Florida

WINTER 2009 / 2010

Naturalist

AUDUBON’S
CORKSCREW SWAMP
SANCTUARY
NAMED A RAMSAR
WETLAND OF
INTERNATIONAL
IMPORTANCE
2009 – 2010
Board of Directors
John Hankinson, Jr., Chairman
Creative Solutions for the Environment
J. T. Ambrozy, Vice Chairman
Philanthropist
John Robert Middlemas, Vice Chairman
Northwest Region
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
John F. Flanigan, Esq., Immediate Past
Chairman “The Voice of Florida Conservation” — I remember being inspired by this phrase early
Moyle, Flanigan, Katz, Raymnd & Sheehan
John Sorey, Board Secretary in my career. It describes an organization of grassroots leaders and professional staff
Management Support Systems, Inc. who participate in a tradition of protecting natural Florida that has flourished since
Christine Andrews, Ph.D., Board Treasurer
Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society
the 19th century.
Richard Gragg, Ph.D., Asst. Secretary
Florida A&M University Environmental Nature teaches us that change is inevitable, and Audubon’s voice is changing. My
Sciences Institute
Sandy Batchelor friend and former boss David Anderson, who led Audubon of Florida well for the
The Batchelor Foundation, Inc. past five years, left our nest in November. As I assumed the role of Acting Executive
Fred Bennett
Lykes Brothers, Inc.
Director and worked with David on a smooth transition, I also stepped up my com-
Missy Christie mitment to this beautiful part of the world we call Florida. I pledged even more of my
Venice Area Audubon Society time, energy, and resources to advance Audubon’s goals and objectives and I call on
Neil Davies
Northeast Region, Flagler Audubon Society you to do the same.
Henry Dean
Former Executive Director, Audubon’s voice in Florida has grown to include four conservation science centers,
South Florida Water Management District
John W. Elting habitat restoration, raptor rehabilitation, and yes, the most effective environmental
Naturalist and philanthropist policy work in the state. More importantly, our network of locally-led Audubon chap-
Charles Geanangel
Lake Region Audubon Society ters continues to flourish. While Everglades restoration is finally advancing, funding
Dave Kandz for the Florida Forever public lands program has been halted. Springs, lakes, and
Gulf Coast Region, rivers are suffering increased nutrient pollution, and climate change solutions must
St. Petersburg Audubon Society
Randy LaBauve be codified into statewide clean energy policies.
Florida Power & Light Co.
Carlos Lacasa, Esq.
Everglades Region
Audubon will help provide solutions to these and other conservation challenges. We
Neil J. Lamb, Ph.D. have a unique approach to connecting people with nature that uses recorded obser-
Bay County Audubon Society vations of scientists and everyday birdwatchers, renews ecosystems, and works with
Stuart Langton, Ph.D.
Stuart Langton and Associates partners to defend and advance environmental policies and funding. As you enjoy
Sheri Ford Lewin this edition of the Florida Naturalist, consider using the enclosed envelope to make a
Environmental Resource Marketing
West McCann
year-end gift to strengthen the “Voice of Conservation.” Then go out and enjoy the
Northern Trust Bank holiday season and the gift of nature we call Florida.
Ann Moore
Member at Large
Cynthia Plockelman Eric Draper
Audubon Society of the Everglades
Diane Reed
St Johns County Audubon Society
Doug Santoni
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Michael Sheridan
Fringe Benefits Management Company Acting Executive Director
Katie Sproul Audubon of Florida
Barron Collier Companies
Andy Stamper, DVM
Disney’s Animal Programs
Robert Stamps, Ph.D.
Central Region, Orange Audubon Society
Barbara Sheen Todd
Gulf Coast Region
Jens Tripson
Central Region, Pelican Island Audubon Society
Doug Warns, Ph.D.
Audubon of Martin County
George W. Willson
Willson Consulting, LLC

Burrowing owl by Christina Evans
ENERGY, WATER
AND MONEY
will dominate 2010 Legislature
Florida’s struggling economy will shape the debate on environmental issues in the state’s 2010 legisla-
tive session. From oil drilling to water policy, an insistent demand to waive longstanding protections on
natural resources will require extraordinary vigilance from Audubon and our conservation allies.

Ironically, the beautiful coastlines and clean water that have been the foundation of Florida’s
tourism-based economy may be sacrificed to short-term, unsustainable economic agendas. Support
from every Audubon member will be important to rebuffing these shortsighted proposals.

Simultaneously, Audubon will be working to fund Florida Forever and keep money flowing for
Everglades restoration. For the first time in nearly 30 years, the 2009 legislature failed to fund state
land conservation programs. Audubon must insist that part of the state budget, however small, be
targeted to maintaining the commitment to preserve the natural places that make Florida special.

Audubon is committed to refocusing the energy debate from oil drilling to conservation and renewable power. Conservation is also the solution to
Florida’s perennial water problems. Your help is needed to confront Tallahassee about energy, water, and funding. You can do three things:
• Get to know your legislators. Write, call or visit. Tell them you care about Florida’s environment.
• Subscribe to free online legislative updates by visiting www.audubonofflorida.org and clicking on Take Action.
• Use the enclosed envelope to make a contribution to Audubon’s Florida policy work.

TALKING POINTS YOU CAN USE TO HELP DELIVER VOTES FOR CONSERVATION
Energy (Drilling vs. renewable energy and conservation) The risks to Florida’s coastline from oil rigs, pipelines, and storage tanks outweigh the
benefits. Florida’s beach-based tourism economy would not recover from a major spill like the one that occurred in 2009 in the Timor Sea near Australia.
Stated potential benefits from drilling, such as jobs and increased tax revenues, have turned out to be untrue. Go to www.Protectfloridasbeaches.org
for more information.

