Six Florida Chapters Honored with Conservation Awards

With 44 chapters statewide, Audubon Florida uses its annual Assembly event as an opportunity to shine a light on standout projects, recognize remarkable leadership, and celebrate what’s possible when chapter members put their passion into action. Each year, chapter leaders are invited to nominate their own chapters or others for awards recognizing excellence in education programs, conservation projects, and overall chapter achievement through the Chapter of the Year award. Awards are presented in two categories: one for smaller chapters (under 500 members) and one for larger chapters (over 500 members). 

"These awards remind us that conservation is not just about birds—it’s about people coming together to make a difference, one project, one partnership, one volunteer hour at a time," says Chapters Conservation Manager Kristen Kosik. "Every chapter represented here tonight contributes to that bigger story."

Audubon congratulates all honorees, with thanks for the work they do to protect birds and the places they need across the Sunshine State. 

This year brought in a remarkable range of nominations — representing creative approaches, deep partnerships, and meaningful local impact across Florida. Announced in front of a packed house during the Audubon Assembly on October 18, the 2025 chapter award winners are:

Best Education Program, Small Chapter: Citrus County Audubon Society for their Nature Journaling Program with public schools

Through this creative and hands-on program, chapter volunteers taught middle school students how to keep a nature journal— combining art, science, and observation to build curiosity and connection with the natural world. Working with a Title I school serving diverse and at-risk students, they helped students practice noticing, questioning, and recording details about local plants, sparking a sense of wonder that can grow into a lifelong conservation ethic. The project even expanded into a bird walk and is now inspiring teachers to bring nature into their classrooms year after year.

Best Education Program, Large Chapter: Orange Audubon Society for their Schoolyard Christmas Bird Count

More than 500 students and nearly 30 adults participated this year to observe, record, and count birds right in their schoolyards. Thanks to Orange Audubon Society members, students gained confidence as young citizen scientists, learned to use binoculars, and contributed to real scientific data, all while developing a deeper connection to nature.

Best Conservation Program, Small Chapter: It's a Tie! 

Santa Fe Audubon Society has advanced their Southeastern American Kestrel Nest Box Project, using easy-to-access pole systems and ultra-light tags to monitor fledging success and dispersal patterns, while engaging students, volunteers, and partner organizations. The team worked to balance the scientific data collection with volunteer and community engagement. 

Southeastern Volusia Audubon Society installed a Motus Tracking Station, joining a collaborative wildlife tracking network that monitors migratory birds, providing real-time data on timing, routes, and habitat use. By establishing a station in New Smyrna Beach, the chapter filled a gap in Florida’s East Coast network, engaged the community through a Birdathon fundraiser, and partnered with multiple organizations to advance conservation science.

Best Conservation Program, Large Chapter: Duval Audubon

Duval Audubon led Jacksonville’s first-ever Lights Out Proclamation. This milestone is the result of more than three years of awareness-building, education, and collaboration to reduce artificial light pollution and make the city safer for migratory birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway.

Small Chapter of the Year: Hernando Audubon Society

This chapter has truly expanded its reach and impact over the past year through creative partnerships, youth engagement, and strong community connections. From their collaboration with the Chinsegut Conservation Center to outreach and advocacy efforts, Hernando Audubon shows how even a smaller chapter can make a big difference.

Large Chapter of the Year: Orange Audubon Society

Orange Audubon Society has done remarkable work this year, from advancing their nature center project on the Lake Apopka North Shore to expanding educational and conservation programs that reach hundreds of people, including youth and underserved communities.