I know this is an understatement, but it has been a hot summer. Record air and water temperatures have seared the landscape across Florida, a test of our environment’s resilience. Everglades restoration proved to be a pivotal factor in protecting seagrasses during temperature spikes, and our science team is watching for the effects of heat on our aquatic ecosystems as we head into the fall.
Our coastal team persevered on the beaches to work with volunteers, landowners, visitors, and locals to protect nesting sea and shorebirds, though heat took a toll there too as the youngest of chicks are not able to successfully regulate their own body temperatures. Speaking of perseverance, my hat is off to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary team, who successfully completed not one but two summer prescribed fires to restore critical wetland habitat—the first summer burn in almost 20 years.
I hope you'll join me in celebrating Audubon successes this year at our annual Assembly in Tampa Bay (there's still time to register—find more information on the next page). As always, we are strongest when we flock together!