St. Johns Regional Audubon

05/31/2026

Yes, a betrayal.

The Florida Senate and House have finally come together to approve a budget.

To be frank, the Florida Forever budget allocation is a betrayal of a conservation program supported by the overwhelming majority of Floridians. The final budget includes no funding for Florida Forever, the state’s premier land conservation program responsible for protecting future state parks, state forests, wildlife habitat, and critical water resources. Even worse, the budget sweeps existing Florida Forever funds into the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).

While Audubon has long supported RFLPP as an important and valuable component of Florida’s broader conservation strategy — protecting working farms and ranches through conservation easements — Florida leaders historically recognized that both programs are essential because they serve different purposes in preserving the lands and waters that define our state. Florida Forever protects irreplaceable natural landscapes from development, while RFLPP helps sustain agricultural lands and rural heritage. One cannot replace the other.

By pitting these programs against each other, the Legislature has broken faith with the people of Florida and abandoned a longstanding bipartisan commitment to balanced conservation. Audubon is deeply alarmed by this outcome, and we thank our members and supporters who made their voices heard throughout budget negotiations.

We will continue working with elected officials, agency leaders, and conservation partners ahead of the next legislative session to ensure Floridians understand what is at stake. Protecting these lands is not only vital to our wildlife and natural heritage, but also to our economy, water quality, resilience, and quality of life for future generations.

Stay tuned! Audubon Florida plans to have further budget breakdowns later in the week.

05/29/2026

We really need to talk more about keeping cats indoors!

05/28/2026

Worth a listen! Jen Lomberk mentions us with respect to the fight to preserve Fish Island.

New episode of The Break Room

Jen Lomberk, Executive Director of Matanzas Riverkeeper, joins the conversation to discuss being named the inaugural Red Cedar Award recipient for environmental impact. She shares the inspiring story behind the community-led effort to save Fish Island from development, highlighting its ecological importance, rich history, and the grassroots activism that helped preserve it for future generations.

This episode is a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to protect the places that matter most. From conservation victories to ongoing stewardship efforts, Jen’s passion for safeguarding our local natural resources shines throughout the conversation.

🎧 Tune in to hear how collective action continues to shape the future of our environment and community.

🔗 Listen here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/jen-lomberk-the-matanzas-riverkeeper-part-1-may-26-2026--71413975

📻 Catch The Break Room on WFCF 88.5 FM
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays at 8 a.m.

05/27/2026

Please leash your dogs on the beaches this summer to protect vulnerable birds and turtles!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1637422170816235/?fs=e&fs=e

05/25/2026

Putnam Land Conservancy (PLC) and Burning for Birds Conservation Collaborative are teaming up for a bioblitz where you can help identify and record bird species to collect data on bird population size and movement patterns. All levels of birding expertise are welcome. Bring water and comfortable walking shoes. It will be helpful to use bird ID apps like Merlin or eBird to help identify and record your bird observations. RSVP with PLC . **Please note there are park entry fees that are still required for this event, RSVP to have your entrance fee covered by PLC. Spots are limited to 30 guests! We also recommend bringing water and wearing comfortable walking shoes. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh19Eqk4OBn4J9TiG0GBWOxj4uVqxiyPl5jBWEeM9yuG2Kxg/viewform?pli=1

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

Here we go again! Let’s try to protect the GTM NERR!

ACTION ALERT: Protect National Estuarine Research Reserves 🌿

The Administration’s proposed FY 2027 budget would eliminate funding for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) — threatening coastal research, conservation, education, and wildlife protection nationwide.

Together, our voices can go even further.

Here’s how you can help:

🔹 SIGN A LETTER TO CONGRESS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIeXRFKxy_KBgyAHdooNHJ3AaUyHl33_XWu3Y7absRllxKuw/viewform

🔹 HELP SPREAD THE WORD Share this post

Healthy estuaries support thriving communities, local economies, fisheries, wildlife, education, and scientific research.

Every voice matters. Every signature helps.

05/20/2026

Please mind the birds on our beaches this weekend!

Share the Shore this Holiday Weekend ☀

Be on the look-out for ground-nesting shorebirds that use a wide variety of coastal habitats, including sandy beaches, barrier islands, marshes, and shell rakes to nest and raise their young.

👉 Here are a few things you can do to help shorebirds this nesting season:
🦩 Give birds space: Getting too close can force birds away from their nest, leaving eggs and small chicks vulnerable to predators, possibly getting stepped on and other elements!
🚫 DO NOT enter posted areas, even if you don’t see a bird. Some are well-camouflaged, making nest and chicks almost impossible to see to the untrained eye!
🐕 No dogs! Even the friendliest pup can frighten shorebirds. If you bring your pet with you, go to a dog-friendly beach, and keep them on a leash.
🗑️ Stash the trash! Garbage and other scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows that prey on eggs and small chicks.

Help protect Florida’s coastal wildlife this holiday weekend! 🌊

📸Photo: FWC