Water for the environment Once more the Legislature may consider caving in to developers and rewriting Florida’s water laws to weaken protection for
wetlands and springs, while making it easier for urban areas to grab water from natural and undeveloped areas. We must retain existing laws that allow
citizens to say, “Hands off our water!” And we need to make sure that state agencies move forward with rules to control pollution draining into the
Everglades and other waterways.

Florida Forever Just $10 million in initial debt service will allow the state to issue $300 million in bonds to preserve land. Nearly two million acres of
special habitats await state purchase. We must buy that land now before it is lost forever.

Everglades Restoration Audubon supports full funding for the state’s share of Everglades restoration costs and for cleaning up Lake Okeechobee. Along
with state funds, Audubon will seek new rules to prevent pollution from entering the Everglades ecosystem. Human waste and farm fertilizers continue
to add far too much nutrient pollution to the waterways that flow into the Everglades.

Do your part to help secure Florida’s environment for future generations.

OTHER EVERGLADES NEWS

Audubon has intervened in a state court to allow the South Florida Water Management District to sell bonds to finance purchase
of U.S. Sugar lands for restoration purposes.
Audubon will join the Everglades Foundation in hosting the first-ever Everglades Summit in Washington, DC. For information on
participating in the summit, contact Julie Hill Gabriel at 305-371-6399 or jgabriel@audubon.org.

Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 3

 1 2

3 4

1. Keynote speaker Dr. Sylvia Earle, author and Explorer in Residence of the National Geographic Society, with John Flicker, president of the National Audubon Society.

2. Florida Women in Conservation honored at the Audubon Assembly, left to right: Nancy Douglass, Guy Bradley Award recipient; Heidi McCree, Florida’s Special Places Award recipient; Traci Romine,
Audubon Staff Award of Distinction recipient; keynote speaker Dr. Silvia Earle; Barbara Sheen Todd, Theodore Roosevelt Award for Conservation Achievement recipient; Mary Barley, Champion of the
Everglades Award recipient; Betty Castor, Audubon of Florida’s first recipient of the Florida Women in Conservation Award.

3. Craig Pittman and Matthew Waite (seated) signed copies of their book Paving Paradise: Florida’s Vanishing Wetlands and chatted with Mark Kraus of the Everglades Foundation (in background),
and Audubon’s Jason Lauritsen and Brad Cornell.

4. Eric Draper, Audubon of Florida’s acting executive director, moderated the Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation.

5. A nature preserve on the hotel’s grounds offered convenient birding opportunities to Assembly participants.

AUDUBON THANKS THE DIALOGUE PLANNING PARTNERS

Florida Department of Environmental Protection • Southwest Florida Water Management District •
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • U.S. Geological Survey • University of Miami Rosenstiel School of
Marine and Atmospheric Science • University of Central Florida • Florida Atlantic University •
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2009 AUDUBON ASSEMBLY in St. Petersburg

Dialogue panelists, left to right: Dr. Ellen Prager, Chief Scientist, Aquarius Reef Base; Nick Wiley, Assistant Executive Director,
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Michael W. Sole, Secretary, Florida Department of Environmental
Protection; David L. Moore, Executive Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District.

About 250 conservation and business leaders, scientists, and university students kicked off the 2009
Audubon Assembly in October by participating in a Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation.

The Dialogue began with a lively discussion between expert panelists and engaged citizens. Then everyone put their heads together and developed
more than 25 recommendations to reduce coastal vulnerability to sea level rise, storms and storm surges; protect infrastructure and freshwater
resources; plot financial strategies; and minimize effects of climate change on people and wildlife. To download a report on the proceedings and
the full recommendations, visit www.audubonofflorida.org and click on Cutting Edge Conservation at the top of the page.

Following that rousing session, participants enjoyed awards luncheons, engaged in learning sessions, and gathered for the Women in Conservation
banquet featuring a compelling speech by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. There was even time to connect with nature on field trips organized by
St. Petersburg Audubon Society, or just strolling along the boardwalk in the Carillon Park conservation area.

The Assembly culminated with an animated session to set Audubon’s 2010 conservation agenda (summarized on pages 6 – 7 of this issue), an instructive
workshop on opposing oil drilling, and an inspiring interlude of storytelling about the ways climate change is affecting our everyday environment.

SPECIAL THANKS TO 2009 AUDUBON ASSEMBLY SPONSORS

Adage • Southwest Florida Water Management District • Mosaic Fertilizer • Progress Energy • Plum Creek Timber • Florida Gas Transmission Co. •
Entrix • Florida Power & Light • SeaWorld • University of Central Florida • Palm Island Resort • Max West Environmental Systems • Royal Caribbean
International • Golder Associates • Columbia County Tourist Development Council • St. Petersburg Audubon Society

Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 5

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park by Christina Evans

Protecting Nature’s Abundance

Audubon of Florida’s 2010 Conservation Priorities

More than 200 conservation leaders gathered in October and approved the 2010 statewide and regional conservation priorities
at the Audubon Assembly in St. Petersburg. This is a powerful moment when Audubon’s community affirms its commitment
to conserving natural habitats for the benefit of birds and wildlife so each generation can thrive and enjoy nature’s abundance.

Priorities are recommended by the policy committee of Audubon’s board. Chapter-led Regional Conservation Committees
recommend regional concerns. Nine resolutions capturing these priorities were passed for 2010. All share the common
commitment that Audubon of Florida, deploying professional staff and expertise and using information derived from sound science
in alignment with the volunteer leadership of Audubon societies (chapters) will call on our members and grassroots networks, and
work with conservation allies, business, community leaders, and public officials.

