Broward County Audubon Society

Broward County Audubon Society Birding Field Trip

2008-04-29T09:46:00.002-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host a birding field trip on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. Bryant Roberts will lead the field trip. The group will meet in the first parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Park admission fee. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact the BCAS by telephone at 954-776-5585 or go to the BCAS website at: www.browardaudubon.org For directions go to: http://www.floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch/default.cfm

Broward County Audubon Society Birding Field Trip

2008-02-22T21:06:00.002-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host a birding field trip on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at 7:15 a.m. at the Florida Everglades Holiday Park, 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale. Bryant Roberts will lead the field trip, approximately a two-mile walk. The group will meet in the northeast corner of the parking lot at 7:15 a.m. Park admission fee. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact the BCAS by telephone at 954-776-5585 or go to the BCAS website at: www.browardaudubon.org For directions go to: www.evergladesholidaypark.com

Broward County Audubon Society Quarterly Meeting January 17, 2008

2008-01-10T12:43:00.001-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) Quarterly Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek, FL. Mr. Paul Farren, CEO of The Energy Store, will speak on The Latest and Greatest Ways to Conserve Energy. Everyone welcome. No Charge/Free. For more information, contact the BCAS by telephone at 954-776-5585 or go to the BCAS website at www.browardaudubon.org.

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Broward County Audubon Society Birding Field Trip

2007-12-27T14:26:00.001-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host a birding field trip on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the Easterlin Park, 1000 NW 38th Street, Oakland Park. The leader of the field trip will be Gloria Cashin and the group will meet in the first right parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Guests are always welcome. BCAS Donation: $5 per person, plus Park entrance fee. For more information, contact the BCAS by telephone at 954-776-5585 or go to the BCAS website at: www.browardaudubon.org

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BCAS and TAS Birding Field Trip - January 12, 2008

2007-12-16T13:05:00.001-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will join with the Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) for a birding field trip on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at 7:30 a.m. at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Green Cay, and Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (LNWR). John Boyd, TAS, will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Wakodahatchee Wetlands parking lot, 13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Everyone welcome. Fee: Entrance fee to the LNWR. Bring lunch; walkie-talkies recommended. For more information, contact the BCAS by telephone at 954-776-5585 or go to the BCAS website at: www.browardaudubon.org For additional information on Wakodahatchee Wetlands, go to: www.pbcwater.com/wakodahatchee

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Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital

2007-12-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry to be late in reporting on the BCAS field trip to the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital! We visited on Saturday, December 1 and had a tour led by founder and director Joan Kohl.

The Center's rehabilitation program provides medical and rehabilitative care for sick, injured and orphaned wild birds, mammals and reptiles. The ultimate goal is to return recovered patients to their natural habitats. Those that cannot be released become "Educational Ambassadors," supporting the Center's other mission of environmental education. Nature programs, wildlife presentations, guided nature tours, and children's day camp sessions are used by the Center as ways to reach out and educate the public.

The Sawgrass Nature Center has been a work in progress for a number of years, but is finally nearing completion. It sits on five acres in Sportsplex Park, and includes the wildlife hospital, offices, a gift shop, an outdoor classroom, outdoor habitats, butterfly garden, a wetland area, and aviaries. Behind the Center's property is a 17 acre wetland area owned by the city, which is unfortunately not accessible to the public - good for the wildlife, but not so great for birders!

The Center is a busy place. Just during our visit, three different people brought in injured animals: a raccoon that was found lying in a parking lot, a squirrel that had been hit by a car, and a duck with a fish hook in its bill. Some of the patients already in the hospital included red-bellied woodpeckers, a spot-breasted oriole, a hedgehog, a blonde raccoon with very pale fur, a box turtle, and gopher tortoises.

Joan Kohl is the only full time employee of the Center, which depends heavily on volunteers for help with hands-on tasks and with fundraising. For information on getting involved, call Joan at 954-752-7732 or email her at sncjoan01@aol.com. FYI, the Center will hold a fundraising event on Saturday, January 26, 2008, 10am-4pm, called "Go Wild in the Park." Activities include a fundraising "Walk for the Wild Side," from 8-10am, environmental music by Grant Livingston, animal shows by McCarthy's and Busch Wildlife Sanctuaries, vendors, plant sale, refreshments, etc.

It was fascinating to see the work that goes on behind the scenes of the wildlife hospital, and to learn more about this important resource right here in our midst. Thanks to Joan for letting us visit!

