The Wild Turkey was the first and arguably most famous of John James Audubon’s “Birds of America” life-sized illustrated works.
The esteemed 19th-century ornithologist, naturalist and painter observed: “The great size and beauty of the Wild Turkey, its value as a delicate and highly prized article of food, and the circumstance of its being the origin of the domestic race now generally dispersed over both continents, render it one of the most interesting of the birds indigenous to the United States of America.”
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#TASBirding
Southern Palm Beach Birding
Saturday, November 3, 7:30am-3pm
John Hutchison will lead this full-day carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center (12800 Hagen Ranch Road, 2.2 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Boynton Beach) No fee. Bring lunch. No pre-registration required.
Everglades National Park Birding
Saturday, November 10, 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 pre-registration required.
Everglades National Park Family Bird Walk
Sunday, November 11, 9:30-11am
The Phoebes (an all-female birding group) will lead young birders and their parents on a bird walk along the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park. Meet at 9:30am at Royal Palm Visitor Center (about 4 miles from the park entrance). There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent. Recommended for children ages 5-12. Adult must accompany child.
STA-5/6 Birding
Saturday, November 17, All Day
Reservations required (5 spaces remaining)
Hendry Glades Audubon Society invites TAS members for a tour of Stormwater Treatment Area-5/6 in Hendry County. The TAS group will be led by Brian Rapoza. This trip is limited to 20 participants and reservations are required. No fee. Walkie-talkies are recommended. There will be a lunch stop at a restaurant.
Plantation Preserve Birding
Saturday, November 17, 7:30-11:30am
South Florida Audubon Society’s Paddy Cunningham invites TAS members to join her for a bird walk at Plantation Preserve in central Broward County. The preserve is on Broward Boulevard, about 0.7 miles east of University Drive. Meet Paddy at 8am at the trailhead past the playground, returning at approximately 11:30am. No fee. No pre-registration required.
Flamingo Area Birding
Sunday, November 18, 7:30am-4pm
Luis Gonzalez will lead this all-day trip to the Flamingo area in Everglades National Park. Flamingo is 38 miles from the Everglades National Park entrance station in Homestead (entrance fee). Meet at 7:30am in the Flamingo visitor center parking area. Bring lunch. No pre-registration required.
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Colombia: Birding the Central Andes
February 8-16, 2019
CANCELED!
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SAVE THE DATE
Eastern Panama: Birding the Canal Zone & Darien
Thursday, October 31 - Saturday, November 9, 2019
(spaces available)
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TAS Field Trip Coordinator Brian Rapoza and a local guide will lead this 10-day, 9-night birding tour in Panama, home to more than 950 bird species, the highest in Central America! This tour, for up to eight participants, involves 10 full days of birding and is designed for intermediate to advanced birders.
We’ll spend our first 3 nights at world-famous Canopy Tower, in Soberania National Park along the Panama Canal. Among the many possible birding destinations during our 3 days here will be Semaphore Hill Road, Summit Gardens, Ammo Dump Pond and the legendary Pipeline Road! We’ll spend the next 6 nights in luxury safari-style tents at Canopy Camp, in the heart of the legendary Darien, Panama’s easternmost province. Our itinerary may include an all-day excursion to search for Panama’s national bird, the majestic Harpy Eagle! Other locations we may visit while in the Darien include Bayano Lake, Rio Torti, El Salto Road, Las Lagunas Road, Quebrada Felix, Lajas Blancas, Nuevo Vigia, Aligandi, San Francisco Reserve and Yaviza, at the very end of the Pan-American Highway.
Fee: $2,695 per/person double occupancy, $300 single supplement. Cost includes transportation, meals, lodging and guides. Not included is round-trip airfare to Panama City, tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses.
Reservations are required; application and fee are due by July 31, 2019.
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FOE & TAS challenge MDC decision to breach UDB
Support Hold the Line Coalition efforts!
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Tropical Audubon and Hold the Line Coalition co-founder Friends of the Everglades (FOE) have challenged Miami-Dade County’s proposal to authorize the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) to build a new, 14-mile, 6-lane toll road extending SR 836 beyond the County’s Urban Development Boundary (UDB) into and across the historic east Everglades and agricultural lands.
TAS has petitioned the State of Florida’s Department of Administrative Hearing to reject MDX's plan as inconsistent with state growth management laws.