Audubon will focus on three major conservation initiatives and six regional plans in 2010, all of which rest on a framework
of five general policy areas: climate change and energy policy, growth management and transportation, public land protection
and management, water resource protection, and wildlife policy.

Statewide Conservation Priorities for 2010

Climate Change – To address this serious emerging threat to the world’s biodiversity and wildlife, Audubon will take aggressive
stands on a range of policies to establish and meet greenhouse gas emission reductions targets. Priorities include advocating for
strong renewable energy and energy efficiency policies in Florida, meaningful climate legislation to cap emissions nationally,
and work toward adoption of policies to adapt to climate change.

Coastal Conservation – Audubon will continue to expand its policy advocacy and communications focus on protecting
coastal habitats. Its unified coastal conservation strategy includes research and advocacy in the coastal Everglades and coastal
islands, management of colonial bird nesting areas, greatly expanded chapter work on shorebirds, and expanded programs in
northwest and northeast Florida.

Greater Everglades Ecosystem – Restoring and protecting this ecosystem—encompassing three million acres of wetlands
and estuaries—is a keystone issue for Audubon. Every state and federal policy has implications for the Everglades and our
work on restoration issues illustrates the value of Audubon’s science, policy, and grassroots efforts.

Visit www.audubonofflorida.org and click on Cutting Edge Conservation to read the statewide and regional priority resolutions.
Unique conservation efforts for Florida’s specific regions
REGIONAL
CONSERVATION
PRIORITIES FOR 2010
Northeast Florida Ecosystems
The beaches of Northeast Florida are critical to birds in every season, pro-
viding crucial nesting areas for some species, and resting and feeding
areas for migrating and wintering birds.
Audubon’s Northeast office will support Audubon chapters’ efforts to protect
coastal species and oppose activities, including deposition of sand on living
shorelines, dredging, and coastal armoring, which diminish habitat value.
Advocates will work to strengthen existing habitat protection laws and
to protect water resources.
Northwest Florida Ecosystems
The Panhandle and Big Bend coastal areas are among the state’s least-
developed and most ecologically-productive regions. This richness is
jeopardized by proposals to open Florida’s coastal waters to oil drilling.
Audubon and its chapters will focus on blocking attempts to lift the exist-
ing ban on oil and natural gas drilling in state waters or to expand toward
Florida the boundaries of drilling area in federal waters.
Central Florida Ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems in Central Florida are home to the nation’s largest
group of nesting bald eagles. The region’s ecosystems also support a diver-
sity of important wildlife. These systems are compromised by urban sprawl,
misused water resources, and a vehicle-dependent transportation system
that produces major greenhouse gas emissions.
Audubon will work with chapters and volunteers to improve freshwater qual-
ity; support distributed storage to store and cleanse water in the Kissimmee
watershed; enhance and expand land use planning and zoning; foster better
management of existing habitat; and advocate for public transportation to
reduce dependence on cars.
Gulf Coast Ecosystems
Florida’s Gulf coastal areas include essential, often fragile, habitats used
by diverse species of birds, fish, and other wildlife and plants. Much of
Swallow-tailed kite by R. J. Wiley
the region is already altered, disturbed, and dominated by humans,
as population growth and development have diminished habitats.
Audubon will continue its advocacy to protect ecosystems from new threats
such as oil drilling and advocate for regional smart-growth planning; make
science-based decisions to protect springs, lakes, and rivers; advocate for
state and federal policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote
clean energy policies; and advocate for wildlife corridors.
Greater Everglades Ecosystem
This ecosystem has been ditched, drained, polluted, invaded by exotic species,
and paved over for buildings and roads. As a result, many species are jeop-
ardized, and wading bird super-colonies that once symbolized the ecosys-
tem are all but gone. Progress was made in 2009 to jumpstart bridging for
Tamiami Trail and begin the first phase of the C-111 canal project to increase
natural freshwater flows to the southern Everglades and Florida Bay.
Building on successes, Audubon will advocate for a 2010 Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA) to authorize priority projects and work toward
federal funding for restoration projects. It will focus on improving water
quality, protecting Lake Okeechobee, ensuring that Everglades restoration
moves quickly to combat the worst impacts of climate change, and will
guard against the encroachment of development.
Southwest Florida Ecosystems
Southwest Florida is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.
Working from the science and policy base of the Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary and advocacy resources statewide, Audubon will work to mini-
mize the impact of this growth on specific components of the region’s
ecosystems, and proactively focus on broad conservation achievements.
Audubon will protect and restore components of Big Cypress, Corkscrew,
Caloosahatchee, Fisheating Creek, and Charlotte Harbor ecosystems; support
state, local, water management district and regional land acquisition; and
ensure the protection necessary for essential habitat preservation, restora-
tion, and water management.
Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 7
FLORIDA GEM
BECOMES A WORLD JEWEL
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is designated a Ramsar Wetland
of International Importance

Audubon of Florida’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, home of the world’s largest stand of virgin
cypress trees, and the associated Panther Island Mitigation Bank (PIMB), has been listed as
a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

Official designation on Ramsar’s list underscores the need to protect this vital resource from
a host of threats, including invasive species and development in sensitive watersheds for which
Corkscrew is an essential link. Nearly 200 species of birds thrive in the sanctuary, renowned as
home to America's largest nesting colonies of federally endangered wood storks. The storks
nest in majestic 600-year-old cypress tress, some as tall as 40 meters.

