TAS 2011-12 Events Calendar
Tropical Audubon Society is proud to once again offer an outstanding lineup of outings and monthly programs. You will see bird, plant and butterfly trips; morning trips, all day trips, overnight trips; outings nearby and outings afar; the very important seasonal bird counts; special events (Birdathon!!); workdays; plant sales; and lots of ways to have a good time while supporting a great cause and learning more about our native environment. All events with a confirmed date are included. Please mark your calendars and join us!
All trips are led by volunteer leaders from the Tropical Audubon Society. Unless otherwise indicated, they are free and open to the public, and reservations are not necessary. For more information concerning any field trip, email the field trip coordinator, or call him at (305) 388-1544. For more information concerning workdays and plant sales, email TAS or call TAS at (305) 667-7337.
All trips take place rain or shine (remember that rainy days are often birdy days, especially during migration). Please remember that some parks charge entrance fees, participants usually share gasoline costs for carpool trips, and overnight and boat trips will mean additional costs. Also, on some of the nature walks a fee may be required. To allow communication with trip leaders, walkie-talkies are recommended for carpool trips. The specifics for each trip are indicated below. In some cases, the trip leader has included his/her email address and phone number for direct contact.
indicates
a trip with a bilingual leader.
The schedule will be updated as more information becomes available.
JULY 2011
Sat., July 9-Sun., July 17 Ecuador: The Northern Andes
Both Tours Sold Out! Brian Rapoza, Joe Barros, and local leaders, arranged through Tropical Birding Tours, lead this nine-day, eight-night trip to the northern Andes of Ecuador, beginning and ending in Quito. This trip involves seven full days of birding, and is designed for intermediate to advanced birders. Tour 1, with Brian Rapoza is sold out. Tour 2, with Joe Barros is also sold out. Group size will be no more than eight (8) participants.
Costs: $2,295.00 per person double occupancy, $140.00 single supplement. Cost includes transportation, meals, lodging and guides. Not included is round-trip air fare to Quito, tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses. Optional extensions to the Galapagos, or to Sacha Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon are also available. More details are in the itinerary.
Click here for the Tour 2 trip itinerary (Tour 1 itinerary). For a detailed itinerary and trip application, with reservation requirements, email Brian Rapoza.
Sat. July 16 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Wed. July 27 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
AUGUST 2011
Sat. Aug. 20 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Wed. Aug. 24 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Aug. 27 Everglades Agricultural Area Birding
Paul Bithorn will lead an all day carpool trip to sod farms and flooded fields in the Belle Glade area of Palm Beach County. Meet at 6:00 AM at the east gate (SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami) or at 7:00 AM at the intersection of US 27 and Holeyland Road at the Broward/Palm Beach County line. No fee. There will be a lunch stop at a restaurant.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Sat. Sept. 3 Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
John Boyd will lead birders through Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Rd. immediately north of Fairchild Gardens. The group meets in the parking area on the left inside the park entrance at 7:30 AM. Return is at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sun. Sept. 4 A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Gigi Pardo
will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just
north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and
park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30 AM, returning at
approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sat. Sept. 10 Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bird Walk
Canceled!
Sun. Sept. 11 Cutler Bay Birding
Roberto Torres
will lead this tour of Cutler Bay birding locations. Meet at Bill
Sadowski Park, 17555 SW 79 Ave., at 7:30 AM. Other stops may include
Black Point, Dump Marsh and Cutler Wetlands. No fee.
Sat. Sept. 17 North American Migration Count
The North American Migration Count (NAMC), sponsored in Florida by the Florida Ornithological Society, with the assistance of local Audubon chapters, bird clubs and other interested organizations, is a semi-annual snapshot of the progress and shape of bird migration.
On Saturday, September 17, birders from around the country will be collecting information on the abundance and distribution of both migrant and resident birds. If you can find and identify birds and would like to participate in the count in either Miami-Dade or Monroe County, contact us at fieldtrips@tropicalaudubon.org.
We'll send you NAMC instructions and a checklist. We'll also let you know which areas need coverage (or, you can let us know which area you wish to cover; it could be your own backyard, neighborhood, a local park or other natural area). It is important that there is no overlap or duplication of coverage areas, so please contact us before September 17.