The petition alleges that the plan for the new toll road is inconsistent with state law because it actually worsens congestion on existing SR 836, departs from the county’s commitment to promote mass transit, imperils Everglades restoration projects, imperils the county’s West Wellfield from which county drinking water is drawn, and subjects farmland and wetlands to further suburban sprawl pressure.
In a separate lawsuit, FOE filed a state court complaint alleging that the public notice for the County Commission hearing, at which the plan amendment allowing the new toll road was approved, was defective.
Click HERE
to read the article in The Miami Herald.
Support efforts to Hold the Line!
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Year of the Bird
Monthly Action:
Capture the Beauty of Birds on Camera
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Photo by Milan Zygmunt, National Geographic Your Shot
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There is nothing like the beauty and wonder of birds in nature to inspire passion, and drive change. I
n 1908 National Geographic magazine published an article imploring sportsmen to switch to trade their rifles for cameras. “Shooting” wildlife through a lens was a novel idea that transformed the way naturalists observe and appreciate nature.
Now you can go on an assignment with National Geographic
Your Shot
, a storytelling community where photographers can take part in photo assignments, get expert feedback, be published, and more. Share your photography to tell the story of the
birds in your world.
What is Year of the Bird? Year of the Bird is about celebrating the wonder of our feathered friends, examining how our changing environment is driving dramatic losses among bird species and learning what we can all do to reverse this trend. Audubon, National Geographic, Cornell, BirdLife International and, most important, bird lovers everywhere are taking a year of action for birds! Timed to honor the 2018 Centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, our country's most important bird-protection law, the Year of the Bird platform encourages us all to remain vigilant about protecting birds in our own backyard.
Sign the pledge to build a better world for birds and Audubon will send you one simple action you can take each month to make a difference for birds and for the planet.
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Doc Thomas House Guided History Tours @TAS
Y'all Come!
Saturday, November 3, 1 & 3pm
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Arden Hayes "Doc" Thomas and his mother, Margaret, perched on the house's then-unscreened front porch.
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Visit the historic Doc Thomas House for a captivating, 45-minute guided tour led by a Tropical Audubon Society docent. Learn about the Birds' benefactor Arden Hayes “Doc” Thomas and Robert Fitch Smith, the architect Thomas commissioned to design the house. Tour the distinctive, wood-and-limestone structure with its many ornamental and built-in features. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, named a Florida Heritage Site and designated a Dade County landmark, the charming 1932 cottage is an architectural gem. Gain insights into local South Miami and Audubon history, too. Tours include a stroll through our Steinberg Nature Center grounds, weather-permitting.
Save the dates: First Saturdays of the month through June 2019.
Times: 1pm & 3pm Tours / House and Grounds Open 12:30-4pm.
Admission FREE: Donations Welcomed
REMEMBER: Follow us on
Twitter
, to tag us on Historic Facts and on
Instagram
, to share your photos in a post or story!
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Become an Audubon Ambassador @TAS
November 3, 10 & 17
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The Audubon Ambassador Program is a series of workshops and field trips designed to make you a more engaged, educated and effective advocate conservationist. Learn from leaders in their fields and become a strong advocate for the water we drink, the air we breathe and the habitat that nurtures, shelters and sustains our region’s birds and other wildlife. You’ll come away knowing more about South Florida ecosystems, environmental challenges, sea level rise and hurricane resilience issues — and, most important, practice making a difference. Talks on issues will be followed by advocacy exercises. Field trips bring each week's classroom discussions to life.
Earn your Wings — The Audubon Ambassador Program is open to anyone 18 years and older who is curious to learn more about the environment.
COST: $12 per individual workshop
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Everglades: Field Trip to Everglades National Park
Saturday, November 3, 9:30am-4pm
This Saturday's Everglades session begins at 9:30am at our historic Doc Thomas House. Explore the River of Grass with TAS and Audubon Florida. Hear the latest about the Everglades and the various restoration projects from Celeste De Palma, Director of Everglades Policy at Audubon Florida. Then join us as we head over to Everglades National Park where Dennis Olle, TAS Advisory Board Member, will guide us through restoration sites. Learn about how you can advocate for the Everglades at various levels of government and spread the word that it is #noworneverglades.
Click HERE
for a flyer.
