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Chapter Conservation

Manatee County Audubon Society
The project that has merited the 2006 Best Chapter Conservation Project began 4 years ago when 30 acres of undeveloped land was given to the Manatee Audubon Society by Otis Felts. So it began and with careful planning and many hours of hard labor, the Felts Preserve team has done clean-up, restoration and management of this beautiful place. In the midst of development, the preserve with a brand new bird blind will enable visitors to enjoy the 100 species of birds currently on the checklist. Steve Black and his team have shown great commitment and will leave a legacy for those involved as well as a gift to the community. The dream is that one day Manatee County will have its first environmental education center here on the Felts Preserve. Steve Black (the project coordinator) and Arlene Flisik (VP of Manatee County Audubon) were at the Audubon Assembly to receive this prestigious award.

Chapter Education

Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society
Audubon of Florida is relying heavily on our volunteers to carry on the tradition of education in our communities. An organization with 550 members has made a big difference in Lake County. With guidance and inspiration from Education Chair Mary Anderson, Oklawaha Valley Audubon and Lake County, Florida, celebrated the 3rd annual "Audubon Adventures" Day. NINE THOUSAND copies of "The Watery World of Waterbirds" were distributed to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Four hundred Teaching Manuals, a 30-minute DVD on local waterbirds, essay contests, and prizes engaged the community on all levels. Both the Board of County Commissioners and Lake County School Board proclaimed April 19 "Audubon Adventures Day.” Oklawaha Valley Audubon was recognized by National Audubon and for this fabulous effort, they are receiving the Best Education Project award. Mary Anderson was able to represent the chapter and receive the award (pictured at right with Audubon of Florida Executive Director David Anderson).

Best Chapter Award

Francis M. Weston Audubon Society
The Roy Hyatt Education Center is a 125-acre preserve owned and up until 2 years ago operated by the Escambia County School system. When the school board cut its environmental education program at the preserve and threatened to close the facility concerned members of the Francis M Weston Audubon Society stepped in. Last year they provided funding for a part time Naturalist and struggled to raise funds to keep this inspiring project alive. But inspire they did, and under the leadership of Annelise Reunert and Jim Brady they persevered. The positive response has been overwhelming and this year the chapter received a grant for 75 thousand dollars that will allow them to expand and enhance this wonderful environmental education program. With amazing dedication, imagination and vision they have inspired and engaged their community. This effort has given strength and focus to these volunteers and provided a gift to the children of Escambia County. Congratulations and thank you for being such an inspiring example to us all. Jim Brady gave a great presentation about the center during our education program and was available to receive the award.

Best Chapter Display at Audubon Assembly

Pelican Island Audubon Society
All the Chapter Displays were great. From Alachua Audubon’s Kestrel nest box display complete with a live kestrel borrowed from The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, to the winning display belonging to Pelican Island Audubon Society. Judged on content and aesthetic appeal, this display gave a clear and attractive review of the various chapter activities and leaders. It goes to show that it is helpful to have someone as talented as Bob Montanero as your photographer! Richard Baker (pictured at right with Audubon of Florida Chapters Coordinator Jacqui Sulek) accepted the award on behalf of the chapter.

Special Recognition

Joyce King, Audubon Academy Appreciation Award
Three years ago Joyce King developed the concept of doing a weekend Academy for the Chapters, by the Chapters, in order to address the special needs of our volunteers. With two extremely successful events behind her, she is currently working on the third Annual Audubon Academy that will be held March 23-25 2007. Her vision, creativity, dedication, and hard work have provided the tools that are now being used for conservation all over Florida. The award reads, “Our Audubon team is stronger than ever, thanks to you, Joyce.” And that is the truth!