From the Lake Wales Ridge to a Statewide Program
Jay Watch started as a collaborative effort of the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group, created to make sure land managers had the information to successfully handle scrub habitat for wholesome Florida Scrub-Jay populations. Beneath the management of Cheryl Millett and fueled by devoted volunteers and companions, this system expanded, finally protecting all the vary of the Florida Scrub-Jay.
“I used to be drawn by the devoted volunteers and land managers alongside the Lake Wales Ridge who frolicked within the warmth of summer season monitoring these federally threatened and endlessly charismatic birds, offering these land managers the knowledge they wanted,” stated Cheryl Millett, who led Jay Watch till 2010.
Following years of coordination by The Nature Conservancy and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee, Audubon Florida assumed management of Jay Watch, persevering with to construct this system whereas strengthening partnerships with state and federal businesses, researchers, and land managers.
A Administration Software in Motion
Jay Watch supplies constant annual survey information to land managers at scrub-jay websites the place staffing and budgets would in any other case restrict the power to conduct common surveys.
Jay Watch survey information can even direct assets to the place they’re most wanted.
Knowledge for Restoration and Analysis
Over 25 years, Jay Watch has change into a trusted supply of long-term information utilized by each managers and scientists.
“The Jay Watch information is an impressive useful resource that the Service has come to depend on over time,” stated Todd Mecklenborg, Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Having the annual information supplies inhabitants traits and metrics for our species restoration efforts.”
The Coronary heart of Jay Watch: Volunteers
On the core of Jay Watch are the volunteers who return 12 months after 12 months, constructing familiarity with their websites, their birds, and one another. Their motivations are as different because the scrub habitats they survey, however a standard thread runs by means of them: pleasure, accountability, and goal.
“It’s a approach to assist a species not go extinct,” volunteer Lynn Simmons shared. “There’s a likelihood to see different wildlife when counting jays and it’s simply enjoyable!”
As a lot as volunteers get out of this system, their contributions quantity to way more. “Our volunteer community distributed hundreds of copies of Audubon Adventures that includes the Florida-Scrub Jay to Audubon chapters, school rooms, and nature facilities, constructing a neighborhood for conservation” stated Jacqui Sulek, former Jay Watch coordinator.
Lookingto the Future
25 years in, Jay Watch exhibits the impression individuals can have when work collectively. The information inform an necessary story. However the relationships behind Jay Watch are what makes it impactful.
“Jay Watch is a long-term dedication based mostly on robust partnerships and folks working collectively for wildlife. As we glance forward, Jay Watch will proceed to information administration, inform restoration, and encourage the subsequent technology of conservation stewards.” — Audrey DeRose-Wilson, Director of Chook Conservation
This text appeared within the 2025 Jay Watch Report. Read the full report here.