Sat. Sept. 17 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Sept. 18 Fairchild Gardens / Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
Joe Barros
will lead birders through Fairchild Tropical Botanical
Gardens, followed by a walk through Matheson Hammock Park. Meet at
7:30 AM in the Matheson parking area adjacent to Fairchild's north
entrance. Entrance fee to Fairchild will be waived for TAS members.
Return is at approximately 11:00 AM.
Sat. Sept. 24 Greynolds Park Bird Walk
Jim King, Interpretive Nature Coordinator for Miami-Dade Parks, will lead birders through Greynold's Park, 17530 West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. Meet at the park boathouse at 7:30 AM. Parking is available near the playground and the elevated mound opposite the boathouse. Return is at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sun. Sept. 25 A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Bill Boeringer will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30 AM, returning at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Wed. Sept. 28 FIU Nature Preserve Bird Walk
Georgiana Hall leads this walk at the nature preserve on Florida International University's Tamiami campus. The preserve is located on the west side of campus, south of the U.S. Century Bank Arena. Free parking will be available in the lot south of the preserve. Meet at 7:30 AM. No fee.
Wed. Sept. 28 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
OCTOBER 2011
Sat. Oct. 1 MDC-Kendall / Kendall Indian Hammock Bird Walk
Stephen Paez will lead birders through the Environmental Center on the Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus, followed by a visit to Kendall Indian Hammock Park. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Environmental Center entrance on SW 113 Place, on the west side of the campus. Return is at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sun. Oct 2 Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bird Walk
Robin Diaz will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sat. Oct. 8 Curry Hammock Hawk Watch
Join Raphael Galvez as he counts diurnal raptors migrating through the Florida Keys. The hawkwatch takes place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Curry Hammock State Park (entrance fee), at mile marker 56.5 on the Overseas Highway (US 1) near Marathon. This site witnesses the largest migration of Peregrine Falcons anywhere in North America. On one day during the 2008 season, 638 peregrines were tallied, the most peregrines counted in one day anywhere in the world!
Sun. Oct. 9 Bird Day at Fairchild Gardens
Mark your calendars for Bird Day 2011, an exciting all-day event at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. There will be workshops, presentations and, of course, birding adventures. The keynote speaker is David Sibley, world renowned ornithologist, author and illustrator of The Sibley Guide to Birds. This event is free for TAS members and will begin with a bird walk at 7 AM. Gates open to the public at 9:30 AM. There will also be arts and crafts activities and vendor's booths. Bird-attracting plants will be available for sale.
Bird Day 2011 is co-sponsored by Tropical Audubon Society, and is made possible by support from the James A. Kushlan Bird Conservation Program. Admission is free for TAS and Fairchild members. For more information visit the Fairchild Tropical Garden website.
Sat. Oct. 15 University of Miami Bird Walk
Carlos Sanchez leads this walk on the University of Miami Campus. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Gifford Arboretum, on San Amaro Drive (accessed from Miller Drive/SW 56 Street) in the northwest corner of the campus. No fee.
Sat. Oct. 15 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Oct. 16 A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Gigi Pardo
will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just
north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and
park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30 AM, returning at
approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sat. Oct. 22 Corkscrew Swamp / Bunche Beach Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead an all day carpool trip to Collier and Lee Counties. Meet at 6:00 AM at the east gate (on SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). There is an admission fee for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (discount for Audubon members). Bring lunch and beach footwear. Walkie-talkies are recommended.
Wed. Oct. 26 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
Sat. Oct. 29 South Dade Birding
Roberto Torres
will lead this all day carpool trip, which may include stops at Lucky
Hammock, Castellow Hammock and Dump Marsh. Meet in the parking lot of
the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30 AM. No fee.
This is an all day trip. Bring lunch.
NOVEMBER 2011
Sat. Nov. 5 Everglades National Park Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30 AM. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 5-6 Native Plant Sale at Doc Thomas House.
Our native plant sales are famous and fun. We have a great selection of South Florida plants with knowledgeable sales people to help you choose the best ones for your yard. Come early for the best selection, stay late to enjoy the company.
