With 44 chapters statewide, Audubon Florida makes use of its annual Meeting occasion as a possibility to shine a lightweight on standout tasks, acknowledge outstanding management, and have a good time what’s doable when chapter members put their ardour into motion. Annually, chapter leaders are invited to appoint their very own chapters or others for awards recognizing excellence in teaching programs, conservation tasks, and general chapter achievement. Awards are introduced in two classes: one for smaller chapters (below 500 members) and one for bigger chapters (over 500 members).
“These awards remind us that conservation isn’t just about birds—it’s about individuals coming collectively to make a distinction, one challenge, one partnership, one volunteer hour at a time,” says Chapters Conservation Supervisor Kristen Kosik. “Each chapter represented right here tonight contributes to that greater story.”
Audubon congratulates all honorees, with thanks for the work they do to guard birds and the locations they want throughout the Sunshine State.
This 12 months introduced in a outstanding vary of nominations — representing inventive approaches, deep partnerships, and significant native influence throughout Florida. Introduced in entrance of a packed home through the Audubon Meeting on October 18, the 2025 chapter award winners are:
Finest Schooling Program, Small Chapter: Citrus County Audubon Society for his or her Nature Journaling Program with Public Faculties
By this inventive and hands-on program, chapter volunteers taught center faculty college students tips on how to preserve a nature journal— combining artwork, science, and commentary to construct curiosity and reference to the pure world. Working with a Title I faculty serving numerous and at-risk college students, they helped college students apply noticing, questioning, and recording particulars about native crops, sparking a way of marvel that may develop right into a lifelong conservation ethic. The challenge even expanded right into a chicken stroll and is now inspiring academics to convey nature into their lecture rooms 12 months after 12 months.
Finest Schooling Program, Massive Chapter: Orange Audubon Society for his or her Schoolyard Christmas Hen Rely
Greater than 500 college students and almost 30 adults participated this 12 months to watch, report, and rely birds proper of their schoolyards. Due to Orange Audubon Society members, college students gained confidence as younger citizen scientists, discovered to make use of binoculars, and contributed to actual scientific information, all whereas growing a deeper connection to nature.
Finest Conservation Program, Small Chapter: It is a Tie!
Santa Fe Audubon Society has superior their Southeastern American Kestrel Nest Field Mission, utilizing easy-to-access pole techniques and ultra-light tags to watch fledging success and dispersal patterns, whereas participating college students, volunteers, and associate organizations. The crew labored to stability the scientific information assortment with volunteer and group engagement.
Southeastern Volusia Audubon Society put in a Motus Monitoring Station, becoming a member of a collaborative wildlife monitoring community that screens migratory birds, offering real-time information on timing, routes, and habitat use. By establishing a station in New Smyrna Seaside, the chapter stuffed a niche in Florida’s East Coast community, engaged the group via a Birdathon fundraiser, and partnered with a number of organizations to advance conservation science.
Finest Conservation Program, Massive Chapter: Duval Audubon
Duval Audubon led Jacksonville’s first-ever Lights Out Proclamation. This milestone is the results of greater than three years of awareness-building, training, and collaboration to cut back synthetic mild air pollution and make town safer for migratory birds touring alongside the Atlantic Flyway.
Small Chapter of the Yr: Hernando Audubon Society
This chapter has really expanded its attain and influence over the previous 12 months via inventive partnerships, youth engagement, and robust group connections. From their collaboration with the Chinsegut Conservation Heart to outreach and advocacy efforts, Hernando Audubon reveals how even a smaller chapter could make a giant distinction.
Massive Chapter of the Yr: Orange Audubon Society
Orange Audubon Society has carried out outstanding work this 12 months, from advancing their nature heart challenge on the Lake Apopka North Shore to increasing instructional and conservation applications that attain a whole lot of individuals, together with youth and underserved communities.
