audubon assembly 2016

October 28-29, 2016, Sirata Beach Resort

Audubon Assembly 2016

One Gulf

Phot

o by

Jean

Hal

l

Schedule of Events

2 Audubon Florida ASSEMBLY 2016

Thursday Location3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Registration Majestic FoyerFriday7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration Majestic Foyer7:00 – 11:45 a.m. Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) Royal Palm7:30 – 11:30 a.m. Field trips Meet in the Lobby11:30 – 11:50 a.m. Rally for the Everglades Conference Center Entrance

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Welcome to the Gulf Lunch Majestic Palm

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Learning Sessions (3 locations)Learning Session A Advocates Needed: How To Lend Your Voice to

Florida’s Coasts and WildlifeKing Palm

Learning Session B Restoring Florida’s Springs and Wetlands to Support a Healthy Gulf Ecosystem

Mediterranean Palm

Learning Session C Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: The Greatest Threats to Florida’s Coastal Habitats

Queen Palm

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Conservation Leadership Initiative Session (CLI participants only)

Royal Palm

3:30 – 3:45 p.m. Break3:45 – 5:15 p.m. Learning Sessions (3 locations)

Learning Session A Advocates Needed: How To Lend Your Voice to Florida’s Coasts and Wildlife

King Palm

Learning Session B Restoring Florida’s Springs and Wetlands to Support a Healthy Gulf Ecosystem

Mediterranean Palm

Learning Session C Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: The Greatest Threats to Florida’s Coastal Habitats

Queen Palm

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Conservation Leadership Initiative Wrap-Up Meeting (CLI students & co-mentors only)

Coconut Palm Pavilion

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reception Coconut Palm Pavilion7:00 – 9:00 p.m. One Gulf Celebration Dinner Majestic PalmSaturday7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast Majestic Palm8:00 – 9:15 a.m. Chapter Celebration Majestic Palm9:15 – 9:30 a.m. Break9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Plenary Session:

Solving Florida’s Coastal Water CrisisMajestic Palm

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Break11:15 – 12:25 p.m. 2017 Conservation Action Agenda Setting Session Mediterranean Palm12:25 – 12:30 p.m. Closing Remarks Mediterranean Palm

A Wilson’s Plover stands watch at its home in Sand Dollar Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) on Marco Island. CWAs provide protected areas safe from disturbance for rare and declining species to nest, rest and feed. With support from Audubon and other advocates, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering the establishment of 10 new and expansion of 5 existing CWAs at its meeting in November. Photo by Jean Hall

Welcome to the Gulf Lunch12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Location: Majestic Palm

Some Things to Sing About: Audubon’s Year for Conservation Eric Draper, Audubon Florida Executive Director

Then, to welcome the Assembly to Florida’s Gulf Coast, we are proud to have John H. Hankinson, Jr, former Executive Director of the Gulf Ecosys-tem Restoration Task Force, as our special guest speaker. The Task Force was responsible for charting a way forward after the Deepwater Horizon Disaster, creating a road map for meaningful restoration with input from the public. In addition to his public service including eight years as Region 4 Administrator with the US Environmental Protection Agency, John served as chairman of the Audubon Florida board of directors, and wields a fierce harmonica in the name of Florida conservation.

Alex Glen, President of Florida Operations for Duke Energy will discuss Duke’s efforts to sustain Florida’s water resources.

One Gulf Celebration Dinner7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location: Majestic Palm

Keynote Speaker: Julie Wraithmell, Deputy Executive Director, Audubon Florida

Join us for an evening celebration of Florida’s conservation champions, featuring National Audubon Society President David Yarnold and keynote presentation by Audubon Florida’s Julie Wraithmell.

David Yarnold has led Audubon since 2010, and he has brought a bold, unifying vision -- Audubon’s first shared conservation goals in more than two decades -- to its powerful grassroots network. Under his leadership, Audubon’s distributed network is becoming a coordinated, collaborative force for hemispheric conservation. With 462 local Chapters, 23 state of-fices and 41 Audubon Centers across the country, Audubon connects nearly four million people, using science, advocacy and education. David will talk about Audubon’s cross-Gulf strategy to mobilize the Audubon network to protect coastal birds from Texas to Florida.

