Protect the WEB - Water, Energy, and Birds are All Connected

06/09/2016

As expected, resulted in some terrible news for Florida's coastal nesting species. Audubon staff from around the state are sending in reports of devastating losses of chicks and eggs. But among those reports are slivers of hope and remarkable tales of survival.

For example, take a look at the above image. Audubon supporter Lou Newman took this photo in southwest Florida just as the winds and rain from the storm were subsiding. Although the effects of the storm killed dozens of chicks and washed out hundreds of eggs, this dedicated Black Skimmer mother did everything she could to make sure her chicks survived. Notice her weather-beaten feathers, covered in sand. And then look at her babies, nestled safely under her wing. Remarkable.

Shorebirds have been nesting on Florida's beaches forever. Over generations, they have learned to adapt to the Gulf Coast's seasonal pattern of tropical weather. Where nests were lost, Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers, and Least Terns will try again.

Audubon Florida's role now is to assess the nest sites, monitor new nesting, watch for courtship behavior, and redouble our stewardship efforts for the birds that remain and renest.

If anything, this experience will be a teaching tool to help people realize all that the birds are up against, and that the public can play a role in their future success. Together, we are making a difference for our coastal birds.

You can get involved with Audubon's Coastal Bird Stewardship program here: http://fl.audubon.org/get-involved/coastal-bird-stewardship

Thank you.

10/29/2015

Sanford the Eastern Screech Owl.

06/05/2015

URGENT: Call Your Legislator Right Now about Amendment 1 -->>http://yes1fl.org/action0315

Lawmakers are back in Tallahassee for a special legislative session to pass the state budget. You can help make sure they finish the job on Amendment 1.

But time is short. Budget negotiations are happening right now. This is your legislator's last chance to hear from you about the importance of using Amendment 1 funds for water and land conservation. Please take 3 minutes to call your elected officials at their offices in Tallahassee.

Click here to find your House and Senate member's Capitol office contact information-->>http://yes1fl.org/action0315

Politely tell the person who answers the phone:

“I am a voter in your district, and I fully expect you to honor the intent of Amendment 1 by funding Florida Forever, protecting our springs, and funding Everglades restoration, including buying land south of Lake Okeechobee. I voted YES on Amendment 1 to increase funding for land conservation.”

We need you to help make the Florida Legislature understand that you are paying attention and will hold them accountable. The next few days (or hours!) will determine the fate of Amendment 1 funding this year. Stand up for the conservation of Florida’s precious natural resources.

Our wildlife and parks need you today. The whole process won’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

Thank you.

03/03/2015

SPECIAL MESSAGE from Audubon's Eric Draper:

Dear Friend,

The 2015 Florida Legislative Session begins in just a few hours. Lawmakers have the important task of implementing Amendment 1, the Water and Land Conservation Amendment.

People understood the intent of Amendment 1 when they approved the measure by 75% last November. The ballot was crystal-clear:

"Water and Land Conservation - Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands."

Legislators should trust voters by funding existing conservation programs, such as land acquisition, management, and Everglades restoration.

Legislators should not trust lobbyists who are arriving at the Capitol with shopping lists of pork barrel projects that do not fit into the purposes of Amendment 1.

One state senator - who opposed Amendment 1 from the start - has even gone so far as to say, "The voters were fooled."

Your job is to make sure legislators trust the decision made by 4.2 million voters.
If you voted for Amendment 1, if you worked to get it on the ballot, if you are passionate for Florida's birds and wildlife - you are needed now.

This Legislative Session will be a fight for what Amendment 1 stands for. But more importantly, it's about what we stand for.

Stand with Audubon Florida to defend the conservation amendment. Please make a $50, $150, or $250 contribution right now.

Your donation will help with the immediate costs of communications, meetings, and grassroots organizing to secure what we earned on Election Day. Our success depends on your response.

Together, we will make a difference.

Sincerely,
Eric Draper
Executive Director

DONATE: https://give.audubon.org/Giving/Page/113/1/113

Florida’s land and water need strong advocates to make sure conservation lands are acquired and well-managed and our springs, lakes, rivers and estuaries are restored.

04/16/2014

If you do not already "like" the official Audubon Florida page, please do so now! Thanks, please share! :)

Using science to guide our priorities and birdlife to measure ecosystem health, Audubon advocates for the protection of land, water, and wildlife.

12/23/2013

The perfect gift: http://www.GivetoAudubonFlorida.org/. Help protect Florida's birds and wildlife with a contribution in the name of your friend, family member, or co-worker. A beautiful way to celebrate the season.

10/07/2013

"1, 2, 3...We've got eggs everywhere!"

Learn more about Audubon Florida's Coastal Conservation work and how you can get involved protecting our iconic species: http://fl.audubon.org

09/27/2013

Please see the URGENT message below from Audubon's Eric Draper. The coming weeks and months are critical for the future of Florida’s coastal waters. Legislators will be meeting to make decisions about laws and funding. Audubon needs to be there with our science and legal teams so that every decision benefits clean water. You can help right now, take a moment to read Eric's email. Share this link on your wall - THANK YOU!

Please -- right now -- make a $25, $100, or $200 gift to ensure that Audubon is able to effectively advocate to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon and the other imperiled Florida estuaries.

06/04/2013

Protect Florida's Native Species: http://www.AudubonBootsOn.org

The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only Florida native bird species that lives nowhere else in the world. Their populations are declining dramatically, partly because they make their home in Florida’s endangered scrub habitat. Last year, Audubon Florida took on Jay Watch,a citizen science program focused solely on the Florida Scrub-Jay. In just one year, Audubon has trained 103 Jay Watch volunteers and 26 land managers to complete surveys at 24 sites.

Your investment will help us train and coordinate over 100 volunteers and use the citizen science to better manage the habitat for this species. Visit http://www.AudubonBootsOn.org for more information on what Audubons' grassroots conservation team is doing to help.

Photo by RJ Wiley.

05/17/2013

Today is Endangered Species Day - so take a moment to learn more about one of Florida's most iconic and Endangered birds - the Everglade Snail Kite:

The Everglade Snail Kite is a bird of prey with a very particular appetite: it feeds almost exclusively on apple snails, a freshwater mollusk that occurs in Central and South Florida wetlands including the Everglades. The bird’s curved beak is slightly off-center to allow it to easily extract the snail from its spiraled shell. The sight of these hunters hovering over the Everglades’ sawgrass is a mainstay of our Florida heritage.

Today the Everglade Snail Kite is in trouble: it is listed by both the State of Florida and the federal government as an endangered species. Much of its habitat has been drained, other parts inundated to depths that suit neither snails nor their namesake kites. Water quality has declined and with it, Everglade Snail Kite populations have as well.

Learn more: http://fl.audubon.org/everglade-snail-kite

04/01/2013

TAKE ACTION to Protect Florida's Parks and Conservation Lands: http://bit.ly/YYnXUr

Florida State Senator Alan Hays' SB 584 would essentially shut down efforts to get new parks, wildlife protection areas, and other public lands. This bad bill is up in committee on TUESDAY - please send a letter in support of Florida's remarkable natural heritage right now! Thank you and please share before Tuesday's critical vote!

TAKE ACTION - http://bit.ly/YYnXUr

10/19/2012

What an interesting concept! Has anyone tried this yet? Let us know the results!

Wool Dryer Ballssave youmoney,energyandtimeby cutting the dryer’s drying time and by eliminating the need to buy softeners. When you use 4 balls in your dryer, you cancut your dryer time by 25-50%!