Christmas Bird Count in Broward County

2007-11-25T10:42:00.001-05:00

The Audubon Society's 108th Christmas Bird Count for Broward County is scheduled for Sunday, December 16, 2007. Mary Butterfield and Bryant Roberts are in charge of organizing this year's Christmas Bird Count. Groups and individuals interested in participating should contact Mary Butterfield at 954-776-7735 or maryb707x@comcast.net.

Photography Workshop & Nature Walk at Green Cay

2007-11-25T10:24:00.002-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host a photography workshop & nature walk on Sunday, December 9, 2007, 8 a.m. to– 12 noon, at Green Cay Wetlands, 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, FL, followed by a photo-walk at the nearby Wakodahatchee Wetlands. Leader: Jonathan Estrin, wildlife photographer. Events: Introduction and basic photo tips, nature walk and fieldwork, composition workshop, Q&A. Meet at Green Cay visitor center. Bring camera equipment, binoculars, notebook, etc. Everyone welcome. Donation/Fee: $5 per person.

Shark Valley Birdwalk Report

2007-11-24T19:44:00.000-05:00

Ten birders gathered for a walk at Shark Valley, where we enjoyed a presentation by park ranger Laurie Humphrey followed by a nature walk along a short section of the tram trail. You can hear interesting and amusing details of the trip by listening to the BCAS Birdcast's "Shark Valley" episode. (If you're reading this post at browardaudubon.blogspot.com, just click on the flash player to your right. If you're reading this post anywhere else, listen to the Birdcast by clicking here.)
In the Birdcast you'll hear mention of the Everglades Racer we saw. I've included a picture so you can see how they raise their heads up and look at you, which is kind of cool. The picture was taken by participant Chris Shaginaw.

Here's what we saw at Shark Valley:

Palm Warbler
Tree Swallow
Anhinga
Boat-tailed Grackle
Fish Crow
Common Moorhen
White Ibis
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Glossy Ibis
Tricolored Heron
Eastern Phoebe
Turkey Vulture
Gray Catbird
Little Blue Heron
American Crow
Red-shouldered Hawk
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Mockingbird
Green Heron

We also saw many alligators, including a mother with tiny yellow-striped babies, and some small juveniles whose stripes were fading, maybe about two years old.

Thanks to all who participated for a very pleasant morning!

Shark Valley Trip: Change of Plans

2007-11-23T21:54:00.000-05:00

We apologize for the last-minute announcement, but the bike leader for our Shark Valley trip has fallen ill. We will still be offering a nature walk, but will not be offering a bike trip. However, participants are welcome to bring bikes and to ride on the Shark Valley trail together following the BCAS nature walk.

As planned, we will meet at the Shark Valley visitors' center at 8:30am, and will have a talk with a ranger at 8:45am. We will then have a nature walk led by BCAS volunteers. Snacks and water will be provided by BCAS. $10 voluntary donation per person is requested to help cover the cost of the snacks/water and to contribute to the work of Broward Audubon. Remember that there is also a $10 per car entrance fee for the park. Hope to see you there for a pleasant morning enjoying the beauty of the Everglades!

Update on Shark Valley Bike Tour on Saturday Nov. 24

2007-11-21T10:12:00.001-05:00

BCAS will host the “Work off your Turkey Day” on Saturday, November 24, 2007, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, located at US 41 (Tamiami Trail), 30 miles west of Miami.

Please be advised that park admission is $10 per car. This is separate from the $10 per person we are asking for as a BCAS donation. The BCAS donation covers the cost of water and snacks for all participants, and contributes to the work of the Audubon Society. However, we do define it as a suggested donation rather than a fee, meaning that you are welcome to participate even if you do not make a monetary donation to BCAS!

The day’s events will include a Park Ranger talk at 8:45 a.m., followed by a nature bike trip of Shark Valley. Recommended to bring your own bike; bike rentals @ $6.25/hour available at the park on a first come basis. For non-bikers, a guided bird/nature walk will be offered. Meet at the Shark Valley Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. Reservations required (so we know how much water and food to bring). Everyone welcome. Donation: $10 per person (snack included). For more information on Shark Valley, go to www.sharkvalleytramtours.com.

