Cheryl Merz

Cheryl Merz became the EagleWatch program manager in early 2026. She has held many roles at the Center, most recently as the seasonal EagleWatch Assistant for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Cheryl originally hails from Tampa and has been involved with Audubon EagleWatch for more than 12 years, as a boots-on-the-ground volunteer and county coordinator for six counties, while also monitoring more than 30 nests in three counties. In 2022, Cheryl expanded her involvement by volunteering here at the Center in many capacities, including co-founding the Center’s Raptor Rescue volunteer team.

Cheryl found her calling for conservation when she joined Tampa Audubon Society, became a member of the board of directors, and immersed herself in the conservation committee. She loves every aspect of Bald Eagles and conservation.