Dear Friends,
We are thrilled to share that Audubon Florida is completing its 125th anniversary celebration! Over the past century and a quarter, Audubon Florida has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our state's precious wildlife and natural habitats. Established in 1900, Audubon Florida’s mission is “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.”[1]
In the beginning there was the Audubon Society
The creation of the Audubon Society by George Bird Grinnell in 1886 marked the beginning of the nation's conservation ethic. As editor of Forest and Stream, Grinnell appealed to his readership to unite for bird preservation and protection. Within a year 39,000 individuals joined the Audubon Society, which Grinnell named after the distinguished naturalist and painter John James Audubon. With the magazine staff unable to manage the overwhelming response, the society folded in less than three years.[2]
Audubon Florida predates National Audubon! The oldest society is the Massachusetts Audubon Society predating Audubon Florida by just four years. In 1896, Bostonian socialite Mrs. Augustus Hemenway started the first society, the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
On March 2, the first meeting of the Florida Audubon Society [was] held in Maitland at the L.F. Dommerich estate. The list of early officers included: N.Y. Governor and later U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Florida Governor W.D. Bloxham, American Museum of Natural History's Frank Chapman, Rollins College President G.M. Ward, Stetson University President J.F. Forbes, and the editors of the state's largest newspapers. A little later, the list grew to include President Grover Cleveland, Florida Governor W.S. Jennings, ornithologist Theodore S. Palmer, and Maria R. Audubon.[3]
Audubon Florida’s conservation programs include coastal conservation, everglades conservation and restoration, waterways and Important Bird Areas stewardship, Eagle Watch, Jay Watch and so much more!
A Legacy of Conservation From its humble beginnings in 1900, Audubon Florida has grown into a leading voice for conservation in the state. Efforts have spanned from protecting the Everglades to advocating for bird-friendly communities across Florida. Audubon Florida has worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations can enjoy the rich biodiversity that makes our state so unique.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the many achievements and challenges we've faced. We've seen the return of species like the Bald Eagle and the recovery of habitats that were once on the brink of destruction. But our work is far from over. Climate change, habitat loss, and other threats continue to challenge our wildlife and ecosystems.
Together, We Can make a difference! As we look ahead, we are more committed than ever to our mission of protecting birds and their habitats. With your support, we can continue to make a positive impact on our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to 125 years of Audubon Florida and many more to come!
With gratitude, Tampa Audubon Society
[1] Audubon Florida. (n.d.). Audubon Florida. https://fl.audubon.org/
[2] The voice of conservation in Florida for more than 120 years. (2024, February 5). Audubon Florida. https://fl.audubon.org/about-us/history
[3] Ibid.
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