Climate Activism Training - Free Workshop

2007-11-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

When: Thursday, November 29, 2007, 5-9pm

Where: 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami-Dade College Wolfson campus, Building 3000, Room 3210

More info: Melisa Stodieck at 305-604-0519 or Colleen Ahern-Hettich at 305-237-3796

FREE

Concerned Florida residents are becoming increasingly aware that global warming is a planetary emergency. Climate experts have made clear that we don’t have much time to act. The only way that we’ll make the big changes that are necessary is if we, the citizens, speak up and are heard by our elected officials. This workshop offers an inspiring keynote address by nationally known author and environmentalist Bill McKibben, followed by activism and advocacy trainings led by Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, one of the most effective regional climate groups in the country. Get an update on what is going on in this community to slow climate change as well as prepare for impacts from Harvey Ruvin, Miami-Dade Counties’ Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Task Force. Hear what is happening to our coast, waters and wildlife from Captain Dan Kipnis. Leave inspired with concrete skills that will make you a better leader and grassroots organizer in your community.

Bill McKibben, the well known author of The End of Nature, the first book for a general audience on climate change, now printed in twenty languages, and best-selling author of Deep Economy, has just published Fight Global Warming Now!, a handbook for concerned citizens wishing to become active in making real change happen in their communities.

Accompanying McKibben is Miami-Dade Clerk and Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Task Force, Harvey Ruvin. Ruvin and his co-workers are responsible for Miami-Dade's participation in new programs such as Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) under Local Governments for Sustainability, and other advances in development planning in the county. Ruvin will speak about the progress the county is making in these efforts.

Following Ruvin's update, the audience will view Captain Dan Kipnis' presentation of effects climate change has already had on South Florida environments and what can be expected to happen in the future. Kipnis, of the Florida Wildlife Federation, has become known for the presentation, delivered in a similar style as Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." After Kipnis' presentation there will be a break for dinner donated by Environmental Defense through local organic restaurants.

To bring the evening to action, Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, will host the workshop on the basics of activism, from gathering contact information to organizing support for issues. Tidwell will draw from years of experience advocating for both federal and local issues, offering great insight to any citizen wishing to help make the necessary changes toward clean energy happen in their hometown.

Sixteen local groups working to bring climate change issues to the forefront in the South Florida area have partnered to present this dynamic evening:

Earth Ethics Institute at Miami Dade College; Operation Green Leaves; Environmental Education Providers; Broward County Audubon Society; Green League of Broward County; Faiths United For Sustainable Energy; The Earthman Project; Biscayne Nature Center; Friends of the Everglades; Dream in Green; Emerge Miami; Tropical Audubon Society; Kids Ecology Corps; One Campaign Miami; Citizens for a Better South Florida; Environmental Defense

Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital Tour

2007-11-20T12:51:00.001-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host a tour of the Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital on Saturday, December 1, 2007, starting at 11:00 a.m. The Nature Center is located at 3000 Sportsplex Drive in Coral Springs. Ms. Joan Kohl, Founder and President, will give a presentation and discuss wildlife rehabilitation cases. Animal displays, guided tour of the facility, and snacks and beverages included. Everyone welcome. Donation: $5 per person. For more information about Sawgrass Nature Center, visit http://www.sawgrassnaturecenter.com

Going to the Okeechobee area?

2007-11-18T19:55:00.000-05:00

Have You Ever Heard of Kissimmee Prairie State Preserve?

Get more information about this birding hotspot

Get a BCAS member's perspective on the BCAS Board Board

Joint TAS/BCAS Birdwalk

2007-11-17T14:57:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, November 17, members of BCAS joined members of TAS (Tropical Audubon Society, Miami-Dade County) for a birdwalk at Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach. Our leader was John Hutchinson from TAS. BCAS kicked off the event by serving coffee, orange juice, and pastries while the birders gathered and chatted. We had approximately 30 people join us for this event.

As always, these two locations were very productive! Before we even had a chance to put away the coffee, we saw a Red-Bellied Woodpecker and an American Robin in the Wakodahatchee parking lot (a heartwarming sight for those of us from "Up North").

Once we started down the boardwalk, the birds came thick and fast. The final list for Wakodahatchee Wetlands was:
Red-bellied Woodpecker
American Robin
Blue Jay
Boat-tailed Grackle
Northern Mockingbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Black-crowned Night Heron
Tricolored Heron
Anhinga
Common Moorhen
Purple Gallinule
American Coot
Monk Parakeet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Phoebe
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Green Heron
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Palm Warbler
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pied-billed Grebe
European Starling
Prairie Warbler
Pine Warbler
Wilson's Snipe
Blue-winged Teal
Sora

and last but definitely not least: Purple Swamphen! This is an exotic bird introduced from Eurasia, but spreading in South Florida. It looks like a larger Purple Gallinule, but with a red bill.