Also included in the designation are lands totaling more than 2,700 acres that were contributed
to the Sanctuary, together with management funding in perpetuity, by the Panther Island
Mitigation Bank. The mitigation bank project successfully restored degraded wetlands and pro-
vided additional wood stork habitat that complements the Corkscrew sanctuary. This is the first
time Ramsar has recognized mitigation bank property.

Adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands promotes
conservation of wetland habitats around the world, from the Florida Everglades to Africa’s
Corkscrew composite image by R.J. Wiley
Okavango Delta. Corkscrew’s listing marks the second Audubon sanctuary in the nation to receive
the Ramsar designation. Audubon’s Beidler Forest in South Carolina was listed in 2008.

Created in 1954 to protect old-growth cypress forest from loggers, Corkscrew is a 13,000-acre Located at 375 Sanctuary Road West in
sanctuary inland from Naples and Fort Myers on Florida’s west coast. In 1950, the Audubon Naples, Corkscrew is open to visitors from
Society purchased the area, protecting the ecosystem not only for birds, but for the Florida panther, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day between April 11
American alligator, black bear, Florida royal palm, and rare ghost orchid. The Sanctuary also and September 30. Between October 1 and
supports a diversity of neotropical migrants, large numbers of wintering land birds, and the April 10, Corkscrew is open to the public from
third-largest roost for swallow-tailed kites in the country. 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission to the board-
walk within one hour of closing is not allowed.
The Ramsar listing corroborates what many visitors and philanthropists already sense—that The Sanctuary may close when severe weather
Corkscrew is an irreplaceable part of the planet’s interconnected web of life. Annually 100,000 threatens. For information on admission fees,
people visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Blair Audubon Center in Naples, including call 239-348-9151.
6,000 school children, contributing to Audubon’s effort to connect people with nature. Ongoing
generous support helps Audubon maintain and protect this international jewel and provide the
education and ecological management that will protect it for generations.

The Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, www.ramsar.org, is an

intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
 Wood storks by R.J. Wiley
A VICTORY
for Wetlands, Wood Storks, Water, and All Supporters
of the Save Our Swamp Initiative

Cocohatchee Slough wetlands flowing from Audubon of Florida’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the wood stork habitat so important to this species
received important protection in October. A federal judge agreed with Audubon and its allies, ruling to revoke a wetlands destruction permit issued
to a developer in 2007.

Audubon of Florida, Collier County Audubon Society, National and Florida Wildlife Federations, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, with litigation
support from the Everglades Foundation, have been working for years to protect the Cocohatchee Slough from harmful development. In his ruling, federal
District Judge Jose Martinez revoked the Mirasol wetland destruction permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2007, and invalidated the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service’s biological opinion, which assesses the project’s potential threat to endangered wood storks nesting at Corkscrew.

The basis for the permit’s revocation was agreement with the environmental groups’ claim that accounting for the cumulative impacts of all the devel-
opment in the same watershed was inadequate. Mirasol would destroy 645 acres of wetlands and stork habitat in order to build two golf courses and
799 homes, while other adjacent projects would destroy at least another 500 acres.

A ruling from the same judge on a similar challenge is expected soon. Audubon and its allies filed against the adjacent Saturnia Falls project. While the
judge’s rulings can be appealed, it is not clear what will happen next. This decisive victory for wetland and habitat protection is the result of the support
and persistence of Audubon’s members, friends, and allies.

