The Audubon Observer, January 2021
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MANY VOICES FOR CONSERVATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
"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. I would sit and watch the waves and mentally drift away to a place that was devoid of pollution and remained in the pristine condition God had created it in. Unfortunately, I would have to return to reality and the scent of dead fish usually did it for me. The ocean was my escape, even though it was visibly polluted, it was the best thing I could experience. I knew that I wanted to always have that place to come to and I knew that I wanted to make it a cleaner, healthier environment. I believe that is how I developed an interest in conservation.
I continue to find myself in less than ideal environments as I pursue my educational goals but I persevere in the hope that someday I will be working to make the world a better, healthier place for all living things. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. This past Fall I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of Audubon’s Conservation Leadership Initiative and have been involved with Duval Audubon Society under my mentor Carolyn Antman. I’ve really enjoyed the learning experiences provided by CLI events even though it was virtual. I was also able to visit the Crosby Sanctuary and it felt really great to experience a natural space after being stuck indoors for too long. I’m very excited to become a part of the conservation community in Duval Audubon and I feel like I am on the brink of being able to experience all the nature I could not growing up and so much more." Thank you for sharing your inspiring story, Onecia. We are thrilled to be working with you! --Carol Bailey-White, President EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT AT CROSBY SANCTUARY
After Marina planned the project and its financing, her father helped with getting the wood, cutting it, and bringing it out to the site. That’s when everyone pitched in to assemble five benches and two picnic tables with attached benches. The five benches were put in a semi-circle to serve as an Education/Gathering Area and the picnic tables can be used for projects or for picnics!
--Carolyn Antman, Conservation Director BRIEF BOOK REVIEWS by Dan Lucas Looking for some great reads for the new year? I had the opportunity this summer to read through four different books, describing bird life. Each one in its turn different, yet comforting, as it is impossible to imagine a world without these wonderful creatures, serenading a rising sun and bidding farewell to another day. ~ ~ American Birds, A Literary Companion. Edited by Andrew Rubenfeld and Terry Tempest Williams. Published by Library of America. Our country has been blessed to have many men and women who have written with great insight about the lives of birds and our lives with them. Over 70 writers are represented in this anthology of poems and short essays. Each one is an astute and compassionate observer and commentator about our winged friends. An example: Screech Owl (2004), by Ted Kooser American Birds will give you many hours of pleasure, as only great American artists can. ~ Owls of the Eastern Ice, A Quest to Find and Save the World’s Largest Owl by Jonathan C. Slaght. Published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. ~ An Indifference of Birds by Richard Smyth. Published by Uniformbooks. This book takes quite a different view. The blurb that sent me to this book is as follows: "Human history – from a bird’s eye view. History isn’t so much about the passage of time as the study of change – how did we get from then to now, from there to here? To write a history of birds and people, you can look at how they’ve changed us, or you can look at how we’ve changed them." This book seeks to do the second thing; this is a book about our place in their history. This is one of the most interesting and unique books that I have read in several years. Eye-opening and historically provocative, it makes you think about our friends in the air and our lives on the ground. --Dan Lucas, Guest Contributor JOIN OUR TEAM! 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. All Board members may continue serving beyond their initial term if willing and approved by the Board.
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 duvalaudubon@gmail.com, or mail to P.O. Box 16304, Jacksonville, FL 32245. Questions? Please feel free to contact Carol or any current Board member. Thank you! UPCOMING ACTIVITIES 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). 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 happening in January:
Best wishes from all of us for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! We look forward to seeing you soon.
Duval Audubon Society, Inc.
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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 this year's Audubon Florida 
Though the city where I grew up was not a very beautiful place, there are many parts of my country that are exquisitely composed of the best things nature has to offer. I learnt about these beautiful places but I was never afforded the privilege to experience any of them. From the magnificent 
On December 21, seven Scouts took time out of their holiday vacation to build picnic tables and a seating area at 
Many thanks to Gary Mitchell, father and facilitator, Elaine Mitchell, leader, and Marina Mitchell, Sophia Kokkinos, Ella Lopez, and Nishita Ramesh of Troop 291; to Grant Mitchell of Troop 288 for helping his sister; to Wynn Watson and his sons Kyle and Bryce of Troop 15 in Jacksonville Beach; and to Dick Basye, Committee Chair for Troop 291. This project is a welcome addition to our entrance.