The weather remained fresh and cool all morning, so our large crowd enthusiastically went over to Green Cay Wetlands to continue birding. There we saw:

Mourning Dove
Tree Swallow
Glossy Ibis
White Ibis
Common Moorhen
Tricolored Heron
Anhinga
Painted Bunting (female) - this was at the birdfeeder along the path leading to the front entrance, and is said to be a "sure thing" for Buntings
Little Blue Heron
Great Egret
Mottled Duck
Osprey
Turkey Vulture
American Kestrel
Limpkin - we must have seen at least 15 limpkins during our walk, and were lucky enough to see one quite close to the boardwalk eating an apple snail; we also saw many piles of empty snail shells and many pink egg clusters of the exotic apple snail
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Pied-billed Grebe
Blue-winged Teal
Loggerhead Shrike
Greater Yellowlegs
American Coot
Green-winged Teal
Wood Stork
Red-winged Blackbird
Snowy Egret
Red-shouldered Hawk
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Merlin
Purple Gallinule - at one point we saw a group of 7 gallinules feeding together, a mix of adults and juveniles
Fish Crow
Boat-tailed Grackle
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Sora
Northern Shoveler
and a very special treat, the Roseate Spoonbill

In one spot we saw a lot of grey feathers on the ground - it looked like perhaps a Great Blue Heron had been eaten by a bobcat.

It was an excellent birdwalk, and nice to be surrounded by so many enthusiastic and talented birders from across Dade and Broward counties! Thanks again to TAS for allowing us to join them!

Everglades to Benefits from Passage of Water Bill

2007-11-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

Today (November 9, 2007), the Senate overrode the presidential veto of the Water Resources Development Act by a vote of 79-14. This follows a similar bipartisan vote in the House, passed Tuesday by a wide margin of 361-54. Both Florida Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez voted in support of the bill, which authorizes almost $2 billion for projects in the state of Florida, most of it earmarked for Everglades-related water projects.

Audubon of Florida has made it a 2008 Conservation Priority to protect the Everglades ecosystem by working toward the restoration of historical water flows from Lake Okeechobee through Everglades National Park, ensuring water for humans and wildlife, and calling for improved water protection and quality.

In alignment with state efforts, the Broward County Audubon Society Chapter is creating a "Water for the Environment" Task Force to plan and initiate local programs and advocacy.

Broward County Audubon Society to host Work Off Your Turkey Day at Shark Valley

2007-11-08T08:48:00.001-05:00

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host "Work off your Turkey Day" on Saturday, November 24, 2007, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, located at US 41 (Tamiami Trail), 30 miles west of Miami. The day's events will include a Park Ranger talk at 8:45 a.m., followed by a nature bike trip of Shark Valley. Recommended to bring your own bike; bike rentals @ $6.25/hour available at the park on a first come basis. Other options: guided bird/nature walk. Meet at the Shark Valley Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. Reservations required RSVP to: trailmaker@bellsouth.net or 954-796-3028, RSVP deadline November 21. Everyone welcome. Donation: $10 per person (snack included). For more information about Shark Valley, visit www.sharkvalleytramtours.com.

An Open Letter to Casuarina

2007-11-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

Dear Casuarina,

You have been the subject of recent articles and adoration in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, rekindling yet again a controversy with deep historical and emotional roots.

Better known as the Australian pine, you bring shade and relief to beachgoers. Your limbs tower over the coast, offering a perch to an occasional osprey, anhinga or pelican. You have many friends in South Florida.

But where you are, there is something missing. The shifting sand dunes, anchored by a tight-knit fabric of sea oats, railroad vine and beach morning glory. The succulent prickly pear and broad-leaved sea grape that attract and feed a wide range of wildlife. The oaks and sand pines that sacrifice themselves to preserve the dune and protect the land from the high winds and waters that strike fear in the hearts of man.

Your shade stops the light. Your leaves fall in thick mats, suffocating any seeds that might find their way to the cool sand. Your world is sterile and uninviting. Your lack of nutritious fruit offers no sustenance for birds and other wildlife, forcing them away from their historical habitat to places where people do not welcome them.