Least tern and chick © Dave Macri

Action Worthy of a National Park

Beach driving now prohibited at Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument beach on
Matanzas Inlet can begin to heal and reveal a
beauty previously hidden beneath scars of tire
tracks. The National Park Service—at the urging
of Audubon of Florida, Audubon chapters,
National Parks Conservation Association, turtle
patrols, volunteers and supporters—announced
that effective January l, 2010, the beach will be
closed to vehicles year round.
For vulnerable shorebirds and seabirds, and
pedestrian beachgoers alike, this ruling provides
important protection. Visitors can enjoy a beach
experience worthy of a national park, sitting at the
water’s edge without feeling they are in a parking
lot, strolling across the sand without dodging deep
tire ruts (like those visible in the photo at right),
and enjoying the spectacle of abundant wildlife.
One of two never-dredged inlets on Florida’s east
coast, Matanzas supports the largest reported has the potential to become an ecotourism
beach-nesting least tern colony on Florida’s destination of national importance and visitors
Atlantic coast. It was one of only two beach sites will enjoy a more national park-like experience.
from Flagler to Nassau counties to fledge least
tern chicks this year. Matanzas Inlet is home to Audubon applauds the Park Service for imple-
several families of Wilson’s plovers and offers pre- menting and enforcing this significant protec-
cious feeding and resting habitat for a variety of tion measure, and thanks its friends, partners,
shorebirds and seabirds. A migrating red knot—a chapter conservation leaders, and supporters
species in danger of extinction—banded in 2006 who have helped to restore a healthy equilibrium
in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, was observed feed- to Matanzas Inlet and the species that depend
ing at the shoreline in May 2009 after its 6,000- on this living beach.
mile migration from the south. One must admire
this special guest, which stopped at Matanzas to
prepare for another journey of 2,000 miles to nest-
ing grounds in the Arctic.
A permanent end to beach driving at the
Monument lets the Park Service meet its legal
obligation to protect these important species
and public trust resources. Fort Matanzas beach
Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 9
THANK YOU Audubon is deeply grateful to all the individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations whose generous
contributions supported our conservation work throughout Florida during our fiscal year 2009. The following list
recognizes donors from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009
$100,000 and above
The Batchelor Foundation
The Everglades Foundation, Inc.
$50,000 - $99,999
The Energy Foundation
FPL Group Foundation
R. Kirk Landon and Pamela
Garrison
The Martin Foundation
The St. Joe Company
$25,000 - $49,999
Collier County Audubon Society
Conoco Phillips Company -
Victoria Tschinkel
Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund
Hammock Creek Green LLC
Lake Nona Marketing, LLC
Mitigation Marketing, LLC -
Dennis Benbow
The Nature Conservancy - Florida
Perkins Charitable Foundation
Pinellas County Community
Foundation -
Theodore & Marian Tonne Fund
Elaine and Scott Taylor
$10,000 - $24,999
Joseph T. Ambrozy
Anonymous
Gordon J. Barnett Memorial
Foundation
Barron Collier Companies
Bonita Bay Group
Fred and Judy Buechner
The Chingos Foundation
Marjorie Drescher
The Elizabeth Ordway Dunn
Foundation
John Elting
Environmental Defense -
Action Fund
Stuart Langton
The Forrest and Frances Lattner
Foundation
Marcia MacKinnon
Gloria M. & W. Douglas Pitts
The Rayonier Foundation
Robert F. Schumann Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society Lojo Foundation
Mae Wood VS Consulting - Sheri Ford Lewin Kate Luzius
Worksite Communications, Inc. – Wheelabrator McKay Bay M. Mallory Lykes
Joe Guardino & Michael Joan Marinelli
Sheridan $1,000 - $2,499 Lowell & Elizabeth Mason
Paul and Christine Andrews J. West McCann
$5,000 - $9,999 Ralph Arwood Meredith Corp. Foundation -
Jaye Barrett Geraldine Baer Sharon and Richard Stilwell
Robert and Francine Barrett Mary Barley James Morris
CF Industries Inc. Edward E. & Lillian Bishop Stephen Nellis
Joanne and John DallePezze Foundation Lois Paradise
Foundation Mike Brookins Sarasota Audubon Society
The Frank E. Duckwall John T. Bullitt P. Lynn Scarlett
Foundation, Inc. Kevin and Julia Burkett Susan Schumann-Skehan
Richard and Mary Ann Ellison Paul Burnham James H. Sigsbee
Gray Robinson Attorneys at Law Thomas Carr Elinor Beidler Siklossy Foundation
John Henry Hankinson Clearwater Audubon Society Christine Smith
Lykes Bros., Inc. Barron Collier Companies John Sorey
MPS Foundation - Joanne Arbaugh Community Foundation of New J. Holley Taylor
Navron Corporation Jersey - Edward & Lois The Carol Coleman Timmis
Pinellas County Community Konikowski Foundation LTD
Foundation - Bushnell Fund F. W. Corrigan Venice Area Audubon Society
Douglas Santoni Cheryl Cummer Doug and Madeleine Warns
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens David Dance Richard Williams
Conservation Fund W. Michael and Linda Dennis Bill and Ginnie Young
Stallion 51 Corp - Lee Lauderback Genevieve Dimmitt
Ernst Steudle Eagle Audubon Society
Jim and Jonnie Swann Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund - We apologize for any omissions or
TECO Energy Dana Fund errors on this list. Please contact the
Wodecroft Foundation - GE Foundation Development Dept. at 305-371-6399
Mrs. Roger Drackett Neil Guesero to report additions or corrections.
Stanley and Mildred Zamo Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
Foundation Company, LLC
Gubelmann Family Foundation
$2,500 - $4,999 Winston Guest
John Burkhart Gulf Coast Community Foundation
CGMK Foundation of Venice
John F. Flanigan Hamill Family Foundation
E. Candace Forsyth Hamilton Family Foundation
Kenneth Anthony Hale Harold L. Wyman Foundation, Inc.-
B.D. & Jane E. McIntyre Walter and Barbara Korntheuer
Foundation Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings
John Robert Middlemas Foundation
John Murphy Ethel Huisking
Northern Trust Eloise Ingram
Orion Dredging Services K2 Engineering Inc.
Richard Pettigrew Josephine Kixmiller
Progress Energy of Florida Landon, Moree & Associates, Inc.
Reef Rod & Gun Club, Inc. Jean Langton

Photo courtesy of Scott Todd Photography.
When he was growing up in
the countryside near Fort Wayne,
Indiana, Dennis Benbow was
fascinated with the outdoors.
DENNIS BENBOW
Working to conserve natural Florida
When he was growing up in the countryside near Fort Wayne,
Indiana, Dennis Benbow was fascinated with the outdoors. “I have
had more than 200 birds as pets,” Benbow recalls, “several of them
rescued from the wild after being injured.”
Forty years ago, Benbow moved to Florida to take a job in the
agricultural industry. “In 1993 I had the good fortune to meet
Audubon of Florida’s Charles Lee. I was impressed by his knowl-
edge, and by Audubon’s dedication to protecting natural places
and providing habitat for wildlife. I quickly saw that we were
working toward the same goal, and thought perhaps we could
work together to better locate environmentally-sensitive properties,
putting them under conservation to provide for wildlife.” Benbow
has been a major contributor to Audubon’s programs and intends
to continue his support.
In 1998 Benbow incorporated Mitigation Marketing, which repre-
sents 31,500 acres of restored and protected uplands and wetlands
in Florida. “My company’s mitigation banks create, restore, and
enhance habitat to provide wildlife sanctuaries,” he explains. To
gather even more support for habitat conservation initiatives, he
recently founded a statewide group, the Florida Association of
Mitigation Bankers. Benbow and his staff have been active in
fundraising initiatives for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey,
and are dedicated to continuing the Center’s growth.
He recalls with pride the day in 2006 when he released Lucky,
a rescued bald eagle, at his first restoration property, located in
Osceola County. Optimistic about the potential of land-banking
in Florida, Benbow sees a trend toward increased development of
property in already-urbanized metropolitan centers. And that will
mean more Florida’s lands and wetland areas will remain in a
wild state for the benefit of birds and other wildlife.
Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 11
 Kestrel with holiday tree by Susie Warren
Looking for the perfect gift
for the person who has everything?
Look no further.

