenses.Barrier islands,

if left to shift with tides and winds, are the best protection m ainland areas have against

storm surges and high w inds. Marshes absorb additional impact and excess water from

those forces.

But when people alter the coasts natural defenses,enormous loss of life and property

often results. Aside from its terrible emotional impact,t his translates into financial costs

for us all.Even residents of inland areas far removed from coastal hazards help shoulder

the financial burden of rescuing the coastal inhabitants,h elp pay the high price of cleanup,

and help pay to repair infrastructure and enhance flood control projects - activities which

are often environmentally destructive and, in the end, offer uncertain benefit in the face

of future storms.

Would it not be wiser to requ ire greater financial responsibility of those who insist

on locating in coastal high-hazard areas? Currently, government makes possible much of

the very loss just experienced in many places along the Gulf. Federally subsidized flood

insurance encourages people to build in places that are certain to fall in the path of a

major hurricane sooner or later.

In spite of Clean Water Act policies intended to protect coastal wetlands from

development, landowners routinely are granted permits to build in places that are all but

certain to flood. In fact, filling wetlands encourages floods by eliminating natural water

retention capacity.

Executive Directors Report Our Coastal Dilemman F. Flanigan, Esq., Chairman

yle, Flanigan, Katz, Raymond & Sheehan

ug Pitts, Sr., Vice Chair

urtelis Company

ce King, Secretary

Petersburg Audubon Society

Ambrozy, Treasurer

lanthropist

ole A. Adams

val CountyAudubon

ndy Batchelor

chelor Enterprises

iam O. Birchfield, Esq.

chfield & HumphreyPA

e Byrneasota Audubon Society

ie Caldwell

terfront Management Services, Inc.

gy Cox

angeCountyAudubon Society

oria F. Garrigo

rthern Trust Bank

l C. Gill, MD

ector, Cardiac Surgery,

rth Broward Hospital Distri ct

hard Gragg, Ph D

rida A&MUniversity

vironmental Sciences Institute

nthia Guerra

pical Audubon Society

n Hankinson, Jr.

eativeSolutions for the Environment

los Lacasa, Esq.

den, McCloskyet al

J. Lamb, Ph.D.

yCounty Audubon Society

n Robert Middlemas

oples First Insurance

en Obenchain

keWales RidgeRegional Council

elle Plass

neys Animal Kingdom

uglas Santoni

yal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

n Sorey

nagement Support Systems, Inc.

bara Sheen Todd

ellas County Commissioner

a Villalobos-Bell

minoleAudubon Society

ug Warns, Ph.D.

rtin County Audubon Society

006oard of Directors

Florida Naturalist WintePhoto by Neil J.Lamb


3/9

Duval Audubon has been heavily involved in

eserving habitat in one special coastal area in North east

orida: the Bird Islands, located in Nassau Sound between

assau and Duval Counties.This area is important for

reatened and endangered birds including piping plovers,

ast terns, black skimmers and American oystercatchers.

is also one of the few remaining nesting sites for theull-billed tern, which numbers fewer than 50 pairs

Florida.

For the past four years, the Duval chapters efforts

ave focused on helping the Florida Department of

nvironmental Protection develop a shorebird management

an that the DEP and t he Florida Fish and Wildlife

onservation Commission (the stat e agencies responsible

r the Bird Islands) will use to protect key habitat. Chapter

ork has included reviewing and commenting on draft

ersions to make sure that the DEPs final plan provides

eaningful protection for th is habitat. To create a successful

an, chapter members have urged the DEP create a

an that:

is prepared by staff within state and federal agencies

as well as outside conservation groups with relevant

expertise.

covers a sufficiently broad geographic area.

assigns resources needed to implement and enforce

the plan.

includes an effective education program for the

areas users.

includes a program for collecting information th at

agencies need to better understand and manage this

habitat.

includes ways to recognize and respon d to declines

in habitat conditions.

The latest draft plan, completed in July, still has a long

way to go to address the points listed above. Because this is

plan could be used as th e basis for how shorebird habitat is

managed by agencies across the state, Audubon of Florida

supports this effort and has begun to work jointly with the

DEP, the FWCC, and the Duval chapter to make sure that

the final p lan is effective and acceptable.

While working on this plan, chapter members

learned that:

While we have some information on what

comprises a successful coastal habitat, more is

needed so we can do a better job of managing

remaining habitat, restoring/creating new habitat,

and encouraging species to use areas where t hey

have the greatest chances of survival.

To have the greatest imp act on the stat e agencies

that manage th ese resources, efforts for habitat

protection should be coordinated by Audubon of

Florida across the state.

State agencies must be prompted to address shore-

bird protection in all coastal projects,especially in

habitat areas critical to threatened species.

Can we successfully protect these h abitats? While

I admit things seem dire at times, said Carole Adams,

long-time activist with Duval Audubon,at other times

I think we can do it.Remember, it wasnt too long ago

that people were unaware of the importance of beaches

for endangered sea turtles. Now there are relatively good

programs for protecting these habitats,and t hey arebeginning to show success. Hopefully, we can work together

to do the same for shorebirds.

