Welcome to Duval Audubon Society

Continuing our series focusing on the contributions of historically under-recognized groups to conservation and environmental sciences, this month we are featuring Edward Waters College student Onecia Adams, who is a student participant in Audubon Florida's Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI). Here is Onecia's story in her own words:

"I was born and raised in a small country called Guyana, a place where many people I meet haven’t heard of before. I spent the most days of my life living in a place that appeared to be devoid of any beauty. Polluted waterways, garbage in the streets and decrepit buildings surrounded me wherever I went. Although there was so much ugly around me, I found beauty and solace in the trees and the ocean. I made a habit of slipping away from my house and venturing out to see the ocean whenever I had a chance. (Read more...)

Looking to reward your favorite teacher, student, or class with free Audubon science curriculum? Duval Audubon Society is currently accepting applications for Audubon Adventures classroom kits with print and online components for students, teachers, and parents.

(Read more...)

On December 21, 2020, seven Scouts took time out of their holiday vacation to build picnic tables and a seating area at Crosby Sanctuary. Led by Marina Mitchell of Troop 291 in Ponte Vedra Beach and her father Gary Mitchell, these Scouts spent all morning helping Marina complete her Eagle Scout project. This is the third time Marina has done a project at Crosby: the first was trail blazing in December 2016 and the second when she and her father rescued and restored our bridge in 2018 after it was damaged during Hurricane Irma.

(Read more...)

Although the news of an effective coronavirus vaccine is encouraging, it looks like it will still be some months before the spread of the virus slows down. With the pandemic still surging, our Board of Directors has decided that we will continue to limit hosted in-person activities this year (at least for the first few months) to ensure the health and safety of our members and volunteers. Registration will be limited for most activities, and participants and volunteers will be required to observe COVID-19 safety measures (masks, social distancing) during all in-person activities.

Our Crosby Sanctuary conservation property in Orange Park has become a focal point for chapter events during the coronavirus crisis, as its 2.5 miles of trails through a variety of ecosystems offer visitors an opportunity to get some much-needed nature therapy and still observe the sensible social distancing and other precautions recommended by the CDC. Several events based at Crosby are planned for January, and we are also hosting some exciting virtual events this month.

Here's what's coming up in January:

• Virtual Bird Trivia Night: 7:30-8:30 pm, Friday, January 8, 2021 (this online event is free, but registration is limited; you must sign up to participate)
• Forest Bathing Meditation at Crosby Sanctuary: 2 - 4 pm, Sunday, January 10, 2021 (registration for this event is limited; you must register on our Meetup site to attend)
• Crosby Sanctuary Bird Walk and Work Day: 8 - 11:30 am, Saturday, January 16, 2021 (attendance will be limited to no more than 20 people, and you must register on our Meetup site to participate)
• Virtual Monthly Program: Learning the Language of Birds: 6:30 - 8 pm, Monday, January 18, 2021 (also free, but you must register to participate)
• Crosby Sanctuary Open House: 8 am - 12 pm, Saturday, January 23, 2021

Best wishes from all of us for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Love nature? Want to help share that love of nature with others? Consider applying to join Duval Audubon Society’s Board of Directors.

Founded in 1939, Duval Audubon Society is a chapter of Audubon Florida and the National Audubon Society. We currently have approximately 1,000 members in Clay, Duval and Nassau counties and are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Our chapter is dedicated to the enjoyment of birds and other wildlife. We have a primary focus on the preservation of a diversity of species and habitats through education, conservation, environmental leadership, and community involvement. We offer a variety of programs, special events, and volunteer opportunities that are open for anyone to attend.

We are an all-volunteer chapter governed by a Board of Directors who work together to determine the activities offered by the organization to further our mission, “Connecting people with nature, conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife.”

Currently there are several Board vacancies, and we encourage anyone interested in serving as a Board member to apply. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings (held virtually via Zoom) and participate in chapter activities on a regular basis. Board Officers are appointed for a one-year term, and Directors serve for two years. Board members may continue serving beyond their initial term if willing and approved by the Board.

• The Recording Secretary (an Officer position) participates in monthly meetings of the Board of Directors and records and distributes meeting minutes to all Board members.
• The Community Outreach Director works with the President and the rest of the Board of Directors to plan and coordinate outreach activities such as tabling at local events or presentations to community groups.
• The Programs and Field Trips Chair works with the Volunteer Chair and the rest of the Board of Directors to plan and coordinate the chapter's field trips and monthly program presentations.

If you are committed to helping to connect people with nature, please consider applying to join us in managing our chapter. You don’t have to be an expert birder, but having a love for nature and a passion for protecting and conserving birds and other wildlife would make you a wonderful addition to our team!

Send your completed application to Duval Audubon Society President Carol Bailey-White at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or PO Box 16304, Jacksonville, FL 32245.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Carol or any current Board member.

Thank you!