Where you are not, there is a diverse and unique culture, a playground, a community. There is food and shelter and even a little shade. There are animals that hide in the daytime while people enjoy the beach, and take advantage of the night.

Where you are not, there is the activity of life, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Animals with two legs, four legs, eight legs, or no legs at all; they do not miss you.

I will visit where Australian pines once stood, and will watch with wide open eyes as Florida returns - one seed, one bird, one year at a time. I hope others will join me.

BCAS: It's Your Forum

2007-11-03T21:35:00.000-05:00

What is the name of this beautiful amphibian, and where can you find it? Clue: it was found at a Great Florida Birding Trail site.

For the complete answer, visit the Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) Bird Board, and then be sure to visit again and again to post your own observations about BCAS events, great finds at your favorite birding hotspot, bird ID questions, or non-bird wildlife observations. A quick and free registration process is all it takes to join the community today!

The Broward Audubon Society works for its members and provides the community with a place to network and share your interest in birds, wildlife and conservation. Throughout the 2007-08 season, we will be giving you opportunities to get involved. Try the forum, join us for events, and help us strengthen environmental interest and advocacy throughout Broward County. Thanks!

Winged Messengers: An Audubon Assembly Session

2007-11-02T15:09:00.000-05:00

Presented by T. Grand, Communications Director, Audubon of Florida, Lynda White, EagleWatch Coordinator, Audubon of Florida, Paige, Eagle Ambassador, Jason Lauritsen, Big Cypress Ecosystem Science Coordinator, Ann Paul, Tampa Bay Area Regional Coordinator, Monique Borboen-Abrams, Beach Nesting Project Coordinator, St. Petersburg Audubon

It's Our Tern to Help

In St. Petersburg, the Audubon chapter instituted the "Chick Checker" program to protect least tern nesting sites in commercial areas. Least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers that are unable to find safe nesting areas in natural beach habitats use flat gravel roofs, which create challenges for people and wildlife. The chicks may not survive due to heat, water flows off the roof or falls. Chick checkers are on call to replace chicks that have been displaced from their rooftop nesting area and are able to survive if replaced.

The birds noted here, as well as snowy plovers and wilson's plovers, typically nest on barrier islands, a habitat being lost to development and recreational use, which disrupts or destroys nesting areas. The St. Petersburg Audubon chapter serves as a steward to educate the public on nesting site protection and management. For example, the Chapter advocated for efforts to prohibit dogs and alcoholic beverages from Shell Key, the last remaining undeveloped barrier island in the St. Petersburg area.

Delivering Protection to Wood Storks

Corkscrew Swamp is one of the primary nesting sites for the beautiful and unusual wood stork, a species that attracts birders from across the country and stories of awe from local community members. Audubon is a proponent of conservation for benefit of birds and other wildlife. The Corkscrew effort to protect the endangered wood stork is inclusive, considering the many facets of science, public policy and practical needs of community stakeholders (e.g. government, environmental organizations, public interest, business).

Nevertheless, the wood stork is an "indicator" species, challenged by loss of habitat and altered hydrology (need for specific water levels/conditions). Long-term data is available to provide Audubon with information about wood stork nesting and foraging trends. Populations have decreased from more than 6,000 nests in the late 1950s to 600 nests in 2007. Landscape changes have altered the "window of opportunity" for wood storks to nest, forcing them to nest later than historically typical and reducing productivity (number of chicks fledged).

The wood stork is emblematic of the decreasing availability of wetlands and the many species of wildlife that would be imperiled by habitat loss. The mission of Audubon is to protect many species; as it scientifically monitors and executes actions to protect the wood stork, we benefit all native wildlife and human quality of life.

Wading Around for Colony Protection

Ten species of wading bird are protected under the Endangered Species Act and several "common" species are on the Audubon declining species watch list. Wading bird habitats are also nesting sites for other types of birds such as cormorants and brown pelicans. To protect these birds, we must help defend their nesting and foraging sites, comprised primarily of freshwater wetlands.

As with protecting the wood stork, protecting inland and coastal wetlands are critical to preserving wildlife habitats and supporting sustainable populations of many birds and wildlife species that we look forward to seeing in our neighborhoods and throughout the state.