To learn more about shorebird management plans, email

Wayne Lasch [email protected] of Duval Audubon, who

prepared this report.

We Can Preserve Shorebird HabitatWorking Together

Florida Naturalist Winte

oto of gull-billed terns by Wayne LaschTidal marshes only get attenti on from people

on their way to somewhere else. Impassable to allboats but those with the shallowest draughts,theyre lovelypanoramas glimpsed from bridgesbybeach-bound motorists. It s no wonder ourmarshes slip away to erosion, to rising sea levels,to pollution from neighboring uplands with littlenotice from the 60-mph audience high above.

Audubon advocates for places like these,and one of i ts most meaningful t ools is the

Important Bird Area (IBA) program. IBAs are chosenfor their critical importance to bird populations,drawing attention to places like the tidal marshesof northeast Florida between Jacksonville and theGeorgia state line.

This labyrinth of channels and Spartina grasslacks the mangroves found further south, and seem

to function like lungs inhaling and expelling thetides. This regular, renewing ti dal action t ransportsthe necessities of life to fish and invertebratenurseries nestled in the marshs shallow creeks.Declining, intricat ely-marked di amondbackterrapins relyon this marsh; i n fact, Floridas coast-line comprises more than a third of this diminutiveturtles total range.

This marsh is also the sole Florida home oftwo subspecies of birds: the Worthingtons marsh

wren and Macgillivrays seaside sparrow. To theuninitiat ed, these are merelysmall, dark birds hellbent on living in one of our harshest habitats. ToAudubon, however, they represent a special, vanishi ngplace that Florida would be the poorer for losing.

The marsh, best explored bykayak, exhalesa rich organic odor and millions of fiddler crabs

scatter through t he grass, sounding likerain on the water. Marsh wrens loose thea mechanical rendition of a babbling broSeaside sparrows teeter on the highest pgrass, singing with their entire tinybodieimpossiblyhigh sky.

As go the marshes, so go its inhabDespite partial preservation under federmanagement, the bulk of these marshesprivate hands. For now, they are diff icult

but as developable uplands dwindle, whowhat may become possible? Audubon ofwith your continued support, bears witnethese special places and the wondrous ctheyprotect.

Julie Wraithmell

Simply defined, wetlands are the linkbetween land and water, said David Rockland,Wetlands Habitat Specialist, Florida Fish andWildlif e Conservati on Commission. FFWCCconsiders t hem to be t ransitional lands betweenterrestrial and aquati c systems, where the watertable is usually at or near the surface,Rockland continued. Wetlands are classifiedinto marshes (tidal and non-ti dal), swamps,bogs and fens. Audubons focus in this issueis on the criti cal roles wetlands play inFloridas ecosystem.

Wetlands are important as buffers to absorband reduce the effects of flooding. When wetake a wetland out of production and drain it,we lose out on t hat water-holding capacity,Rockland said. Fill a bathtub wit h two inchesof water and put in one brick. Build a house onthat one brick and things are OK. But whensubdivisions go in one after another, you havedisplaced all that water. It has no place to go.Mangroves also control flooding by absorbing athe energy of wind and waves, often stoppingthem short of high land.

Wetlands work like sponges to remopollutants from natural systems. Nusuch as nitrogen and phosphorous, aresidues, are broken down and absorbRockland said. Wetlands keep streamlakes clean, reducing the costs of treadrinking water. This is a benefit we cmeasure until the wetlands are gon

Wetlands are habitats for wildlife anfor waterfowl, wading birds, shorebiare important to t he commercial fishiindustry, and to economies that depen

recreation and tourism. Audubon of Fis committed to protecting and presestates precious wetlands, with your s

Northeast Floridas Tidal Marshes,Teeming with Life, Warrant Protection

Photo courtesy of Florida Dept.of Environ

PhotoofsnowyegretbyMitchellMcCon

nell Wetlands?

what are


4/9

Audubon of Florida is saddened to note that Rich Paul passed away on November 11, 2005. Rich was

designated as the recipient of the 2005 Guy Bradley Award. His career spanned three decades of defending birds

and other wildlife, and culti vating and educating the community which has come to learn, under his guiding hand,

the joy of supporting the environment. Sharing a birthday with John James Audubon himself, Rich created an

environmental legacy of his own of which Audubon is duly proud. He will be missed by all.

CHAPTERS Recognized for 2004-05 Achievements

The Guy Bradley Award


Awarded for outstanding or long-standingcourage in the environmental battles that fill thehistory of Florida.

hapter of t he Year and Best Chapterembership Recruitment

ward- Bay County Audubon Society hit auble! Building on the strong conservation focus

at won them the Chapter Conservation Award2004, BCAShas continu ed to engage the

mmunity. Using high tech presentations,student writi ng contest, a journalism contest,rticipation in the roof nesting tern projectd strong educational programs, the chapterpanded its membership by 25 percent in agle year. The members energy and dedication

ere felt from local school rooms to theegional Conservation Committee and ondubon of Floridas board.