Audubon Florida’s Deputy Director, Julie Wraithmell leads our coastal bird conservation work in partnership with the Florida Shorebird Alliance. Before joining Audubon ten years ago Julie worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for eight years, and led the creation of the Great Florida Birding Trail. In 2015, she was recognized with National Audubon Society’s highest staff honor, the Charles M. Callison Award. Julie will take us on a photographic tour of the power of the Audubon network. Our organization’s partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva-tion Commission in 2016 stands to establish ten new Critical Wildlife Areas for vulnerable waterbirds and other wildlife, and expand an additional five existing CWAs. This bold initiative would create more of these important protected areas in 2016 than have been established in the last 30 years. Hear how Audubon is helping redefine coastal bird conservation in Florida,

how Audubon’s network came together to advance these ambitious propos-als, and how you can help support their final passage in November!

Saturday Networking Breakfast and Chapters Celebration7:00 – 8:00 a.m. – Networking Breakfast8:00 – 9:15 a.m. – Chapter Celebrations and Awards CeremonyLocation: Majestic Palm

Audubon Chapter members are certainly early-risers. That’s why we will meet bright and early Saturday morning for a robust breakfast and networking hour to share ideas about issues facing Chapters. We will then launch into our traditional Chapter awards celebration. Enjoy the appreciation of the heart and soul of the Audubon network and their successes in engaging with both traditional and new partners.

American Oystercatcher at Fort DeSoto North Beach Photo By Reinier Munguia

Audubon Florida ASSEMBLY 2016 3


A) Advocates Needed: How to Lend Your Voice to Florida’s Coasts and WildlifeFriday 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 – 5:15 p.m.Location: King Palm

We are living in an important time for coastal conservation, with both tremendous threats to and remarkable opportunities for coastal resources. Audubon advo-cates have been instrumental in influencing Gulf Restoration, the establishment of 10 new and 5 expanded Critical Wildlife Areas, and engaging on management of state conservation lands through the Acquisition and Restoration Council. Come learn about these opportunities to make a difference for coastal habitats and wildlife, and learn from decision makers themselves how to be the most effective advocate possible.

Moderator: Heidi McCree, Audubon Florida board member, and past chair of the Southwest Florida Water Management DistrictPanelists: Brian Yablonski, Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Mimi Drew, Florida Trustee Representative to the Gulf RESTORE Council; Elva Peppers, Governor’s appointed member to the Acquisition and Restoration Council

B) Restoring Florida’s Springs and Wetlands to Support a Healthy Gulf Ecosystem Friday 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 – 5:15 p.m.Location: Mediterranean Palm

It’s no secret that Florida’s waters are all connected – from the blue springs in North and Central Florida to our amazing estuaries and beaches. Preserving and restoring freshwater wetlands and springs is an important strategy for protecting downstream coastal waters. But decades of development and human activity make this task difficult and costly. Surface waterways have been disconnected, diverted, and polluted while underground drinking water sources have been diminished and compromised. Join us to hear from experts on our springs, wetlands and estuaries to discuss current issues in water resource science and management, including potential solutions that can be implemented in your community. Moderator: Tabitha Stadler, Assistant Sanctuary Director, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp SanctuaryPanelists: Dr. Shawn Clem, Research Manager, Southwest Region, Audubon Florida; Dr. Sean King, Engineer, Southwest Florida Water Management District; Dr. Serge Thomas, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University; Holly Greening, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Estuary Program

C) Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: The Greatest Threats to Florida’s Coastal HabitatsFriday 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 – 5:15 p.m.Location: Queen Palm

2015 was by far the warmest year on record – and 2016 is set to be even warmer! Rising seas are impacting our coastal birds and changing climates threaten wildlife across the state. This learning session will begin with a look at Florida’s changing ecology, including Audubon’s research on the Roseate Spoonbill. Then, we will explore PACE – a program poised to make clean energy and efficiency upgrades widespread among Florida property owners. Please join us to learn how you can lower your carbon footprint by using an existing PACE program or starting one within your community.

Moderator: Chris Farrell, Northeast Florida Policy Associate, Audubon FloridaPanelists: Michelle Robinson, Biologist, Audubon Florida; Devesh Nirmul, Senior Director, Renew Financial

Plenary and Learning SessionsThe plenary and learning sessions at this year’s conference will all focus on our Assembly theme: One Gulf. After our kick-off lunch, you will have the opportunity to participate in three different breakout sessions. Sessions will repeat so attendees will have the opportunity to see two sessions in full.

