Public Programs

2023/2024 Programs

September 10, 2023

Migration Patterns of Six Florida Birds

Gabriel Rey, Stetson University, will present his senior thesis research project on how ranges have shifted, and migration patterns have altered for six Florida birds. Climate change exacerbates existing threats to birds with habitat loss and degradation while adding new challenges including shifting ranges and altered migration patterns. Many birds are struggling to adapt. Six Florida birds will be discussed: Piping Plovers, Red Knot, Everglades Snail Kite, Wood Stork, Florida Scrub-jay, and Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

October 8, 2023

Big Sit at Lake Jesup Park

This event replaces our regular monthly meeting. This is an annual, international event hosted by New Haven (Connecticut) Bird Club. They compile the count data. We sit inside a circle and count all the bird species we see or hear. Tent available for shade. All levels and ages of birders are welcome. Come for an hour or two or for the entire time. Bring your own binoculars, chair, water, and snacks. Lake Jesup Park, 5951 Sanford Avenue, Sanford. 7:00 -11:00 am. Accessible parking space. No restrooms.

We welcome all those who would like to enjoy time in nature. This gathering is accessible for all, including those who have a disability, persons with a mobility challenge, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, persons who are neurodivergent or persons with any other intellectual, developmental, or physical disability or concern.
Website: gis.audubon.org/birdability
Coordinator: Leslie Martin woodstork.martin@gmail.com

November 12, 2023

Prescribed Burns

Allegra Buyer, Seminole County Natural Resources Program Coordinator, will describe the role of the “burn boss” in planning and running a prescribed burn. She will explain how a burn benefits the environment and the creatures who live in fire-dependent ecosystems.

December 10, 2023

Inland Flooding from Rainstorm Events

Gabbie Milch is both the St. Johns River Middle Basin Coordinator and the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District 4 Representative. Gabbie will discuss how climate change impacts our natural systems, water quality and quantity, inland flooding, and increased rainstorm events, as well as the possible impacts to the riparian zone of the river.  Resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.” In the context of climate change, resilience refers to the ability of a community or ecosystem to withstand and bounce back from a disturbance such as a natural disaster.  Gabbie will provide an update on the regional work being done by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council in the middle St Johns River area, including the Regional Resilience Collaborative. She has been participating with this group since 2020. 

January 14, 2024

Sandhill Crane Research

Tim Dellinger from Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will discuss his research on Sandhill Cranes. Sandhill cranes live and breed in open habitats such as open prairies, bogs and marshes and in urban areas. The Florida Sandhill Crane is one of five Sandhill Crane sub-species found in North America. Florida Sandhills are non-migratory and range from southeastern Georgia to the Everglades. They are a State-Designated Threatened Species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.

February 11, 2024

Swallow-tailed Kites

Ken Meyer, Executive Director of Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI), will discuss the life cycle and habitat needs of Swallow-tailed Kites. He will share the latest research on tracking them during their long migration and how you can help with this research. 

Ken received his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1987. Since 1996, he has served as an adjunct Associate Professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Ken co-founded Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) in Gainesville, Florida, in 1997. During his 38 years of conducting field research and producing management and conservation plans, Ken and his team have studied the behavior and ecology of 16 species of birds of conservation concern from eastern Canada to Brazil.

March 10, 2024

Good Snake, Better Snake

(Time Change – “Spring Forward”)

Natalie Swanson, Program Coordinator Seminole Natural Lands/Leisure Services, will provide interesting, fun facts about several native species including their habits, habitats, and behaviors. She will introduce and dispel some of the myths about these often-misunderstood, cold-blooded residents. She will bring several live snakes so you can see them up close.