Best Chapter Education Program Award Francis M. Weston Audubon Society madea huge commitment t o environmental educationin Escambia County when state funding for theRoy Hyatt Environmental Center was all buteliminated. Chapter members t urned their

fundraising efforts into an educational exercisein which urban chil dren learned about birdsand even held a school-based Birdathon. TheChapters Birdathon revenues pay for a staffnaturalist at t he Hyatt Center, a step towarda long-term goal of establishing a RegionalAudubon Center there to serve the Panhandle.

Best Chapter Conservation Proj ect Award Orange Audubon Societys members setabout informing voters prior to two importantreferenda that would affect land and waterconservation in Lake County. As a result oftheir efforts, 72 percent of Lake County voters

supported a county land acquisition ball otreferendum. This was a resounding endorsementfor local conservation. In the small t own ofGroveland, 72 percent of voters chose to amendthe citys charter to limit building densities inthe neighboring Green Swamp, a state Areaof Critical Concern.

As Audubon enters its second centuryof conservation, it challenges all Americansto take action to protect birds and theenvironment. Landscaping tips found inthe CD In Harmony with Natureprovidesound guidance, and here are more

things you can do.

GETOUTSIDESpend at least two hours a week doingsomething out i n nature t ake a walk, ride abike, work in the garden and notice the birdsand other wildlife that you see and hear. Visitan Audubon Center or join your local AudubonChapter and take the kids with you!

How will this help?We protect what we value. And we value whatwe use. By making outside breaks a regular

part of your life, you will have a chance to relax,enjoy, and appreciate the natural world. This isespecially important f or children, if were toinspire them to become the future stewards ofour environment.

DINEWITH THEENVIRONMENTIN MINDGet to know where the food on your platecomes from. What each of us eats has apowerful impact on our environment. AudubonAt Home at www.audubon.org provides tips andresources to help you make your menu green.

How will this help?What goes on your plate can either help orhurt the environment. For example, by drinkingshade-grown coffee, you help protect the winteringhabitat for many migratory birds that travelnorth to the United States to breed. By buying

organic produce and choosing sustaiseafood, you contribute to the health well-being of your family, as well as tof ecosystems.

LinksAudubon magazine conservation cuishttp://magazine.audubon.org/featurechefs_web.html

Audubon At Home shade-grown coffeehttp://www.audubon.org/bird/at_hom

Audubons Seafood Lovers guide:http://seafood.audubon.org/

The 2005 Audubon Assembly

he annual m embers meeting will be held during the Audubon Academy in March 2006 (members will receive official

otification). During their quarterly meetings, members of AOFs Regional Conservation Committees are t aking up the work

stomarily accomplished at the Assembly.

a casualty of Hurricane Wilma, will be rescheduled for Fall 2006.

ard Recipient Rich Paul

In Harmony with Nature:Restoring habitat oneyard at a time

The St. Petersburg Audubon Society, in partnership with the Pinellas chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, has released In HarmonyNature, a compact disc f eaturing presentations to help homeowners create landscaping that conserves natural r esources and nurtures wildlifIinformative photos accompany the narrated presentations. The Healthy Landscape covers, among other topics, ways to reduce chemical feand pesticides in run-off (Floridas number one water-pollution source) and how to conserve water while landscaping for birds, butterflies andwildlife. Landscaping and Gardening with Florida Native Plants supplies details about historical habitats and their relevance to landscapinBefore-and-aft er photos of commercial and residential sites transformed by native plants are instructive and i nspiring.

The CD package includes unnarrated versions with speaker notes so the presentations can be used for outreach. Since 2001, these progrbeen presented to thousands of people at garden clubs, neighborhood associations, county extension seminars, native plant chapters, and othAudubon chapters.

The Healthy Landscape was part of a project t hat received fundi ng from t he Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP). Landscaping and Gawith Florida Nati ve Plant s was produced with grant s from the TBEP and the Pinellas County Environment al Foundation (PCEF).

The chapter sells t he CD for $20. Sales tax is included; add $3 shipping/handling. Quantity discounts and dealer inquiries are i nvited.To order, or t o get more information, contact Bill Bilodeau at 727-322-9695 or email billbil [email protected].

New CD shows how to make a difference,start ing wit h your own home.

Audubons Action List

Photo of piping plover by Neil J.Lamb


5/9

In May 2005 The Martin Foundati on awarded Audubon oforida a three-year grant to support the new position of Resourceanager at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. This gi ft frees existingaff to be more effectively deployed to concentrat e on Audubonsvironmental policy program in Southwest Florida.

Mrs. Geraldine Martin serves as president of The Martinundati on. Founded in t he mid-1950 s by Geraldines lat esband Lee, and his parents Ross and Esther Martin, theundations pri orities have evolved over the years, alt houghucation was always a major interest. As the foundation grew,

stees saw opportuniti es to become involved in more areas.e foundation has had an interest in environmental issues andnservation for at least 20 years, according to Mrs. Martin.