Flying Like an Eagle

In the early 1970s, Bald Eagle populations dropped to levels that could have led to extinction without the passage of the Endangered Species Act. Today, the eagle has been declared "recovered," and this year was delisted from the Endangered Species List.

The eagle represent a victory in the message of conservation. Eagle ambassadors provide excellent outreach opportunities, and programs like EagleWatch have enabled people to participate in education and research activities.

Our national symbol has been a catalyst for the protection of many species. By signaling the dangers of DDT and other dangers, it also made us aware of issues of importance to human health and well-being.

Green Florida/Blue Florida: An Audubon of Florida Assembly Session

2007-11-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

Presented by Henry Dean, Audubon board member, Vickie Larson, President Ecospatial Analysts, Inc., Eric Draper, Deputy Director, Audubon of Florida, and Cynthia Guerra, Environmental Resources Project Supervisor, Miami-Dade County.

Before 1972, there was no major environmental land acquisition program in Florida. Since the 1970s, programs like the Environmental Endangered Lands, CARL and Preservation 2000 programs served as critical programs that has enabled the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands throughout the State of Florida.

Florida Forever followed, as a $9 billion, ten-year program to acquire, protect and manage land and water habitats and infrastructure. It is near expiration, and most of the financial allocation of $300 million per year has been spent (Approximately $25 million remain for acquisition spending). Funding was provided for seven organizations responsible for recreational, environmental and water management. Florida Forever has acquired 560,000 acres throughout the state toward these land and water management objectives. Millions of additional acres are needed to comprehensively address existing projects and strategies.

Acquisition and Restoration Council members are delegated by the Governor to hear the concerns and suggestions of citizens in regard to Florida Forever projects. Potential projects/acquisitions are ranked by the committee and acquisition lists are created according to these rankings.

Case Study: Miami

The Environmentally Endangered Lands Program was a property tax increase with the goal of raising $90 million for a land acquisition and management trust fund. Like the Florida Forever program, potential acquisition sites are prioritized for biological viability, manageability and vulnerability. Much of the actual and potential acquisition area is in the southern areas of the county due to the extensive urbanization to the north.

Major habitat projects are the South Dade Wetlands, rock pinelands and tropical hardwood hammocks. More than 18,000 acres has been acquired by Miami-Dade County. Why is this important? For example, only 2% of pine rocklands, an important upland habitat, exists.

An additional $40 million was raised through a general obligation bond program, which will go toward further acquisition and management activities. Miami-Dade County recognizes the importance of recreational planning, ecological restoration and land stewardship as part of the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program.

The View from Tallahassee
We are within reach of having one-third of the state in a protected status through land acquisition or private conservation easements. Audubon members can contribute grassroots advocacy for continued initiatives to acquire and protect Florida lands.

Declining revenues are threatening state-level opportunities for environmental programs, including water trust and land management funds. What can we do as Audubon members? Contact your legislators and tell them you want them to earmark funds to acquire and manage lands for the benefit of Florida's citizens.

Merritt Island with the Audubon Assembly

2007-11-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a Florida treasure, representing biodiversity through wetland, scrub, salt marsh and coastal habitats. The Audubon of Florida Assembly hosted a tour of the refuge for Assemble attendees. We had the privilege of birding the wetlands of Bio Lab Road and the refuge's coastal dunes and beaches.

Birds viewed during the driving tour include:

Ruddy turnstone
Black skimmer
Fish crow
Royal tern
Black vulture
Short-billed dowitcher
Turkey vulture
Snowy egret
Eurasian collared dove
Osprey
Northern harrier
Great egret
Tricolor heron
Anhinga
Eastern phoebe
Double crested cormorant
Western sandpiper
Dunlin
Sanderling
Palm warbler
Brown pelican
Pie-billed grebe
Great blue heron
Little blue heron
Wood stork
White ibis
Glossy ibis
Willet
Boat-tail grackle
American avocet
American coot
Red winged blackbird
Greater yellowlegs
Bald eagle
Sharp-shinned hawk
Cardinal
Red-shoulder hawk
Kingfisher

Gumbo Limbo/Spanish River Field Trip

2007-10-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

November 10, 2007: Gumbo Limbo/Spanish River Field Trip

The Broward County Audubon Society (BCAS) will host a birding field trip on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 North Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, followed by a visit to Spanish River Park. Field trip leader: Rick Newman. Meet in the Gumbo Limbo parking area at 8:00 a.m. Everyone welcome. Donation: $5 per person. For more information, contact the BCAS by telephone at 954-232-1956.

