For a chance to see Limpkins, join us on the Corkscrew Swamp/Ft. Myers Beach Birding Trip (scroll down for details). Photo: Thomas Conroy
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A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
with Marc & Eliana of Birding by Bus
Saturday, November 2, 7:30-11am
Join Marc Kramer & Eliana Ardila Ardila, Tropical Audubon Society and Leica Store Miami for a bird walk through A.D. Barnes Park. Meet at the parking lot on the northwest side of the park. Enter on SW 72nd Avenue just north of Bird Road and turn left at the first intersection. Follow the road until you see a tan building on your left-hand side; park anywhere in the parking lot in front of it. What to Pack: Binoculars. (Leica Store Miami will be providing binoculars on a first-come, first-served basis for those who do not have their own pair.) To RSVP or ask questions, please e-mail Kirsten Vignes at
info@leicastoremiami.com
Scroll down to Featured Events for information about Eliana and Marc’s Leica Lounge talk the previous evening.
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HERE to share on Facebook.
Southern Palm Beach Birding
Saturday, November 2, 7:30am-3pm
John Hutchison will lead this all-day carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33473). Entrance fee for Loxahatchee NWR. Bring lunch. No preregistration required.
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HERE to share on Facebook.
Everglades National Park Birding
Saturday, November 9, 7:30am-5pm
John Boyd will lead this all-day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch. No preregistration required.
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HERE to share on Facebook.
Shark Valley/Big Cypress Birding
Saturday, November 16, 8am-3pm
Paul Bithorn will lead this all-day carpool trip to Shark Valley followed by Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve. Meet at the Shark Valley entrance gate (36000 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33194) between 8-8:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch. No preregistration required.
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HERE to share on Facebook.
Saving the Everglades: Conservation Field Trip & Bird Walk
Saturday, November 23, 7am-2pm
Join Tropical Audubon Field Trip Leader Brian Rapoza for an immersive field trip and birding outing spotlighting the Everglades, South Florida's most iconic and valuable ecosystem. Dive deep into the River of Grass and its birds and other wildlife inhabitants. Tour the Flow Equalization Basin (A-1 FEB) in the Everglades Agricultural Area of southern Palm Beach County, the largest of three constructed storage features in the State of Florida's Restoration Strategies Plan to improve Everglades water quality.
Learn how the 15,000-acre shallow reservoir captures and temporarily stores peak stormwater flows, holding water up to 4 feet deep, and how that water is redirected to two nearby Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) to improve the ability of the treatment wetlands to remove nutrients, such as phosphorus, from the water before it is sent sheeting through the Everglades.
Meet at 7am inside the A-1 FEB entrance at mile marker 60 on the west side of US-27, 12.5 miles north of the Broward/Palm Beach county line. Walkie-talkies will be available for loan (one per vehicle). Bring lunch. No preregistration required.
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HERE to share on Facebook.
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SOLD OUT (waitlist for Spring workshop)
Shorebird & Migratory Bird Photography Field & Classroom Workshop
Led by Wildlife Photographer Kirsten Hines
Saturday, November 9, 7:30am-2:30pm
Morning session @Crandon Park
Afternoon session @TAS
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Join wildlife photographer, author and Tropical Audubon Society board member Kirsten Hines for a full-day bird photography workshop focused on enhancing the design elements and visual impact of the images you capture. This fall workshop will begin at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne to photograph shorebirds and migratory species, followed by a classroom session at TAS’s Steinberg Nature Center campus in South Miami to cover the basics of photo editing using Adobe’s Lightroom software. The curriculum is designed for beginning to intermediate photographers with a minimum 70mm lens. Workshop size will be no less than 4 and no more than 8 participants. Pre-registration and a $75 fee (includes a donation to TAS) should be received no later than November 1 to ensure participation.