The Martin famil y has enjoyed visiting Corkscrew SwampSanctuary for many years and have come at least once a yearwhen they vacationed here. Mrs. Martin, who now calls Napleshome, says Corkscrew is one of the many joys of being in theNaples area. The foundation i s very pleased to support Audubonto repay in small part the enjoyment they have derived atCorkscrew. She says the foundation made this significant grantbecause the work Audubon of Florida does is so vital. It is a joy toher that there is something the foundation can do to help protectthese natural areas. Environmental organizations need all the

help they can get these days, Mrs. Martin insists.

005 Award for Distinguishedoundation Support

The Martin Foundation

In light of the recovery of so many hurricane damagedmmunities across Florida,my hope is that the needs of the

vironment will not be forgotten as people put their lives andmmunities back together.

Nature always has a way of balancing itself, but we in thevironmental movement must be there to support h er.I have

dicated elsewhere in this issue just how important attention toastal habitats is for humans as well as birds. But we need yourlp to keep the Audubon voice strong on behalf of

orida's coasts.

Won't you keep Audubon among your charitable prioritiesthe season of giving and blessings approaches? And make anerous gift to Audubon of Florida! We must keep our vigilance

rong,particularly in these times of turmoil, so that Nature'seds have a hearing.

Thank you.David E.And erson, Executive Director

ease visit www.audubonofflorida.org to make a donation online,

mail your generous contribution to Audubon of Florida,

4 Brickell Avenue,Suite 850, Miami FL 33131

Help UsSupport Nature

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuarywas the site of a September groundbreakingceremony put on by the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission to focus attention onthe South Florida section of the Great FloridaBirding Trail (GFTB).

The GFTB is a 2,000-mile highway traildesigned to conserve and enhance Floridasbird habitat by promoting birdwatching activiti es

and conservation education. The programalso promotes economic development in ruralareas through birdwatching and othereco-tourism activi ties.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was selectedas a gateway site because of i ts abundantbird populations and extensive services forvisitors, including t he 2.25-mile boardwalk,broad range of educational programs, and theBlair Audubon Center, from which AOFworks toeffect the acquisiti on of conservation landsthroughout Southwest Florida.

Free guides to the newly-opened South

Florida Section, and t o all existing sections, willbe available on January 14, 2006, at the GreatFlorida Birding Trail Expo at Corkscrew SwampSanctuary. Preliminary plans include workshops,

guided boardwalk tours, food, entertand guest speakers. For more inform239-348-9151, ext. 113.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary isat 375 Sanctuar y Road, Naples, FL 3Corkscrew at www.corkscrew.auduboThe Sanctuary is open daily, 7 a.m.- October 1 - April 10, and 7 a.m. - 7:April 11 - September 30.

NAMED GATEWAY SITE in South Florida Birding Trail


Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary


6/9

Leigh H. Perkins Recognized for Conservation Leadership

Audubon of Florida's Distinguished Philanthropy Awardfor 2005 was awarded to businessman and conservationistLeigh H. Perkins. Ali felong fly fisher and bird hunt er,Perkins bought his first Orvis fly rod in 1948 while he wasa student at nearby Williams College. The successfulCleveland businessman bought the Orvis Company in 1965,when its annual sales were approximately $500,000.The purchase satisfied a wish to combine business with

his favorite hobbies, and under his leadership as chairman,Orvis' sales have grown to more than $240 million. Today itis one of the nations most-respected, best-trusted mailorder firms.

Perkins has long been recognized internationally asa sportsman, as well as a leader in the direct mail industry.Fortunately for Audubon and many other environmental charities, Perkins is a passionate and active conservationist. Through his tirelessefforts and generous personal and corporate gifts, he has made Orvis truly one of the country's corporate leaders in habitat preservation and fishand wildli fe conservation. His corporate, foundation and personal gift s to Audubon of Florida have been dedicated to one of his favorit eecosystems and one he knows intimately the Florida Everglades.

Audubon of Florida is grateful to Leigh Perkins for his leadership gifts, and particularly for his support of Audubon's important role inlaunching the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

Thankyou Audubon is deeply grateful to all the individuals, corporations,

foundations and organizations whose generous contributionssupported our conservation work throughout Florida during ourfiscal year 2005. The following list recognizes donors fromJuly 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005.