Coastal Resilience & Social Justice in South Florida
Saturday, November 10, 10am-12pm
Learn about resilience and justice in the era of climate change. What are experts saying about climate-threatened South Florida? Join us as we discuss this topic and other topics related to environmental justice. Hear from CLEO Executive Director Yoca Arditi-Rocha and Delaney Reynolds as they discuss climate change and sea level rise in Florida. Then learn about environmental and social justice in Miami from the University of Miami Law's Lauren T. Madigan.
Click
HERE
for a flyer.
Intro to Biscayne Bay Ecology + Field Trip on Biscayne Bay
Saturday, November 17, 9:30am-4pm
Learn about our local water quality issues and how you can become a voice for Biscayne Bay. Hear from experts about local bay restoration efforts and the health of this aquatic ecosystem. Then join the Captains for Clean Water as we tour the bay on their vessels. Join the discussion about water quality, fisheries
,
and pollution affecting our state.
The Audubon Ambassador Program was hatched by Tropical Audubon Society, and underwritten by Audubon Florida, Everglades Foundation and National Audubon Society.
Ride: Bike to TAS or take the Metro-rail. TAS is just a 10-minute walk east from the South Miami Metro Station.
Park: Limited on-site parking via our 55th Avenue auto gate. Nearby metered, valet and garage options.
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Walk in the Woods with Wine & Whisk @TAS
Wednesday, November 14, 7pm
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Experience this enchanting, biannual alfresco dinner party staged under the Audubon chickee. The fall edition features Old World Italian wines courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company paired with dinner by Whisk Gourmet. A Joy Wallace Catering will again help us 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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Calling all Birds of a Feather: It's time to Flock Together
Make a Pledge to Support TAS on #GiveMiamiDay
Thursday, November 15, 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 2017 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.
Miami Foundation's Give Miami Day 2018.
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4 Hands Abhyanga with Hridayam @TAS
Sunday, November 4
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TAS partner Hridayam will be hosting the ayurvedic therapist Renata Paiva offering an exclusive set of private 4 hands Abhyanga 50-minute sessions in this one-day event at TAS's Steinberg Nature Center.
This is a unique opportunity to experience a traditional ayurvedic bodywork treatment performed by two therapists using synchronized movements, creating waves of peaceful relaxation along the body. The treatment is done with warmed organic herbal oils, with a stimulating and gentle technique designed to nourish the skin, rejuvenate the nervous system and lead the body and mind into a deep state of relaxation.
Value: $195 (early bird registration at $156 until November 1st).
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Relax with Yoga Nidra under the Chickee @TAS
Thursdays Through December 31, 7:30-8:30pm
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J
oin 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 a great tool to manage stress, improve sleep quality and regenerate the nervous system. Classes include gentle asanas, pranayama and exercises for the joints.
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Cooking for Health @TAS
Thursdays Through December 18, 10am-12pm
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Learn the principles of Ayurveda and how to apply them to make delicious, healing meals. Explore simple techniques that will help you shift to a healthier diet for improved energy, prevention of chronic diseases, faster healing of minor ailments such as colds and flu, and rejuvenation.
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Everglades Awareness Concert
Saturday, November 3, 4pm-Midnight
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The Everglades Movement and Ploppy Palace Productions will host a concert at the Fillmore’s Jackie Gleason Room to raise awareness and support for Everglades protection and public education. This multi-state extravaganza features some of South Florida's top bands, spoken word artists and community activists coming together to raise awareness for our region's vital natural treasure.
For more information, click
here
.
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Florida Trail Association Meeting @TAS
Tuesday, November 13, 6:30-9pm
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Join the FTA for an evening with Everglades photographer Matt Stock, who will speak about his photography.
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Eco Restoration Day @TAS's Porter Russell Pine Rockland
Saturday, November 10 Cancelled!
Join us again on December 8
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Help TAS steward our Porter Russell Pine Rockland, an 8-acre property in South Miami-Dade County, and one of the few remaining tracts of globally imperiled Pine Rockland habitat remaining outside of Everglades National Park.
We will provide water. Please bring sunscreen and your refillable water bottle; wear closed-toe shoes.
Eco-restoration days take place on the second Saturday of every month. Groups welcome!
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Rise Up Florida Environmental Committee Meeting @TAS
Thursday, November 15, 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.