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Spain: Birding Extremadura, Doñana and Sierra de Gredos
April 27-May 11, 2020
Spaces Available
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European Roller. Photo: Stefan Schlick
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TAS Field Trip Coordinator Brian Rapoza and Stefan Schlick will co-lead this two-week trip to Spain, considered by many to be Europe's "birdiest" country. Timed for spring migration, the tour will include visits to Monfrague and Doñana National parks, the Cáceres Plains, Salinas de Bonanza and the Sierra de Gredos. Some of the many species we'll target include White-headed Duck, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Great and Little Bustard, Slender-billed Gull, Spanish Imperial Eagle, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Black Wheatear, Spectacled and Subalpine Warbler, Iberian Magpie and Citril Finch.
Fabulous birding, excellent food, spectacular scenery and the ease of logistics adds up to an amazing, not-to-be-missed trip! Fee: $2,950 per/person double occupancy, $630 single supplement. Fee includes lodging, local transportation, guides and park fees. Not included is round-trip airfare to Madrid, Spain, any meals, tips, laundry costs or other incidental expenses.
For a detailed itinerary, click
here.
Email TAS Field Trip Coordinator
Brian Rapoza
for an application or additional information. $500 deposit due at time of booking, balance due by January 27, 2020.
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Lewis De Blois Milledge Jr.
January 6, 1940 – October 25, 2019
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The Tropical Audubon Society extended family is mourning the passing of beloved board member Lewis De Blois Milledge Jr., who died Friday, October 25, 2019, of complications associated with congestive heart failure. The birds and all wild inhabitants of Miami-Dade County were blessed to have this kind, gracious, giving Southern gentleman in their midst and perched in the proverbial TAS nest for the past dozen years.
Known affectionately by family and friends as “Brother,” the Miami native and retired attorney gave selflessly of his time to our nonprofit organization for more than a dozen years, variously and simultaneously as TAS Grounds Chair, Education Chair and First Vice President.
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TAS wins Best Education Project Award at Audubon Assembly
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Tropical Audubon Society Ambassadors tour Biscayne Bay.
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Audubon Florida has named our Audubon Ambassador Program the 2019 Outstanding Education Program among the state’s larger chapters. The award was announced on October 26 at the Audubon Florida Assembly held in Gainesville, and accepted by TAS Education Director Alison Enchelmaier. Our chapter is honored and excited to be recognized “For extraordinary commitment to building a new generation of advocates and conservation leaders!”
The Audubon Ambassador Program is a series of workshops and field trips designed to cultivate more engaged, educated and effective advocate conservationists. Presenters from leaders in their fields share how to become a strong voice for South Florida’s environment and wildlife. Companion field trips bring each month’s classroom discussions to life.
Earning the award was made possible by our Audubon Ambassador team led by Program Coordinator Sarina Atkinson, Audubon Ambassador Advocacy Coordinator Alison Enchelmaier, support staff and amazing interns.
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DTH 1948 Fridge makes headlines!
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Edible South Florida
visited our Doc Thomas House headquarters to learn about the recent restoration of our 1948 Frigidaire.
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TAS Board Member Kirsten Hines
joins Audubon Florida Board
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Tropical Audubon Society Board Member Kirsten Hines has joined the Audubon Florida Board of Directors. She was formally voted onto the Board on October 26 at the Audubon Florida Assembly in Gainesville, and will represent the Everglades Regional Conservation Committee. Hines is a Coconut Grove-based author, photographer and conservationist with a master’s degree in biology and an extensive background as an environmental educator. Her writing and photography highlight nature and wildlife around the world, as well as closer to home where, among other conservation work, she works to inspire the re-greening of South Florida’s urban corridor.
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Birds ‘n’ Brews Gallery Opening & Leica Lounge
“Where Van Life meets Birding”
with Eliana Ardila Ardila & Marc Kramer of Birding By Bus
@Leica Store Miami
Friday, November 1, 7pm
+Companion A.D. Barnes Bird Walk with Eliana & Marc
Saturday, November 2, 7:30-11am
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Join Leica Store Miami and TAS for a Leica Lounge with Eliana Ardila Ardila & Marc Kramer of Birding By Bus. Hear about their epic road quest from Florida to Alaska in 2018 when they traversed the wild spaces of North America in search of birds, nature and adventure.… in a 40-year-old VW Bus. How many things could possibly go wrong with an iconic car that’s four decades old? Get ready for inspiring road adventures across the continent, navigating through mechanical failures, relationship survival tips, mega rare birds and spectacular scenery. Throw in a wedding and trip to Attu and you’ve got the journey of a lifetime! Learn how anyone can travel for an extended period on a budget and take that bucket list birding adventure you’ve always dreamed of.