$100,000 and AboveTheBatchelor FoundationEverglades FoundationGinn CompanyPaul Tudor Jones IIMrs. RoyLarsen

$50,000 to $99,000Martin FamilyFoundation

$25,000 to $49,999DisneyWildlife Conservation FundJessie Ball duPont FundPerkins Charitable FoundationPinellas CountyUtil itiesWalt DisneyWorldWodecroft Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999Mr. Joseph T. AmbrozyGordon J. Barnett

Memorial FoundationMs. ChristineBeckerBruning FoundationJudy& C. Frederick BuechnerMrs. Helen BurnhamCaxambas Foundation, Inc.TheChingos FoundationClovis FoundationCommunity Foundation

of Broward CountyLouiseH. CourtelisKiki L. CourtelisDadeCommunityFoundationFlorida Power & Light CompanyFPLGroup Foundat ionMariannea nd HeinzLuedekingMs. M. Mallory LykesJohn D. and Catherine T.MacArthur Foundation

TheMars FoundationMoccasin LakeFoundationMosaic Fertilizer, LLCJeanne K. NagayW. Douglas Pitts, Sr.Mr. Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D.Mr. & Mrs. Scott TaylorMr. and Mrs. Carl D. Yost

$5,000 to $9,999AnonymousMr. John R. BarrettMr. & Mrs. Robert BarrettCGMKFounda tionCommunity Foundation

of Collier CountyDriggers FoundationMr. Frank E. Duckwall Fdn, Inc.Earth ShareEarthjusticeJamee and Marshall Field Fdn.ForeRiver FoundationFrancis M. Weston

Audubon SocietyMr. William GreenbergMPSFoundationNavron CorporationNorthern Trust Bank of Florida N.A.Richard A. PettigrewRexProperties, Ltd.South Florida WaterManagement DistrictMr. & Mrs. Ernst W. SteudleJonnie SwannTECOEnergy Inc.John C. WinnMs. Mae Wood

$2,500 to $4,999Mr. Willi am O. BirchfieldMaryGriggs BurkeFoundationMr. John R. Dall ePezzeFerman Motor Car CompanyFlorida Keys Audubon Society

G.E.W. Real Est ate, LLCMr. & Mrs. Carl GillTheGreater Cincinnati Fdn.Mr. John H. HankinsonMs. Helen M. Harrison Fdn.Ms. Patricia R. KirbyMs. KateB. KirkhamJayI. KislakDr. and Mrs. William LeonardAlex & Agnes O. McIntosh Fdn.Polk Bros. FoundationSusan Schumann SkehanMr. and Ms. David SmithMs. Virginia S. TarikaVulcan ICACompanyWorksite Communications, Inc.

$1,000 to $2,499Clare& VanceBerryJames and Deborah BlackMs. DorothyR. Blai rCarol Colman Timmis Fdn.Charles W. PingreeCharitabl e

Gift Annuity

At Audubon, we have always understood the vital connection between people a

By including a bequest to Audubon in your will,you can h elp ensure a bright

for both.

Make your bequest by asking your lawyer to use the following language in you

I bequeath to th e National Audubon Society, Inc.,a not-for-profit organizati

at 700 Broadway, New York, NY10003,_____% of my residuary estate for pro

the state of Florida.

To learn more, call for a free brochure. Wayne Mones,Vice President, Planned giving, National Audubon Society,

700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, 212-979-3033.w [email protected]

YOUR BENEFICIARIESThere are more of them than you realize!

Florida Naturalist Winter

Weapologize for anyomissionsor errors on this list. PleasecontacttheDevelopment Departmentat 305-371-6399 to confirmcorrections or additions.Thank You.

Photo of black-necked stilt by Christina Evans

Leigh Perkins,2005 Recipient of Distin guished Philanthropy Award


7/9

Florida Naturalist Winter

otect and Manage Public Landsnd conservation is losing the race withvelopment. Parts of key ecosystems are beingnverted to urban areas. Public land managementdgets are not keeping pace with the challengesusing prescribed fire, controlling i nvasiveotics species and managing human use.dubon is working with allies to acceleratequisition programs and increase funding forblic land management. Goals:

1. Florida Forever - Double funds spentbuying conservation lands to $200 mil lionin 2006 and 2007, and launch a newacquisition program in 2008 t o spend$300 million a year.

2. Complete land acquisition for EvergladesRestoration and Lake Okeechobee Recoveryby 2010.

3. Initi ate new local and regional publicland initi atives and require privately fundedconservation areas to offsetdevelopment impacts.

Growth and Transportat ionFloridas growth management and transportationpolicies are failing to deal with the states rapidpopulation growth. New development, oftenfollowing new roads, is chewing up Floridasrural and areas. State policies must focus onfilling in urban areas and increasing publicparticipation i n regional planning. Goals:

1. Increase grassroots participation in regionaland local plans in order t o designate habitatprotection areas and require specificconservation lands and miti gation tooffset new development.

2. Focus state growth management oversighton ecosystems and natural areas.

3. Divert highway projects t hat t hreatenintact ecosystems and natural areas.

Wildlife and Protected SpeciesMany species are at ri sk from t he effectsof human alteration of habitat. Maintainingabundant resident and migrat ory wildlife

populations requires increased understandingof wildlife needs and intervention for recovery.Goals:

1. Amend and strengthen Florida'sprotected species rules to increase emphasison designation and protection of species andcritical habitat.