Giving green and supporting your favorite conservation organization can go a long way to help Florida’s environment. The Adopt a Bird program
at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is an important way you can participate in the conservation of Florida’s magnificent raptors housed and
treated at the Center.

The perfect holiday gift, an “adoption” is an annual investment in the care, feeding, and medical treatment of birds brought to the Center for care,
and those permanently housed there for educational programs. An adoption packet includes a certificate, photo, biography, and species information.
Adoption levels range from $35 and up. Download an adoption form at www.audubonofflorida.org or call 407-644-0190 for more details.

The Center is open during the holiday season, so bring family and friends to learn about Audubon conservation and Florida’s magnificent raptors.
Center hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

THINK OF YOUR BEQUEST

TO AUDUBON OF FLORIDA AS
AN INVESTMENT. HERE ARE
SOME OF THE DIVIDENDS…
Audubon of Florida has been a leader in Florida
conservation for over a century. We are one of
the oldest and most effective advocates for birds,
other wildlife, and their habitats. Please support
our conservation work by including a bequest in
your will, or by naming Audubon of Florida as a
beneficiary of your retirement plan assets.

[ W E S U G G E S T T H E F O L L OW I N G WO R D I N G : I bequeath __% of my residuary estate (or $_____) to the National

Audubon Society, Inc., a not-for-profit environemental conservation organization located at 225 Varick St., 7th Floor,

]
PHOTOGRAPH BY R J WILEY

NewYork, NY 10014, for its Florida State Office, known as “Audubon of Florida.”
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TAC T : Claudia Welsh, Audubon of Florida, 444 Brickell Ave., Suite
850, Miami, FL 33131, or call 305-371-6399, Ext. 127.
AUDUBON CENTER FOR
BIRDS OF PREY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
OF RAPTOR REHABILITATION, CONSERVATION, AND EDUCATION IN FLORIDA.

1. Representatives from Disney accept an award from Center

Administrator Katie Warner, far right. Photo courtesy of Scott Todd
Photography, who donated photographic services for the evening.

2.Audubon of Florida’s Charles Lee and his wife Carol Barice at the
celebration. Photo courtesy of Scott Todd Photography.

On November 12, 2009, 140 friends and supporters of the Audubon Center
for Birds of Prey celebrated 30 years of caring for and protecting raptors
while preserving Central Florida’s ecosystems. The celebration, held at the
Fairwinds Alumni Center at the University of Central Florida, honored
Audubon’s Charles Lee, Dr. Robert Hess, and the Disney Worldwide
Conservation Fund.
his own beak healed; and Speedy, the exhausted migrant peregrine falcon
who propelled himself out of the ocean, into a small boat, ate a granola
bar, and was flown by private plane to the Center because his rescuers
had heard about Dr. Hess. To date, Dr. Hess has played a role in the care
of more than 14,000 raptors, more than 40 percent of which have been
released back into the wild.

Miami native Charles Lee cut his conservation teeth on the great early
battles to save the Everglades and other habitats in southeast Florida.
Through 37 years of service to Audubon, Lee has helped governors, cabinet
members, and legislative leaders reach legal and legislative solutions to
issues as diverse as halting the destruction of wetlands to purchasing
state lands for conservation. Audubon is grateful for Lee’s advocacy,
the results of which are visible everywhere in Florida.
Miracles began to happen when veterinarian Robert Hess brought his
skills to the Center. Birds received state-of-the-art medical treatment,
including bone grafts and laser surgery. Some of Dr. Hess’s memorable
patients include Stevie-Ray, the eagle with corneal damage who wore
protective contact lenses while his eyes recovered; Jimmy Durante, a
barred owl who wore a temporary beak fashioned of dental acrylic while
Audubon’s partnership with the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has
been vital to the Center’s EagleWatch program. Its support over the years
has helped Audubon to expand what began as a three-county program
in 1992 into an initiative that keeps an eye on more than 25 percent of
Florida’s nesting bald eagles. More than 300 citizen-science volunteers
now monitor upwards of 250 urban eagle nests. The Center treasures the
partnership, as well as the broader relationship Audubon and Disney
have enjoyed for many years.
The Wind Beneath Our Wings celebration raised nearly $30,000. This
support will ensure that the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey remains
the gold standard for raptor rehabilitation east of the Mississippi, and
continues the conservation work so vital to preserving Florida’s special
places and their inhabitants.

Thank you, sponsors of Wind Beneath Our Wings

Mary Barley • Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund • Environmental Resource Marketing • Clay Henderson • Massey Services, Inc. • Mitigation
Marketing, LLC • Nathaniel Reed • Donald Reid, Jr. • Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell • John Sowinski • University of Central Florida.
Audubon of Florida is grateful to the individuals, companies and organizations who contributed to the silent auction. Special thanks to the
Elaine Berol Taylor & Scott Bevan Taylor Foundation for matching support of the silent auction.
Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 13
Congratulations to 2009 Chapter Award Winners

Pictured left to right: Lesley Royce, conservation chair, and

Carole Adams, president, Duval Audubon; Mauri Dietrich,
president, and Dave Kandz, conservation chair, St. Petersburg
Audubon; former executive director David Anderson, chapter
coordinator Jacqui Sulek; Paula Wehr, vice president, Halifax
River Audubon; Neil Lamb, president, Bay County Audubon,
and Carolyn McKinney,Tampa Audubon.