A series of black and white photographs depicting their journey will be on display in the Leica Store Miami main gallery (taken with the Leica Q!).
Bonus:
Sample craft beer courtesy of The Brooklyn Brewery.
Saturday Bird Walk Details
A.D. Barnes Bird Walk with Marc & Eliana of Birding By Bus & Leica Store Miami
Saturday, November 2, 7:30-11am
Eliana Ardila Ardila & Marc Kramer of Birding By Bus will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park, 3401 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33155. Meet at the parking lot on the northwest side of the park. Enter on SW 72nd Avenue just north of Bird Road and turn left at the first intersection. Follow the road until you see a tan building on your left-hand side. Park anywhere in the lot in front of the building.
*A limited number of Leica binoculars and scopes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Doc Thomas House Guided Tours @TAS
Saturday, November 2, 1 & 3pm
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Visit our historic Doc Thomas House headquarters and enjoy a captivating, 45-minute guided tour led by a Tropical Audubon Society docent. Learn about our society’s benefactor Arden Hayes “Doc” Thomas and Robert Fitch Smith, the architect he commissioned to design the house. Explore the distinctive, wood-and-limestone structure with its numerous ornamental and built-in features. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, named a Florida Heritage Site and designated a Miami-Dade County Historic Site, the charming 1932 cottage is a Florida vernacular architectural gem.
Visitors are also encouraged to take a self-guided tour of our near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds, which showcase pollinator gardens and tropical hardwood and pine rockland habitats.
Save the dates: First Saturdays of the month through June 2020.
Times: 1pm & 3pm Tours / House and Grounds Open 12:30-4pm.
Admission FREE. Donations Welcomed!
Parking options:
Limited on-site parking via the 55th Avenue entry gate; nearby metered, garage and valet parking options within 1-3 blocks; Metrorail service to South Miami Station.
Tropical Audubon Society: 5530
Sunset
Dr., Miami, FL, 33143
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Get Outside with TAS this Fall!
Wellness Classes & Workshops inspired by Nature
Relax with Yoga Nidra under our Chickee
Tuesdays through December 31, 9:15-10:15am
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Join Hridayam Yoga instructor Carol Jamault for outdoor Yoga Nidra, a guided practice that leads to a state of deep relaxation and increased awareness. Yoga Nidra is considered a great tool to manage stress, improve sleep quality and regenerate the nervous system. Classes include gentle asanas, pranayama and exercises for the joints. Prices: $20 per class. Packages available.
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Get Outside with TAS this Fall!
Wellness Classes & Workshops inspired by Nature
Cooking for Health @TAS
November 7, 14 & 21, 10am-12pm
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Learn the principles of Ayurveda and how to apply them to make delicious, plant-based healing meals in these 3 Thursday sessions. Explore simple techniques that will help you shift to a healthier diet believed to help improve energy and rejuvenation, prevent chronic disease and aid healing of minor ailments (such as colds and flu). Price: $180 for the Fall Session (3 classes).
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Florida Trail Association Meeting @TAS
Tuesday, November 12, 6:30-9pm
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Join the FTA for an evening with Ernie Lynk and his presentation on “Leave No Trace.”
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Walk in the Woods with Wine & Whisk @TAS
Wednesday, November 13, 7pm
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Experience this enchanting, biannual alfresco dinner party staged under the Audubon chickee. The fall edition features Old World wines courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company paired with dinner by Chef Carlos of Whisk Gourmet. A Joy Wallace Catering will again help set the convivial table! Seating is limited. Suggested minimum donation $125 per person. Net proceeds benefit capital improvements to our historic Doc Thomas House and near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds.
Tropical Audubon Society: 5530 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143
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Eco-Restoration Day @TAS's Steinberg Nature Center
Saturday, November 16, 8:30-11:30am
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Learn about indigenous plants and help TAS maintain the near-native landscape at our Steinberg Nature Center campus. We need you! Restoration Days are held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. We're flexible — show up between 8:30 and 11:30am — you will meet conservationists, birders, plant lovers and gardeners just like you lending a hand.
