Audubon Florida is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a tour of the state, meeting with community members along the way. The nonprofit protects birds and their habitats. They observed the milestone this weekend with a gathering at the Tallahassee Museum.
Audubon Florida began at a time when roseate spoonbills were being slaughtered for their feathers, which were then in great demand for women’s hats.
As the nonprofit’s executive director Julie Wraithmell explains, the birds almost reached extinction before Floridians fought to make the killings illegal.
“They weren’t quite sure how to do it, but by God, they were going to change that!" she says. "Over the years they came together, they hired wardens and ultimately passed national legislation that endures to this day. This is people power using science to make Florida better for everyone.”
The Tallahassee Museum has a new exhibit highlighting Audubon Florida’s 125 years of conservation in the Sunshine State. It will run through May 31st.
“Audubon’s responsibility is taking care of this vulnerable paradise and making sure it’s here for the next 125 years also," says Wraithmell. "Florida is like no other, and it’s a great privilege to be here -- but that comes with responsibilities, too, and we take it seriously.”