Sat. Nov. 12 Shark Valley / Loop Road Birding
Paul Bithorn will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 8:00 AM at the airboat concession on the north side of Tamiami Trail (US 41), one mile west of the Shark Valley entrance. There is an entrance fee to Shark Valley. Bring lunch.
Wed. Nov. 16 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
Sat. Nov. 19 Southern Palm Beach Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30 AM at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Palm Beach County.) No fee. Bring lunch.
Sat. Nov. 19 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sat. Nov. 26 Everglades National Park Beginning Birding
Jeff Weber will lead this trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30 AM. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
DECEMBER 2011
Sat. Dec. 3 South Florida Exotics Trip
Paul Bithorn will lead birders in search of parrots, bulbuls, mynas, and other introduced species in this carpool trip, which begins at Matheson Hammock Park. Meet at 6:30 AM in the parking area on the left inside the park entrance. No fee.
Sat. Dec. 10 Plantation Preserve Birding
South Florida Audubon Society's Paddy Cunningham invites TAS to join her for a tour of Plantation Preserve in central Broward County. The preserve is on Broward Blvd., 0.6 miles east of University Drive. Meet Paddy at 8:00 AM at the trailhead past the playground. The tour includes a stop at Target Wetlands; lunch at a local restaurant will follow. No fee.
Sat. Dec. 17 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Christmas Bird Counts
Join the Bird Counts! Join the Bird Counts! Every year since 1900 teams of interested birders have joined together across the country to count the number of individual birds within each species occurring on the same date in the same place. This huge task is coordinated by the National Audubon Society. The consistency of the count creates a viable set of statistics that can be compared and used to measure the effects that changes in the environment have had on the bird population. These measurements act as important warnings of environmental deterioration that should be heeded. In addition to the serious consequences of the bird counts, they are a fun way to spend a day with fellow birding enthusiasts. This is an all day event. Volunteers are needed for all areas.
Fri. Dec. 16 Biscayne National Park CBC
Coordinated by Dr. Vanessa McDonough. For additional information, email Dr. McDonough.
Sat. Dec. 17 Miami-Dade County CBC
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. For additional information, email Brian.
Mon. Dec. 19 Long Pine Key CBC
Coordinated by Robin Diaz. For additional information, email Robin.
Sat. Dec. 24 Kendall CBC
Coordinated by Bill Boeringer. For additional information, email Bill.
Sat. Dec. 31 Coot Bay / Everglades CBC
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. For additional information, email Brian.
JANUARY 2012
Tues., Jan. 3 TAS Taste of…Town Kitchen & Bar
Dine Out with Tropical Audubon Society at Town Kitchen & Bar and help protect South Florida's natural environment, resources and architectural treasures such as the historic landmark Doc Thomas House, which serves as TAS headquarters.
Town Kitchen & Bar is located 2 blocks west of TAS on the corner of S.W. 57th Court and 73rd Street, Town Kitchen & Bar draws a hip, professional crowd for its famed cocktails and happy hours, as well as for client lunches and dinners. Locals flock to Town for its see-and-be-seen buzz, its popular weekend brunches and its broad menu studded with favorites such as Town Calamari, Cowboy Steak, Lobster Pizza and Truffle Parmesan house-made fries. Town Kitchen & Bar is owned jointly by partners John Janette, Brandon Lurie and Michael Altman.
Town Kitchen & Bar is located at 7301 S.W. 57th Court, South Miami, FL 33143
Dinner is served Sunday through Wednesday 5:30 to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; lunch seven days.
Reservations are accepted.
Phone: (305) 740-8118
Website: www.townkitchenbar.com
Ten percent of Tuesday, January 3rd dinner checks (exclusive of sales tax) will be donated to Tropical Audubon Society, helping amplify the nonprofit Voice of Conservation in South Florida.
Sat. Jan. 7 Everglades National Park Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30 AM. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Fri.-Mon., Jan. 13-16 North Florida Birding
Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn will lead this four-day, three-night van trip to the Tallahassee area. Costs ($450.00 per person double occupancy: $150.00 single supplement) include hotel and van/gas. Email Brian for further information.