The BCAS Birdcast

2007-10-26T10:34:00.000-05:00

Have you listened to the new BCAS Birdcast? The Birdcast is a simple podcast consisting of occasional audio comments from BCAS member Heidi Estrin and others. Reports on birding outings and other nature-related events will be the theme of the program.

If you are currently reading this blog post at browardaudubon.blogspot.com, you will see our Birdcast flash player in the sidebar on the right. You can click the play button to listen to the most recent episode, or you can click on the "POSTS" button to select an earlier episode from the list. Want to subscribe to the Birdcast in iTunes, have new posts e-mailed to you, or add the flash player to your own blog or web page? Click the "GET PODCAST" button!

If you are currently reading this blog post at the BCAS web page at browardaudubon.org, or through any other blogreader, you will not see the flash player. In that case, please visit http://www.gcast.com/u/BCAS/main.xml to play, subscribe to, or otherwise access the Birdcast.

The BCAS Birdcast is a very simple podcast, created by phonecasting. If YOU would like to volunteer to create a more polished podcast for BCAS, please let us know! E-mail warbler@browardaudubon.org.

Action Alert: Time for YOUR Comments!

2007-10-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

Public comment needed by Tuesday, October 23!

A developer has applied to the Army Corps of Engineers for permission to fill in 8 acres of wetlands directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, in order to create an island for single family housing. The island would have almost 2,750 feet of seawall, and would destroy almost 6 acres of seagrass and other marine benthic habitat, negatively impacting the endangered Small-toothed Sawfish and West Indian Manatee.

The park recently completed a restoration project that improved water flow and tidal exchange, but construction of an artificial island would increase turbidity, decreasing photosynthesis and suffocating the submerged aquatic vegetation which serves as an essential fish habitat.

In addition, an increase in boat traffic, combined with the presence of seawalls on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway, would hasten the deterioration of the seawalls as boat wakes constantly batter the seawalls and undermine their foundations. The increased wave action would also contribute to an increase in water turbidity.

What can you do about it?

The Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments on this project through October 23. Please write to Leah Oberlin at the Army Corps of Engineers at Leah.A.Oberlin@saj02.usace.army.mil to express your opinion about the negative impacts of the proposed development. In addition to the Army Corps of Engineers, you may wish to bring this to the attention of the Mayor and Commissioners of the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Broward County Commission, your state and federal congressional officials, Governor Crist, and any others in a position to help.

You can read the official public notice here.
The sample letter below was supplied by Cry of the Water.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Ms. Oberlin,

Please deny the application for Sunrise Bay SAJ-2007-57.

Initial determination by the Corps is that the proposed action could have substantial adverse impact on Essential Fish Habitat and federally managed fish in the South Atlantic region, yet the Corps is rejecting the need for a EIS (Environmental Impact Statement). If this project is not denied a full EIS should be conducted on this project. The cumulative loss of habitat in Broward county continues to have a detrimental effect on our county's natural resources.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park contains several native biological communities including sections of mangroves along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) providing habitat for several species of herons, other shoreline animals, juvenile breeding grounds for fish species and several endangered and threatened animals and plants. Construction of an island across from the park could have detrimental affects on this sensitive habitat.

Public notice of this project did not include where the fill material to create an island within the bay would come from and if any dredging would take place.Dredging, trucking or bringing in the fill by barge will have different impacts to the surrounding area and was not explained in the notice.

The bay area to be filled is part of a tidal system and the loss of the this system will have a cascading affect on local marine fisheries.

Destruction of 8 acres of Seagrass and other benthic habitat is unacceptable.

Broward County's uncontrollable growth is putting a strain on all our resources and infrastructure, filling the bays along the ICW for housing will add to the loss of natural resources that we cannot afford to lose.

Fertilizer runoff from homes along the intracoastal is already affecting our waterways this new source so close to the park will only add to the impacts.

I am requesting that a public hearing be held in Broward County. The reasons for the hearing are that:
1) this project will affect a large number of people in adjacent communities that have a right to be heard on this issue.
2) This project may affect navigation on the ICW.
3) As we reach build out in Broward County this project will encourage builders to fill in our wetlands and waterways for additional building sites.
4) Project will affect sovereign submerged land and marine and Essential Fish Habitat.

Thank you
Name & Address

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