The South Florida Audubon Society (SFAS) stands as a vibrant chapter among the 45 that constitute Audubon Florida and the National Audubon Society, Inc. Dedicated to the principles of conservation and the joy of birdwatching, SFAS offers an array of services to both its members and the broader public. These services include immersive field trips designed for birdwatching and nature appreciation, comprehensive environmental education programs, and staunch advocacy for environmental and conservation issues at local and regional levels. SFAS actively participates in and contributes to various significant events such as Water Matters Day, Earth Day, National Public Lands Day, the Christmas Bird Count, and the Great Backyard Bird Count, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. SFAS fosters a deeper connection between people and the natural world through these initiatives, promoting awareness and action to preserve our invaluable natural heritage.
Mission Statement
The mission of the South Florida Audubon Society is to conserve and restore South Florida’s ecosystems, with a particular focus on birds and their habitats, through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a South Florida where birds and other wildlife thrive in healthy and diverse ecosystems, and where people are inspired to appreciate and protect the natural world. We strive for a future where the communities of South Florida are engaged in conservation efforts, and where policy makers prioritize the protection of natural resources for the benefit of all.
Foundation History:
First Officers Included:
- First President: B. Brower Hall, Fort Lauderdale
- First Vice President: George M. Polk, Oakland Park
- First Secretary: Ruth Van Every, Fort Lauderdale
- First Corresponding Secretary: Myrtle Gray, Plantation
- First Treasurer: Becky Lou Stanley
The First Board of Directors Included:
- Alberta Chartier, Fort Lauderdale
- Margaret Dye, Fort Lauderdale
- Lenora E. Hortt, Fort Lauderdale
- Arthur D. Inwood, Fort Lauderdale
- Paul LaRue, Fort Lauderdale
- Lowry Porter, Fort Lauderdale
- Mrs. Lowry Porter, Fort Lauderdale
- Colonel James W. Porter, Fort Lauderdale
- George Raz, Wilton Manors
- Hubert W. Robertson, Fort Lauderdale
- Richard D. Simpson, Fort Lauderdale
- Paul Nelson, Fort Lauderdale
- Jean Brooks, Fort Lauderdale
- Donald C. Little, Fort Lauderdale
Original Charter Subscribers Included:
- Lenora Hortt, Pompano Beach
- August Burghard, Fort Lauderdale
- Ralph Andrews, Fort Lauderdale
- Sarah Miller, Fort Lauderdale
- Lafayette Dow, Pompano Beach
- Donald Dye, Oakland Park
- Margaret Dye, Oakland Park
- Ruth Byrd, Fort Lauderdale
- John W. Douglass, Fort Lauderdale
- C. V. Bowes, Jr., Fort Lauderdale
- Helen Rogers, Hollywood
- George M. Polk, Jr., Fort Lauderdale
Foundation History:
On January 11, 1956, The Broward County Audubon Society became an official nonprofit organization. Today, it is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The purposes and objectives of the Society, as amended since incorporation, include engaging in educational, scientific, investigative, literary, historical, philanthropic, and charitable pursuits, arousing public recognition for the protection of wildlife, holding meetings and exhibitions, and supporting the National Audubon Society.
South Florida Audubon Society (SFAS): SFAS, formerly known as the Broward County Audubon Society, is one of the 45 chapters of Audubon Florida and the National Audubon Society, Inc. The society provides various services, including field trips, environmental education programs, and conservation advocacy. In 2008, the organization changed its name and logo to reflect its growth and regional outreach. In 2023, SFAS received a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward that enabled a significant rebranding initiative, including adopting a new Flamingo Logo and launching a revamped website to serve its members and the community better.
The South Florida Audubon Society’s Logo Transition to the American Flamingo
The South Florida Audubon Society, a key player in wildlife conservation and environmental education, recently transitioned its logo to feature the American flamingo. This change is not merely cosmetic but is imbued with significance, resonating with the society’s mission and the ecological narrative of South Florida.
Historical Context:
- Flamingos in Florida: The historical presence of flamingos in Florida, emphasizes their near-extinction due to hunting and habitat loss in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It discusses the subsequent perception of flamingos as non-native escapees from captivity, a view that recent research has challenged.
- Research and Recovery: Summarizing recent studies, the paper highlights evidence suggesting the American flamingo’s historical nesting in Florida and its natural reoccurrence, challenging previous assumptions about their non-native status.
Symbolism and Identity:
- Native Species Recognition: The logo change signifies the society’s acknowledgment of the flamingo as a native species, aligning with new scientific findings and reinforcing the bird’s rightful place in Florida’s ecology.
- Conservation Message: Featuring the flamingo in the logo serves as a powerful symbol for conservation efforts, drawing attention to the species’ recovery and the broader challenges of wildlife protection in Florida.
- Cultural Resonance: The flamingo is deeply ingrained in Florida’s cultural identity. By adopting this emblem, the South Florida Audubon Society strengthens its connection with the community, enhancing public engagement and support for its mission.
Strategic Implications:
- Awareness and Education: The new logo acts as an educational tool, prompting discussions about flamingo conservation and the importance of protecting native species.
- Brand Reinforcement: By aligning its brand with a recognizable and resonant symbol, the society enhances its visibility and appeal, attracting broader support for its initiatives.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: The logo change underscores the society’s advocacy for recognizing and protecting the American flamingo, potentially influencing conservation policies and priorities.
The South Florida Audubon Society’s adoption of the American flamingo as its logo is a multifaceted decision that reflects its commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement. It symbolizes a broader recognition of the flamingo’s native status and the importance of preserving Florida’s unique wildlife heritage. Through this symbolic change, the society aims to inspire and mobilize public support for conservation efforts, contributing to the ongoing narrative of environmental stewardship in South Florida.