Sat. Jan 14 Crandon Park Birding
Jim King, Interpretive Nature Coordinator for Miami-Dade Parks, will lead birders through Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Crandon Visitor and Nature Center at Parking Lot #1, accessed via the North Beach entrance to the park (no fee before 8:00 AM). The tour will start at the Coastal Dune Trail, followed by a walk along the beach to the mud flats for shorebirds.
Sat. Jan 21 North Broward Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip to birding locations in northern Broward County. Meet at 8:00 AM at Easterlin Park, 1000 NW 38 Street in Oakland Park. From I-95, exit at Oakland Park Blvd. (Exit 31). Drive east 0.3 miles to Powerline Road. Turn left and drive north 0.5 miles to NW 38 Street. Turn left and drive west 0.3 miles to the park entrance (fee). Bear right after entering and park in the first lot on the left, near the playground. Bring lunch.
Sat. Jan. 21 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Wed. Jan. 25 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
Sat. Jan. 28 Southern Palm Beach Birding
Nancy Freedman will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30 AM at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.) No fee. Bring lunch.
FEBRUARY 2012
Sat. Feb. 4 STA-5 Birding
Full! Hendry Glades Audubon Society invites TAS to join them for a tour of Stormwater Treatment Area-5 in Hendry County. For those planning to carpool, this trip is limited to 20 participants and reservations are required. No fee. Full! Contact Brian Rapoza for details, including meeting place and time.
Tues., Feb. 7 TAS Taste of…Whisk Gourmet
Dine Out with Tropical Audubon Society at WHISK Gourmet and help protect South Florida's natural environment, resources and architectural treasures such as the historic landmark Doc Thomas House, which serves as TAS headquarters.
Whisk Gourmet is located just a few steps west of the TAS property. Whisk Gourmet is owned by siblings Brendan and Kristin Connor and is critically praised for its deftly prepared locally and seasonally inspired dishes turned out with contemporary American flair. Signature dishes include homemade shaved parmesan cheese and cracked pepper potato chips, cumin-dusted grilled chicken breast and the house classic fried green tomato sandwich.
Whisk Gourmet is located at 7382 SW 56th Ave, South Miami, FL 33143
Dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 10 pm
Limited reservations are accepted for parties 6-12.
Phone: (786) 268-8350
Website: http://www.whiskgourmet.com/main/
Ten percent of Tuesday, February 7th dinner checks (exclusive of sales tax) will be donated to Tropical Audubon Society, helping amplify the nonprofit Voice of Conservation in South Florida.
Sat. Feb. 11 South Dade Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip, which may include stops at Lucky Hammock, Castellow Hammock and Dump Marsh. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30 AM. This is an all day trip. No fee. Bring lunch.
Sat. Feb. 18 Everglades Nature Photography
Trey Mitchell will lead all-day event in Everglades National Park, which will focus on the many opportunities the park offers for taking stunning wildlife images—from alligators to tiny damselflies. We'll use both telephoto and macro lenses to capture shots of whatever birds and beasts we encounter. The walk will start early and end at dusk to take advantage of the best light conditions. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Coe Visitor Center. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Sat. Feb. 18 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Wed. Feb. 22 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
Sat. Feb. 25 Shark Valley/Loop Road Birding
John Hutchison will lead this trip. Meet at 8:00 AM at the airboat concession on the north side of Tamiami Trail (US 41), one mile west of the Shark Valley entrance. There is an entrance fee to Shark Valley. Bring lunch.
Sat.-Sun., Feb. 25-26 Native Plant Sale at Doc Thomas House.
Our native plant sales are famous and fun. We have a great selection of South Florida plants with knowledgeable sales people to help you choose the best ones for your yard. Come early for the best selection, stay late to enjoy the company.
MARCH 2012
Sat. Mar. 3 Everglades National Park Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30 AM. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Tues., Mar. 6 TAS Taste of…George's
Dine Out with Tropical Audubon Society at George's in South Miami and help protect South Florida's natural environment, resources and architectural treasures such as the historic landmark Doc Thomas House, which serves as TAS headquarters.
George's is located on Sunset Drive directly across from TAS, George's is considered South Miami's premier French quarter, offering both classic and nouveau dishes that rely on top-quality, seasonal and local ingredients interpreted with French flair. Owner Georges Farge has created a convivial and festive atmosphere that draws a sophisticated clientele of loyal patrons.