2. Support specific initiatives to assist targetpopulations of birds.

3. Align with nati onal campaigns to defendthe Endangered Species Act.

Water for the EnvironmentWater is a public resource that should beclean and safe, and managed for the benefit ofnatural systems. Floridas aquatic and estuarinesystems have been heavily damaged by drainage,pollution, overuse and mismanagement.Alteration of natural and seasonal recharge ofgroundwater and f lows of surface water must bebalanced with environmental needs. Goals:

1. Revise state policies to give naturalsystems legal allocations of water to assuretheir long-term health before water is permittedfor other uses.

2. Water management district s must setuncompromising schedules for reservingwater for natural systems and establishingMinimum Flows and Levels (MFLs).

3. Maintain, i mprove and restorenatural st orage capacity in order t o reducewithdrawals and diversions fromnatural systems.

4. Expand, accelerate and improve floodplainand water recharge area acquisition andmanagement to prevent these areas frombeing developed, while restoring naturalareas and ecosystems.

5. Reduce pollution and clean up pollutedwaterways.

6. Protect Floridas springs and the spring-sheds that are their sources.

7. Work for stronger federal, state and localwetlands protection policies.

EvergladesAudubon will continue its leadership policyand science role in Everglades Restoration andLake Okeechobee Recovery. Audubons f ocus i sgetting government to deliver on its commitmentsto store, clean and flow billions of gallons of

water, now wasted to t ide, back into t he naturalsystem. This requires billions of dollars to buyland and build projects. Restoration alsorequires that water be used primarily for theenvironment instead of water supply to promotegrowth. Audubons major challenges aredevelopment pressure on restoration lands anda fall-off of federal commitment to restoration.

Big Cypress RegionThe Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with its old-growth cypress forest, is the heart of Audubonssouthwest regional program. The regionscomplex ecosystems provide habitat for keynotespecies such as Florida panthers and woodstorks that suf fer increasing pressure fromdevelopment and population growth. Audubonis working with alli es to protect land, offsetdevelopment impacts, and restore the freshwaterflows in key areas from north of the aloosa-hatchee River to the Ten Thousand Islands.

Central Florida EcosystemsMajor aquatic systems in Central Floridaprovide habitat for the largest concentration ofbald eagles in the lower 48 states. The Green

Swamp, the Wekiva, the Upper St. Johns Riverand the Kissimmee River watershed are allunder tremendous growth pressure. Audubonis working with regional governments andbusiness leaders to map a plan t o protect majorcomponents of these systems through purchaseor to offset new development. The result will bepermanent protection of large habitat areas toensure the sustainability of Floridas eaglepopulations. The plan will provide additionalemphasis on protecting habitat for other criticalspecies including Florida scrub-jays.

Gulf Coastal HabitatsBuilding on the Coastal Islands Sanctuary andour chapters legacy of protecting wading birdand shorebird colonies, the Gulf Coast Habitatsprogram will mobilize public support for protectingand maintaining vital nesting and foraging

areas. Audubon intends to balance the heavily-populated coastal areas wit h the needs of thewildlife that depend on the fragments of habitatleft there. This requires pushing for cl ean water,wetlands protection and control of humanimpacts on nesting areas.

Northwest Coastal HabitatsBuilding on the work of chapters in thePanhandle, Audubon will redouble efforts toprotect habitat and water resources alongFloridas Northwest Coast. At the center of theseefforts will be securing the commitments madein Bay Countys West Bay Sector Plan to protectand restore up to 40,000 acres of marshes andland in West St. Andrew Bay. The plan proposesa focus on other coastal habitats from EscambiaBay to the Econfina for the benefit of residentand migratory bird species, and other plantsand animals.

Atlantic Coastal HabitatsA concentration of Important Bird Areas (IBAs)along Floridas Atlantic coast and a noticeabledecline in coastal bird populations points to theneed for new efforts to inf orm and educate

the public and decision-makers about theimportance of these areas. As untouchedcoastal habitats dwindle, the importance ofpreserving these oases increases. The beachesof Northeast Florida are of critical significanceto shorebirds. This regions marshes arealso important.

Other Conservation PrioritiesAudubon of Florida will continue to work withother groups to support long-term prioritiessuch as protecting the Lake Wales Ridge,restoring the Ocklawaha River, protecting theApalachicola and opposing offshore oil dril ling.

Audubon of FloridasConservationAgenda for 2006 Regional Approach to Conservation

Focus is on state policystrategies and regionalconservation goals.

Hurricane Wilma prevented Audubon of Florida volunteer leaders from convening to discuss and ratify

e 2006 conservation agenda. However, the agenda is on track to be implemented through th e work of chapters,

embers,staff and allies.

Audubon of Floridas strat egic plan pr oposes strengtheningprograms in six regions of the state. The regional programs willdeploy chapter and volunteer leadership and staff to create publicand political support for ecosystem-based conservation strategies.

Your Role is Key

Please support the 2006 ConseAgenda by taking these actions

1. Go to www.audubonofflorida.o join the Florida Conservation Neget regular email reports on poli

2. Participate and t ake a leaderwith your local Audubon Societyregional conservation committeewhere the six above-referenced are discussed.