Florida Bluegills and Red-breasted Sunfish at Alexander Springs Photo By Reinier Munguia

Steve Lynch, Chairman of the BoardJud Laird, Vice ChairmanWest McCann, Board SecretaryMichael Sheridan, Board Treasurer

Lester AbbergerCarolyn AntmanJim BradyDavid CoxJennifer Johnson DukeDykes EverettPaul FerberHal FlowersAnn Harwood-NussReid HughesAlan KellerRandy LaBauveJosé LatourCharlie MargiottaHeidi McCreeSteve NellisLida Rodriguez-TaseffKatie SproulScott TaylorCarol TimmisBarbara WalkerPaula WehrDoug YoungKristine Young

Board Members Emeritus:Joe AmbrozySandy BatchelorJohn EltingJohn FlaniganJoyce KingDoug Santoni

Audubon Florida Board of Directors


Plenary Session: Solving Florida’s Coastal Water CrisisSaturday 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.Location: Majestic Palm

Toxic algae, fish kills, dead seagrass. This is not what Florida’s waters should be known for. Over the past year, the ecological impacts of excess nutrients and poor water management on coastal waterways have been very visible. What are the common challenges facing issues throughout the state? What solutions to Florida’s water challenges are being developed or are under way? How can in-novative projects or programs be replicated across the state? Science and policy experts on water quality, water management and ecosystem restoration efforts will discuss the changes needed to prevent these events from recurring, and leave you inspired to help implement solutions.

Moderator: Julie Hill-Gabriel, Deputy Director for Policy, Audubon Florida Panelists: Brad Cornell, Southwest Florida Policy Associate, Audubon of the Western Everglades/Audubon Florida; Dr. Duane De Freese, Executive Director, Indian River Lagoon Council and Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program; Eric Latimer, Lead Environmental Professional at the Crystal River Environmental Stewardship Mariculture Center, Duke Energy of Florida; Noah Valenstein, Execu-tive Director, Suwannee River Water Management District

Conservation Action Agenda Setting Session Saturday 11:15 – 12:25 p.m.Location: Mediterranean Palm

Audubon Florida and the seven Regional Conservation Committees represent-ing 45 chapters will come together to approve our annual conservation agenda for 2017. Our conservation priorities are expressed in twelve state and regional resolutions.

Moderator: Julie Hill-Gabriel, Deputy Director for Policy, Audubon Florida


Trip #1 – Round Robin at Fort De Soto 7:30 – 11:30 (15-minute drive each way)Rated easy: minimal walking

This nationally recognized birding destination while famous year-round, can be extremely rewarding in October. In fact, certain species are more prevalent in fall than in spring because of their migration routes. While wood warblers may receive the most attention here, a large variety of bird families can be seen including vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, shorebirds and more. We will carpool from the Sirata Hotel into the park and meet at the Flagpole/ Ranger station where we will break up into groups for our round robin. There will be four stops with leaders at each giving you a chance to sample the diversity of habitats and birds at the park. (Note: Please bring $5.00 in cash for the entrance fee).

Trip #2 – Sawgrass Lake County Park 7:45 – 11:30 (20-minute drive each way) Rated easy: walking on boardwalk and well-groomed paths

This 400-acre park, a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail, boasts the largest maple swamp on the Gulf Coast. While hosting many of the same fall migrants you might see at Fort De Soto, the freshwater habitat provides a year-round home for herons, egrets, ibis, Wood Storks, and other wading birds. From the parking area in front of the Nature Center, we take the mile-long boardwalk and explore a short side trail. This is a trip for those who want to stretch their legs a bit and enjoy a quiet stroll birding through an oak hammock.

Trip #3 – Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 7:45 – 11:30 (20-minute drive each way) Rated easy: 2-mile walk

Covering wetlands, woodlands, and marsh, this excursion will provide ample opportunity for birding and wildlife viewing. Year-round resident waterbirds are joined by a wide variety of migrant songbirds in both fall and spring. An area of sand scrub with its turkey oak, sand pine and wiregrass is one of the most endangered habitats in the world and one of the few remaining places to see gopher tortoise in Pinellas County. Wildflowers, butterflies, native plants and a display of rehabilitated raptors will top off your visit to this special place.

Trip #4 – Beach Walk (on your own) St. Pete Beach is famous for its wide sandy beaches that wrap around the edge of the Gulf. A walk on the beach in October is bound to be a winner. Take a stroll any time of day and/or enjoy a cold beverage at the Tiki Hut as you gaze out into the sparkling Gulf waters and contemplate the importance of this vast ecosystem.