Pot-luck — 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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The Natural Splendor of Panama
Birds n' Brews @Leica Store Miami
Friday, November 16, 7-8:30pm
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Join Leica Store Miami and TAS for a Friday evening photographic journey through Panama and talk by
Carlos A. Bethancourt
. Awarded the
"Best Nature Tour Guide"
by EcoTripMatch in 2018, Carlos has been guiding for
Canopy Family
,
the leader in Panama ecotourism tours, birding
,
and natural history tourism, since 2000. Come experience Panama and discover toucans, hummingbirds, mouse opossums, tongue-wielding Orange Nectar Bats and more!
Bonus: Sample craft beer courtesy of The Brooklyn Brewery.
Pre-registered guests will receive seating priority.
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Eco-Restoration Day @TAS's Steinberg Nature Center
Saturday, November 17, 8:30-11:30am
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Photo courtesy of Tom E. Smith
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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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Hyridayam Pop-up Apothecary @TAS
Sunday, November 17, 10am-2pm
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Join Hyridayam at TAS every first Sunday of the month from 10am to 2pm for a pop-up apothecary. Discover the best quality spices, herbs, oils, incenses, skin-care products, rejuvenating jams and more. An event for the whole family, the pop-up sessions offer an opportunity to learn about the healing powers of food, the importance of plant-based organic diets and alternatives to reduce harmful chemicals in your food, cosmetics and home.
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Urban Oasis Full Moon Night
Friday, November 23, 6:45-8:45pm
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Experience the full moon with Hyridayam and TAS at our recently inaugurated monthly full moon events.
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Miami Pine Rocklands Coalition Meeting @TAS
Thursday, November 29, 7-9pm
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Federally Endangered Pine Rockland Resident: Bartram's Hairstreak Butterfly
Photo courtesy of Al Sunshine
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Get the latest information surrounding the Walmart/Coral Reef Commons Development plans now set in motion at the former University of Miami South Campus.
Learn about how to better protect the region’s remaining Pine Rocklands, and how you can participate.
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Eco-Art Day Camp @TAS
Tuesday, November 6, 8:30am-3pm
Monday, November 12, 8:30am-3pm
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No school, no problem! Children ages 5-12 can enjoy nature and art adventures at TAS. The Steinberg Nature Center is teeming with plant and animal life. Participate in fun games, environmental science activities and arts & crafts in an inspiring subtropical setting. Presented by Create Miami.
The Tuesday, November 6 camp
theme is Building for Birds. Learn all about South Florida birds and how to attract them to your backyard. Then, build a bird feeder and decorate a birdhouse to take home!
The Monday, November 12 camp
theme is Feathers & Arrowheads. Could you survive in the wilderness? Imagine what life was like for Native Americans centuries ago. Make your own headdress, jewelry and survival tools!
$55/day, $45/day for TAS members. Register for a minimum of 4 days throughout the balance of the 2018 school year and get a 5th day free.
Email [email protected] after you register for the extra day of your choice. Fees include all materials, pizza lunch, drinks and snacks. Bring a water bottle for water refills!
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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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First Edition Audubon Royal Octavo Exhibit & Sale @TAS
Showings by Appointment
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View a rare collection of framed John James Audubon Royal Octavo Prints being offered for purchase at our historic Doc Thomas House headquarters. Thirty percent of the proceeds from the sale of all art will benefit TAS. The exhibit will hang through Fall (based on availability).
Showings by appointment only
.
Tropical Audubon Society: 5530 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143
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Photos courtesy of Ana Pierre-Louis
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The Birds Thank … CombCutters, a live bee removal and educational service that TAS recently engaged to extract a massive hive from our historic 1932 cottage headquarters. Our busy honey bees had taken up residence in the west chimney wall of the Florida red cypress and Dade County pine-constructed Doc Thomas House. (Take a tour of our Florida Heritage site on the first Saturday afternoon of the month thru June and see for yourself why the bees love it so much!)
Beekeepers Rebecca Wood, Monique Moyer and Ana Pierre-Louis founded CombCutters in 2010 to humanely remove bees — and their extraordinary hives — from man-made structures and relocate them to productive hives in ideal locations. In turn, these eco heroes are helping preserve our region’s threatened bee population. Additionally, these dedicated women sell and set up backyard hives for budding beekeepers, and also offer dynamic bee education workshops.
So, if bees take up residence in your rafters, call CombCutters. Supporting those vendors who support TAS is an easy way to contribute to our Mission. The birds will thank you.
703.282.4942
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