Preserving South Florida’s Wild Places: Join the Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program
South Florida is home to a diverse array of natural habitats, from the precious Everglades to the imperiled Pine Rockland ecosystem and the beautiful Biscayne Bay aquatic ecosystem. These wild places are a gift that must be cherished and protected. For those who want to make a difference and become environmental stewards, the Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity.
The program, which will commence on August 29 with live Zoom meetings, aims to educate and inspire individuals to actively preserve South Florida’s endangered ecosystems. The sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and some Thursdays, providing a flexible schedule for participants. One exciting addition this year is the option to take the course in Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Enrollment for the program is open until the evening of August 21. The weekly sessions will continue until November 9, featuring informative talks and conversations with prominent environmental advocates. This award-winning program has garnered acclaim for its ability to empower individuals to become environmental ambassadors for the region.
Stephanie Clements, the Education & Advocacy Director of Tropical Audubon, expressed that the ultimate goal of the program is to activate participants to utilize their knowledge and take action on behalf of South Florida’s precious wildlife and ecosystems.
In addition to the virtual sessions, the program will also include field trips, which have proven highly popular in the past. By offering both English and Spanish options, Tropical Audubon aims to engage a broader audience of South Floridians who share a love for the natural world and a desire to make a difference.
Newcomers and past graduates alike are invited to join the 2023 edition of the Tropical Audubon Ambassador series. In 2022, a record-breaking 61 ambassadors graduated from the program, highlighting its effectiveness and impact.
This program is made possible through the generous support of organizations such as The Miami Foundation, Everglades Foundation, Ocean Reef Conservation Association, and the Audubon Collaborative Grant. Their contributions enable the program to remain free for all participants.
Garden clubs also play a pivotal role in preserving South Florida’s environment and creating a sense of community. The Coral Gables Garden Club, led by President Susan Rodriguez, is an example of a club that has evolved to cater to the interests of both men and women.
Garden clubs have a rich history, with the first club, the Garden Club of Athens, established in 1891. Over the years, these clubs have expanded their focus to include environmental and beautification projects, addressing issues such as groundwater preservation and greenspace conservation.
Miami-Dade and Monroe counties constitute the 12th District of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC). Within this district, nine garden clubs, including the Coral Gables Garden Club, promote a love for gardening, floral and landscape design, and civic and environmental responsibility. They achieve this through educational initiatives, networking opportunities, and community engagement.
If you are passionate about the environment, horticulture, or floral design, and would like to join a garden club in District XII or start your own, reach out to Susan Rodriguez at susan56athome@gmail.com or visit www.ffgc.org for more information.
Preserving South Florida’s wild places and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility requires collective action. Whether it’s becoming a Tropical Audubon Ambassador or joining a garden club in District XII, there are ample opportunities for individuals to make a positive impact and contribute to the conservation of South Florida’s unique ecosystems.
To learn more about the Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program and enroll, visit https://tropicalaudubon.org/.