Field Trips

Get your bird checklists and binoculars ready! All field trips will take place on Friday morning Oct. 28th, 2016. Special thanks to Clearwater Audubon and St. Petersburg Audubon for providing local expertise and guidance to some of Tampa Bay’s most special places. Assembly field trips leave from the hotel early in the morning on Friday, October 28. Meet in the lobby 15 minutes before departure time. Carpooling is encouraged.

11:30-11:50 Conference Center Entrance

Join us for a Rally for the Everglades outside the Sirata Conference Center.

Lend your voice to support restoring the flow of clean, fresh water to the

Everglades, Florida Bay and the Florida Keys. Help Audubon and our partner,

the Everglades Foundation, lead the charge to stop damaging discharges to

our estuaries and protect drinking water for 8 million Floridians and tourists.

Everglades “Road Trip to Restoration” Rally


Thursday, October 27 Location6:00 – 7:30 p.m. CLI Welcome Social Eckerd College Environmental Studies building - lobby and

courtyard; Students onlyFriday, October 287:30 – 11:30 a.m. CLI Field Trips Depart Royal Palm; Students & Co-Mentors11:30 – 11:50 p.m. Rally for the Everglades Conference Center Entrance12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Welcome Luncheon Majestic Palm; Students & Co-Mentors1:45 – 3:30 p.m. CLI Leadership Session Royal Palm; Students only3:45 – 5:15 p.m. Learning Sessions King Palm/Queen Palm/Mediterranean Palm

Students & Co-Mentors5:30 – 6:00 p.m. CLI Wrap-Up Meeting Coconut Palm Pavilion; Students & Co-Mentors

2016 Conservation Leadership InitiativeThe CLI is a parallel track for the Audubon Assembly limited to selected college students and assigned Audubon co-mentors.

The CLI is a parallel track for the Audubon Assembly limited to selected college students and assigned Audubon co-mentors.

“CLI was an amazing opportunity for me to meet conservation leaders in an area I never considered I would find so interesting! I never knew studying birds was such a diverse field! I would highly recommend anyone considering a career in conservation or preservation to partake in the CLI because it shows the real world application of the methods and information we are learning in college.”

— May Ibrahim (University of South Florida) – 2015 CLI Alum

“CLI was an outstanding opportunity to work closely with passionate conservation professionals. Combining practical training with a diverse array of networking opportunities, CLI was a key stepping stone for my career in conservation.”

— Bridget Hickey (The University of Tampa) – 2015 CLI Alum

“CLI was an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded people and further my knowledge and connections with the amazing people at Audubon Florida. I would highly recommend it for any students passionate about the future of our state and our birds.”

— Christopher Koslin (University of South Florida) – 2015 CLI Alum


2016 Audubon Florida AwardsTheodore Roosevelt AwardBrian Yablonski Recognizing Leadership and Vision on behalf of Florida’s Coastal Wildlife

Champion of the Gulf Mimi Drew With Deep Appreciation for Advancing Gulf Restoration Champion of the Everglades Congressman Daniel WebsterSteadfast Leadership for the River of Grass

Florida’s Special Places AwardJohn BrowneProtecting Florida’s Rural and Family Lands

Guy Bradley AwardDana BryanStanding Up for Florida’s Wildlife

Coastal Stewardship Mona Gardner, Janet McNew, and Dixie Mills Volunteers of the Year Tom & Judy Maish Deep Appreciation for Board Service Randy LaBauveJim BradyWest McCann Deep Appreciation for Board Leadership Chairman Steve Lynch

Lake Jesup Conservation Area Photo By Reinier Munguia


Covantais proud to support

Audubon Florida The Voice of Conservation in Florida

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to support the Audubon Assembly.

There is nothing more powerful than the ability and the passion to make a difference.

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THANK YOU TO AUDUBON FLORIDA FOR WORKING WITH US

TO PROTECT FLORIDA’S SPRINGS!

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Thank You to Our Sponsors


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KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)PHOTO BY MARTIN VAN LOKVEN


Making a difference. At Duke Energy, sustainability is about making decisions and taking actions that are good for today – and better for tomorrow. It’s about being environmentally progressive, honest and ethical, and committed to making our communities better places to live.

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Wells Fargo is a proud supporter of the 2016 Audubon Assembly

We believe we can influence positive change by working with leading organizations to improve our planet.

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© 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. (1268374_15723)

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Audubon thanks the sponsors of the 2016 Audubon Assembly for their support:

Hastings Foundation Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation

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