Winter Naturalist 2025 Letters

Letter from Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director

Few natural phenomena are more stunning than the explosion of color (and pollinators) with the Southeastern sunflower bloom in the fall. The flowers at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, pictured on the cover, proved to be especially spectacular this year. They are a vivid reminder that the work we do to conserve and restore the Sunshine State’s wetlands creates vital habitat and improves the quality of life for both wildlife and people. We have seen major steps forward in Everglades restoration again this year, culminating in a flurry of ribbon cuttings, project completion celebrations, and critical planning initiatives. We hope to carry this momentum into the New Year, especially as Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills begin their nesting season. We know you’ll be right there with us—click here to make sure you’re signed on to our email list so you can stay at the cutting edge of Florida conservation news. 

Letter from Carol Timmis, Chair

We loved seeing everyone at October’s Audubon Assembly in Howey-in-the-Hills. We were joined by 25 new Conservation Leadership Initiative students, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Lindsay Cross, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Chairman Talbert Cypress, dedicated volunteers and chapter leaders, as well as nearly 260 other friends. We flocked together to go birding, learn new approaches to conservation and advocacy, and return to our neighbors and communities with renewed inspiration. We’ve taken that energy into our preparations for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session. We’re also preparing new and exciting exhibits at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (page 5) and re-opening the Center for Birds of Prey for visitors. We hope to see you soon at one of these amazing gateways to the natural world.

These letters were published in the Audubon Florida Naturalist Winter 2025 issue.