Following are some of the many exciting programs and projects that Alachua Audubon is providing.
Prairie Creek Bird Banding Lab
In 2019, AAS partnered with the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) to implement a long-term bird banding lab at Prairie Creek Preserve, located in eastern Alachua County. Together with UF faculty and a state-certified bander, the banding laboratory is staffed seasonally by AAS volunteers and student interns through AAS’s college internship program. Learn more here.
Conservation
Read about our nest box programs for Southeastern American Kestrels, Purple Martins and Prothonotary Warblers.
Bird Outings and Other Events
Audubon field trips are scheduled from September through May, led by expert birders who volunteer their time. See the schedule here. Other events including Birds & Brews, Wednesday morning bird walks at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, and Bird Rambles are offered, too. View them all here.
Birding Classes
Alachua Audubon coordinates and leads birding classes through the Santa Fe College Continuing Education Program. These classes have introduced many people to birding, and we are continually inspired as we see former students go on to participate in other Audubon-led bird outings. Learn more.
Evening Programs
Speakers in different areas of expertise present one-hour programs on research topics, birding skills, overseas travels, conservation projects, and more. View our schedule of programs here.
College Internship and Scholarship Program
Each school semester, Alachua Audubon seeks college students (UF and SFC) interested in conservation, education, and other functions to serve as interns. Interns are supervised by a UF faculty member. Successful completion of a semester-long internship provides eligibility for a cash scholarship. This program receives rave reviews from former interns and, for many, offers their first hands-on experience with bird research and conservation. Learn more.
Youth Education
Read about some of the fun and rewarding youth education programs we participate in with the cooperation of local educators here.
High School Scholarship Program
AAS offers an unrestricted cash scholarship to high school seniors who show an interest in conservation or wildlife. Read more.
Other Projects
AAS assembled 10 birding kits into backpacks and donated them to the public library for general circulation and check-out. Each one contains a good pair of binoculars, a Sibley field guide, and other birding resources. These birding kits are very popular and often have a waiting list.
AAS has helped finance two local bird projects – a bird cam on an osprey nest built on a stadium light fixture at a UF ball field so viewers could watch the hatching and rearing of osprey chicks; and construction and renovation funds for mews (flight cages) at the Sunrise Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in High Springs.