More than twenty chapter nominations were submitted this year, making the competition tough. Members of the award
selection committee worked diligently to review and score the nominations. Here are the results.

Best Chapter Membership Recruitment Program: Tampa Audubon Society

People join Audubon chapters for many reasons, and one of them is to have fun. Frog listening, bat bonding, raffles, field trips and creative programming
were some of the many ways that Tampa Audubon attracted 58 new chapter-generated members in 2009. The emphasis is on chapter-generated.

Best Chapter Education Program: Bay County Audubon Society

Education is a tool that connects Audubon chapters with their communities. With a ten-member education committee, Bay County Audubon organized
activities for all age groups. A remedial reading teacher had students read “Audubon Adventures” to newborns at a daycare center. Another initiative
had children of varying ages evaluate birding field guides to determine which was best for teaching kids to identify birds. Hands-on projects taught
kids and adults the importance of conservation. Congratulations to Lisa Keppner and her education team.

Best Chapter Conservation Project: Halifax River Audubon

Conservation is the ultimate goal of an Audubon chapter. Halifax River Audubon took the lead in bringing eight different organizations together on
a 16-month project to fund and build an access trail, observation deck, and signage in a little-known area of the Tomoka State Park. The fact that so
many individuals and organizations were willing to volunteer their time and donate funding demonstrates that the community considers it important
to preserve, protect, and conserve our natural resources.

Chapter of the Year: St. Petersburg Audubon Society

A strong chapter shows a steady increase in membership, sound financial status, and strong education and conservation programs. This one is well
known for its Beach Nesting Bird Program, leadership in the protection of Shell Key, its least tern project, and its voice of conservation. In 2009, the chapter
produced a four-day camp for teachers after learning that a similar program at Hog Island in Maine had temporarily closed. Chapter members have been
generous in their donations to Audubon of Florida programs. However, the chapter‘s greatest asset is the commitment of its volunteers. For 100 years, the
culture of conservation has flourished among members of the St. Petersburg Audubon Society, thanks to its outstanding leaders and volunteers.

Best display at Audubon Assembly: Duval Audubon Society

An effective display is one that gets people to stop and look, and perhaps join the chapter. Duval Audubon, with its mini monster truck and cotton-ball
nesting birds on a bed of sand, illustrated the chapter’s primary conservation project, Bird Stewards at Huguenot Memorial Park. The creativity and
humor inherent in the display hinted at the sense of fun that keeps volunteers engaged in the chapter’s serious conservation work.
IN MEMORIAM
ERNIE CALDWELL
Audubon mourns the November 1 passing
of Ernie Caldwell, who served on Audubon
of Florida’s board of directors from October Audubon of Florida Staff
To email a staff member, use: first initial of first name + last name @ audubon.org
2002 through October 2009. A Polk County For example, the email address of a staff member named Red Knot would be rknot@audubon.org.
Commissioner from 1978-1990, he was
appointed to the Non-Mandatory Reclamation
Audubon of Florida State Office
Commission by governors Lawton Chiles, Bob 444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850
Graham, and Bob Martinez. He served on Miami, FL 33131
the Governor's Commission for Everglades 305-371-6399
Restoration and the Future Farmers of Eric Draper,
Acting Executive Director /
America Foundation. In 1996, Caldwell Policy Director
achieved “First in the Nation” status from the Susan Fortunow,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and in State Administration Manager
1999 the EPA named him an Environmental Michelle Frankel, Ph.D.,
Director of Foundation Relations &
Champion. His lifelong passion for the envi- Gov’t Grants
ronment was an inspiration to all who knew Julie Hill Gabriel,
him, and he will be greatly missed. Everglades Policy Associate
Vicky Johnston,
Development Associate
Wendy Martinez,
Contracts & Payables Cood.
John Ogden,
Cornell receives Director of Bird Conservation
Lisa Reichert,
Tavernier Science Center Southwest Florida
115 Indian Mound Trail Collier Audubon Policy Office
Tavernier, FL 33070 Brad Cornell,
305-852-5092 Big Cypress Ecosystem
Jerome Lorenz, Ph.D., Policy Associate
State Director of Research Collier County Audubon Society
Peter Frezza 1020 8th Ave. South, Suite 2
Research Manager Everglades Region Naples, FL 34102
Michael Bush, Field Technician 239-643-7822
Lucille Canavan, Office Manager
Luis Canedo, Research Associate Keys Environmental
Adam Chasey, Field Technisian Restoration Fund
Christian Chauvin, Field Technician Jeanette Hobbs, Manager
Karen Dyer, Research Associate 11399 Overseas Highway, Suite 4E
Greg Ellis, Biologist Marathon, FL 33050
David Green, Analyst 305-289-9988
Shawn Liston, Ph.D.,
Research Manager SW Region Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Michelle Robinson, Biologist 1101 Audubon Way
Erin Woods, Maitland, FL 32751