3. Attend the annual Audubon AOctober 2006.

4. Speak with, write t o, or call edecision-makers and other publand ask them to support environlaws and programs.

5. Underwrite Audubon of Floridpolicy programs with regular do

Together we can mitigate theconsequences of growth by protFloridas land and water, and ouand other wildlife.

our Major Statewide Strategies

oto by R.J.Wiley


8/9

Audubon welcomes Julie Wraithmell,

Conservation Associate.She works with AOFs

policy team to mobilize grassroots support for issues

including the Everglades, wildlife, water, growth,

land protection and coastal conservation. Based in

AOFs Tallahassee o ffice,Julie supp orts legislative

initiatives and works closely with chapters and

members in the Panhandle.

As a conservation biologist for the Florida Fish

and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the last

eight years,Julie oversaw development of the Great

Florida Birding Trail, and coordin ated the Wildlife

Viewing Program of which the Trail is a part. The

avid birdwatcher and conservationist is enth usiastic

about her new focus on conservation policy and

advocacy.Julie has a degree in biology from Duke

University and is working toward a masters in

geography at Florida State University.

I look forward to bringing my wildlife

background to bear on policy issues facing

Audubon, and to making a better environment

for all of us by fighting for a better environment

for birds,said Wraithmell.Cont act her at

[email protected] or call 850-222-BIRD.

Julie Wrai thmell,Conservation Associate

Audubon of Florida State Office444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850Miami, FL 33131(305) 371-6399 (305) 371-6398 FaxDavid E. AndersonExecutive Director

Mark Kraus, Ph D,DeputyState Director

Alison Austin,Director, Outreach &

Communications

Tim Bachmeyer, Ph D,Director of Development

Patricia Donaldson, Accounting AssociateChristopher Farrell, Staff ScientistSusan Fortunow, Executive AssistantJamieFurgang, Everglades PolicyAssociateVickyJohnston,Development Associate

WendyMarti nez,Contracts & Administration Associate

DenisePalacios, Receptionist/OfficeAssistantTraci Romine,Everglades Ecosystem PolicyDirector

Meika Samuel, Senior Education CoordinatorIsabel Sposato,Donor Relations Coordinator

Jos Tan-Alfonso,StateFinance & Budget Manager

Brenda Williamson,DeputyDirector of Development

Part time: FloranceEloi, Jennifer Kleinbaum,Scott Withers, EducatorsChristieAnderberg,AhhocheeHill ManagerBrad Cornell, Big Cypress EcosystemPolicyAssociate

Tallahassee Office2507 CallawayRoad, Suite 103Tallahassee, FL 32303(850) 222-2473 (850) 224-6056 FaxEric Draper, DeputyDir. of PolicyJacqueline Sulek, Chapter CoordinatorJulieWraithmell, Conservation Associate

Tavernier Science Center115 Indian Mound TrailTavernier, FL 33070(305) 852-5092 (305) 852-8012 FaxJerome Lorenz, Ph D,StateDirector of Research

KateBanick,Research AssociateLucilleCanavan,AdministrativeAssistantLuis Canedo, Field TechnicianBradley Dunker,BiologistGreg Elli s, BiologistPeter Frezza, Research CoordinatorDavid Green, GraduateAssociateBrynneLangan, Research AssociateBrennan Mulrooney, Field TechnicianJennifer Rehage, EcologistMichelle Robinson,BiologistShawn Smith, Senior ScientistJohn Steiglitz, Field TechnicianMatthew Williamson, BiologistJoseph Wolkowsky, Center ScienceCoordinat or

Florida Coastal Island410 Ware Blvd., Suite7Tampa, FL 33619(813) 623-6826 (813) 6Ann Paul,Tampa Bay Area Regio

Corkscrew Swamp Sa375 Sanctuary Road WNaples, FL 34120(239) 348-9151 (239) 3Ed Carlson, SanctuaryRebecca Beck,Youth Education Coord

Steven Corriveau, MainPaul Gootkin,Assistant Nature Store

MikeKnight,

ResourceManagement Jason Lauritsen,Big Cypress Ecosystem

BobbyRayNichols, BuiLori Piper, OfficeManagMaryShort, NatureStorSallyStein,Volunteer/Adult Ed. Coo

Part time: Julia Askey, BSales Associates;

Roger Barry, Gerald GrigMikeShunney, AmyWigAdmissions Associates

Maryann Summeralls,

Ridge and Street AuduP.O. Box14 8200 N. Crooked Lane DBabson Park, FL 3382(863) 638-1355

Florida Keys Restoratio11400 Overseas HighwMarathon, FL 33050(305) 289-9988 (305) 2Jeanette Hobbs,Manag

Audubon Center for Band AOF Central Florid1101 Audubon Way, Ma(407) 644-0190 (407) 6(407) 539-5700 (407) 5Katie Gill Warner,Center Administrator

Beth Evans, Raptor CliDianna Flynt, RehabilitCharles Lee, Director ofSamantha Stock, RaptoHeidi Sturgeon, Aviary/Lynda White, EagleWaPT: Gina Holt, Teri Mark

Lake Okeechobee Cam100 Riverwood CircleLorida, FL3385 7(863) 467-8497 (863) 4Paul Gray, Ph D, ScienLakeOkeechobeeWate

Audubon of Flori da Staff

Financial information about National Audubon Society

can be obtained by writing to us at 700 Broadway, New York,

10003 or as stated below: NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

FLORIDA REGISTRATION # CH281: A COPY OFTHE OFFICIAL

REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED

FROM THE DIVISON OFCONSUMER SERVICESBY CALLING

TOLL-FREE, 1-800 -43 5-7 352 WITHIN THESTATE.