Please bring sunscreen and your refillable water bottle; wear closed-toe shoes. We will provide water.
Eco-restoration days take place on the third Saturday of every month. Groups welcome!
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Calling all Birds of a Feather: It's time to Flock Together
Make a Pledge to Support TAS on #GiveMiamiDay
Thursday, November 21, 12am-11:59pm
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Be part of the most exciting annual giving event of the year. Let's flock together and break our 2018 fundraising record!
Your #GiveMiamiDay gift to TAS in any amount will be amplified via The Miami Foundation with the generous support of Knight Foundation. Your gift will help us fulfill our Mission to conserve and restore South Florida ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
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Rise Up Florida Environmental Committee Meeting @TAS
Thursday, November 21, 6:30pm
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Rise Up Florida! is a grassroots group of engaged citizens whose goals are to mobilize people, activate them to protect our community from unfair and unjust policies, and work toward electing representatives who reflect the core values of equal rights and opportunity for all.
Potluck — bring something delicious! Please be mindful and refrain from using disposable items to make, carry or serve your dish. No plastic bags, single-use plastic or styrofoam, please.
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South Florida Young Birders Club
Monday, November 25, 5:30-6:30pm
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Great White Heron. Photo: Mia Trent
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Are you a young birder or do you know a young person interested in birds? Join us for our monthly South Florida Young Birders Club! Birders from 12-18 and their parents are invited to attend.
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Create & Restore Crucial Habitat in your Yard!
Join Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's Connect to Protect Network
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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's
Connect to Protect Network
enlists South Florida residents (Miami & The Keys) interested in restoring native plants to their yards, thereby helping connect our region's few remaining isolated fragments of Pine Rockland
—
a globally critically imperiled plant community. Installing native Pine Rockland plants increases the probability that bees, butterflies and birds can find and transport seeds and pollen across developed areas that separate Pine Rockland fragments, improving gene flow and genetic health of native plant species.
Joining the Connect to Protect Network of citizen scientists is easy! You need only live in Miami-Dade or Monroe County, have an e-mail address and be willing to maintain Pine Rockland plants on your property for at least two years.
Click
HERE
to share with your peeps on Facebook.
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Go Solar!
Join a Solar Co-op Information Session Near You
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Miami-Dade residents have come together to form a neighborhood-centric Miami-Dade Solar Co-op with the help of Solar United Neighbors of Florida. The co-op makes it easier to save money on the purchase of solar panels, while building a community of local solar supporters. Attend an information session in your neighborhood to learn more about how the Southern Miami-Dade Solar Co-op is streamlining the going solar process and is earning a discount through bulk purchase power.
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… Sports Grill South Miami, our “front door” Sunset Drive neighbor famous locally for its “Special Grilled Wings” and festive atmosphere. Sports Grill South Miami has recently been our go-to for the delectable fare served at TAS board meetings and membership drive events. In addition to its signature wings, big draws at all seven of its Dade-Broward locations include local fish dip, pulled-pork sliders and mouth-watering burgers.
Founded in 1987 based on a passion for food and fun, Sports Grill embraces the belief that everyone who walks through the door is considered family, friends and neighbors. The founders also nurture a passion for serving the greater community. “Sports Grill is proud to support Tropical Audubon Society and its ongoing efforts to protect birds, their habitat and our area’s natural resources,” says Sports Grill COO and Managing Operating Partner Christine Marques,(
pictured above, left
) who, serendipitously, is also our “backyard” neighbor.
Together with her friendly South Miami staff, led by Sports Grill Director of Operations Fernando de la Madriz, (
above right
) they “ensure everyone leaves happier than they came.” Indeed, that is the Sports Grill Mission, along with its commitment to serve the community by supporting organizations such as Tropical Audubon Society, Make-A-Wish and Deering Estate Foundation among others.
Supporting those vendors who support TAS is an easy way to contribute to our Mission. The Birds will thank you!
1559 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143
305.668.0396
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