sustainability award Administrative Assistant

Traci Romine,
Florida Communications and
Brad Cornell was honored with a 2009 Climate Campaign Director
Trailblazer Award from the Urban Land Emoy Suarez,
Institute (ULI) Southwest Florida District
State Finance & Budget Manager
Council. A staff member of Collier County
Megan Tinsley, Everglades Ecosystem
Audubon Society and Audubon of Florida, Science Coordinator
Cornell was cited for his personal work Jacqueline Weisblum,
Everglades Team Leader
and long-term commitment to developing
Claudia Welsh,
sustainable environmental policies in Chief Development Officer
Southwest Florida. “Brad demonstrates a
passion and a sustained commitment to be Policy Office
involved in issues facing the region,” said 2507 Callaway Road, Suite 103
Heather A. Francis on behalf of ULI’s awards Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-222-2473
committee. The ULI is a nonpartisan
Eric Draper,
research and educational institute whose
Acting Executive Director /
mission is to provide leadership in the Policy Director
responsible use of land in creating and Brian Chumney,
sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Policy Research Assistant
Jacqueline Sulek,
Chapter Coordinator
Julie Wraithmell,
Wildlife Policy Coordinator
Financial information about National
Audubon Society can be obtained by writing Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries
to us at 225 Varick St., 7th Floor, New York, 410 Ware Blvd., Suite 702
Tampa, FL 33619
New York, 10014 or as stated below: 813-623-6826
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY FLORIDA Ann Hodgson, Ph.D., Gulf Coast
Ecosystem Science Coordinator
REGISTRATION # CH281: A COPY OF THE Ann Paul, Tampa Bay Area Regional
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL Coordinator
INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE Mark Rachal, Field Biologist
DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY
CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE,
1-800-HELP-FLA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT
IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR REC-
OMMENDATIONS BY THE STATE.
Field Technician
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples, FL 34120
239-348-9151
Ed Carlson, Sanctuary Director
Jason Lauritsen, Assistant Director
Lori Piper, Center Administrator
Harry Bailey, Building Caretaker
Rebecca Beck, Director of Education
Karin Becker, Admissions Assoicate
Steven Corriveau,
Maintenance Supervisor
Paul Gootkin,
Asst. Nature Center Manager
Kathryn Haley, Nature Store
Sales Associate
Mike Knight,
Resource Management Specialist
Deborah Lotter, Educator
Kathleen Rice,
Maintenance Technician
Mary Short, Nature Store Manager
Sally Stein,
Director of Public Programs
Allyson Webb, Resource Manager PIMB
Julia Askey, Sales Associate
Roger Barry, Admissions Associate
Gerald Griggs, Admissions Associate
Mike Shunney, Admissions Associate
Mary Ann Summeralls, Store Associate
Amy Wiggins, Admissions Associate
Ahhochee Hill
Christie Anderberg, Manager
24268 Lake Lindsey Road
Brooksville, FL 34601
352-797- 3545
407-644-0190 / 407-539-5700
Katie Gill Warner,
Center Administrator
Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy
Lynne Flannery,
Education/ Volunteer Coordinator
Dianna Flynt,
Rehabilitation Supervisor
Beth Evans Lott,
Raptor Clinic Technician
Jackie Reiser,
Raptor Rehab Technician
Samantha Stock,
Raptor Clinic Technician
Lynda White, EagleWatch Coordinator
Lake Okeechobee
Watershed Program
Paul Gray, Ph.D., Science Coordinator
Lake Okeechobee Watershed
P.O. Box 707
Lorida, FL 33857
863-655-1831
Northeast Florida Program
Monique Borboen,
NE FL Policy Associate
9601 Ocean Shore Blvd
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-813-5115

Florida Naturalist Winter 2009 / 2010 15

 Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 3953
MIAMI, FL

444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850, Miami, Florida 33131

Tel 305 371 6399 Fax 305 371 6398
www.audubonofflorida.org
WINTER 2009 / 2010
Florida Naturalist is published by Audubon of Florida.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced without
written permission of Audubon of Florida © 2009. All rights reserved.
Acting Executive Director Eric Draper
Communications Director Traci Romine
Post Production Assistance Vicky Johnston and Lisa K. Reichert
Editorial Consultant Susan Cumins
Design and Production Franz Franc Design Group
Cover Tiger swallowtail on pickerel weed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary by R. J. Wiley

Audubon’s 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.

AUDUBON ACADEMY 2010

MARCH 26 – 28, 2010 Sandhill crane by Christina Evans. This species is often sighted
Paramount Plaza Conference Center, Gainesville, FL in Paynes Prairie Preserve.

POSSIBILITIES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

A great weekend awaits you at the 2010 Audubon Academy in Gainesville. Discover potential part-
ners in your community and learn about successful partnership programs in Florida.

Academy workshops will cover plans for wildlife-friendly communities, water issues, chapter tech-
nology challenges and makeovers, NAS chapter services, restoring backyard habitats, ecology train-
ing for teachers, and ways to engage children. Options for fun include field trips to Paynes Prairie
Preserve, a kayak trip on the Ichetucknee River, a visit to a native plant nursery, and a boat trip on
the Ocklawaha River. The Florida Museum of Natural History and the Butterfly Rainforest are only
minutes from the Paramount Plaza.

Socialize with other chapter leaders, staff, and board members from National Audubon Society and
Audubon of Florida. Keynote speakers are Pegeen Hanrahan, Mayor of Gainesville, and bird veteri-
narian/researcher LoraKim Joyner.

Registration materials will be posted at www.audubonofflorida.org in early January. For more details,
contact Jacqui Sulek, Chapters Coordinator, jsulek@audubon.org, 850-251-1297 or Joyce King,
Academy Coordinator, sjoyceking@comcast.net, 352-475-1999.