REGISTRATION DOESNOTIMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL,

OR RECOMMNENDATION BYTHESTATE.

2006 Audubon Engagement Calendar reg. $12.95 now $ 9.07Wild Love Affair - Essence of Florida's Native Orchidsby Connie Bransilver (autographed) reg. $40.00 now $28.00In Search of The Ivory-Billed Woodpeckerby Jerome Jackson reg. $24.95 now $17.47Audubon Life List and Journal reg. $29.95 now $20.97Death in The Evergladesby Stuart McIver (autographed) reg. $24.95 now$ 17.47She's Wearing a Dear Bird on Her Head

by Kathryn Laskey (childrens book) reg. $ 5.95 now $ 4.89Stokes Purple Martin Book reg. $12.95 now $ 9.07

To order, call the Nature Store at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily.Visa and MasterCard accepted. A minimal postage fee will be added to cover handlingcosts.

r your adoption gift of $50 or more, you will receive a Harmony Kingdom fi gurine of bald eagleraveheart, a collectors it em not available to t he general public. The offer i s good throughnuary 31, 2006. Quantities are limit ed, so take advantage of this unique opportunity.

adoption is an annual investment in the care, feeding and medical treatment of birds brought t o theenter for care, as well as those permanently housed for community education programs. What a great waybenefit Audubon Center for Birds of Prey while providing a thoughtful, practical gift that i s the prefect sized wont be returned!

request a brochure, call 407-644-0190 or write 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, FL 32751sit us on li ne at ht tp:/ /www.audubonofflorida.org/conservation/adopt.htm

A great gi ft idea for the Holidays!

pecials from the Nature Store at CorkscrewBooks Make Great Holiday Gifts

AUDUBON BOOKS30% discount good through January 31, 2006

But hurry Quantities are li mited.

Audubon Members Are Eligible for a Special Keepsake.

Photo of least tern and chick by Wayne Lasch

Photo of barred owl by Susie Warren


9/9

444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850, Miami, Florida 33131

Tel 305 371 6399 Fax 305 371 6398www.audubonofflorida.org

Florida Naturalist is published by Audubon of Florida.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without

writ ten permission of Audubon of Florida 2005. All ri ghts reserved.

Executive Director David E. Anderson

Communications & Outreach Alison Austin

Editorial Consultant Susan Cumins

Design and Production Franz Franc Design Group

Cover Swamp Hibiscus by R. J. Wiley, www.adayint heswamp.com

W I N T E R 2 0 0 5 - 0 6

Second Annual AUDUBON ACADEMY

March 24- 26, 2006 at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL

Being a volunteer in an Audubon chapter shouldprovide opportunit ies to accomplish somethingpersonally fulf ill ing while contributing t o meaningfulconservation goals. The goal of Audubon Academy2006 is to supply the tools for building well-organized,effectively- led chapters, and equally important to provide the why. With posit ive feedback and

helpful suggestions following the highly successful2005 Audubon Academy, this chapters-driven eventhas evolved to include a personal element that willinspire and refresh even veteran volunteers.

The weekend starts with a social event Fridayevening, March 24. Saturday opens with severalhours of just about as good as it gets birding inFort DeSoto Park (105 species were seen last year).Returning to campus, there will be thoughtfully-planned workshops including Maximizing Your Rolein Your Chapter, Tapping into the Money Stream

and Designing Successful Conservat ion Projects.At 5 p.m., sunset and Caribbean dinner back at FortDeSoto Park means more opportunities for socializingand birding. Sunday includes a special session led byVirginia Farley of Reflective Conservation.

The Eckerd College location is a repeat of 2004.Registration is $25 for the 3-day event. Rooms areavailable on campus for $65 per night/doubleoccupancy. Reasonably-priced food is available oncampus; restaurants and other services are close by.

Registration forms for Audubon Academy 2006will be available in January through Chapters andonline at www.audubonoffl orida.org.

For more information contact Joyce King,[email protected], 727-531-3440 orJacqui Sulek, [email protected], 850-251-1297.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 3953

MIAMI, FL

Audubons Mission To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats,for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.

Ft. DeSoto Sunset Photo by Christina Evans.

The annual Members Meeting will be held during Audubon Academy.Details will be sent to all members.

KEEP THE

FIRES BURNING

winter 2005-2006 florida naturalist audubon of florida

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