George's is located at 1549 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33146
Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and
until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are accepted.
Phone:(305) 284-9989
Website: www.georgessouthmiami.com
Ten percent of Tuesday, March 6th dinner checks (exclusive of sales tax) will be donated to Tropical Audubon Society, helping amplify the nonprofit Voice of Conservation in South Florida.
Sat. Mar. 10 East Everglades / Chekika Birding
Canceled!
Sat. Mar. 17 Southern Palm Beach Birding
Nancy Freedman will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30 AM at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.) No fee. Bring lunch.
Sat. Mar. 17 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Mar. 18 Spring Wildflower Walk with Roger Hammer
Well known South Florida plant expert, Roger Hammer, will lead this walk down the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park. See the wildflowers, butterflies and birds that share the varied habitat of pine rockland, Everglades prairie and upland hammock communities. This is an excellent chance to see the grass-pink orchid in bloom. Meet at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park at 8 AM, return approximately 11:30 AM. There is an entrance fee to the park.
Reservations and fee required: $40 members/$45 nonmembers includes an autographed copy of one of Roger's recent books: Everglades Wildflowers, Florida Keys Wildflowers or Everglades National Park and the Surrounding Area (your choice). A $25 discount ($15 members/$20 nonmembers) if you bring along your own copy of one of Roger's books! Call 305-247-1634, or email Roger to register or for more information.
Sat. Mar. 24 South Broward Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip to birding locations in southern Broward County. Meet at 8:00 AM at Markham Park's Meadow Nature Trail. From I-75, exit at Royal Palm Parkway (Exit 15). Drive west 0.5 miles to Weston Road. Turn right and drive west 2.8 miles to the park entrance. From I-595, exit at 136 Street (Exit 1A) and drive west 2.0 miles on SR 84 (I-595 service road) to the park entrance. Turn left after the entrance station (fee) to reach the nature trail parking area. Bring lunch.
Sun. Mar. 25 Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Walk
Joe Barros
will lead this walk through Tropical Audubon's own pine rockland, a
remnant of Miami-Dade's most threatened habitat. See wildflowers,
butterflies and birds and witness the struggles involved in preservation
of this fragmented and globally imperiled habitat. This walk will
provide an excellent opportunity to see Mosier's False Boneset, a plant
endemic to this habitat, and other pine rockland specialties. Meet at
7:30 AM. From Florida's Turnpike, exit at SW 216 Street. Turn right and
drive west on SW 216 Street, across US-1, to SW 124 Avenue. Turn left
and drive south to SW 220 Street. The pineland is on the right, just
south of SW 220 Street. No fee.
Wed. Mar. 28 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
Sat. Mar. 31 Lake Kissimmee Area Birding
This is an all day carpool trip to Lake Kissimmee State Park (entrance fee) in Polk County and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (entrance fee) in Osceola County. Meet Brian Rapoza at 6:00 AM at the east gate of the Doc Thomas property on SW 55th Ave. just south of Sunset (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). Bring lunch. Walkie-talkies are recommended.
APRIL 2012
Sun. Apr. 1 A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Bill Boeringer will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30 AM, returning at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Tues., Apr. 3 TAS Taste of…Town Kitchen & Bar
Dine Out with Tropical Audubon Society at Town Kitchen & Bar and help protect South Florida's natural environment, resources and architectural treasures such as the historic landmark Doc Thomas House, which serves as TAS headquarters.
Town Kitchen & Bar is located 2 blocks west of TAS on the corner of S.W. 57th Court and 73rd Street, Town Kitchen & Bar draws a hip, professional crowd for its famed cocktails and happy hours, as well as for client lunches and dinners. Locals flock to Town for its see-and-be-seen buzz, its popular weekend brunches and its broad menu studded with favorites such as Town Calamari, Cowboy Steak, Lobster Pizza and Truffle Parmesan house-made fries. Town Kitchen & Bar is owned jointly by partners John Janette, Brandon Lurie and Michael Altman.
Town Kitchen & Bar is located at 7301 S.W. 57th Court, South Miami, FL 33143
Dinner is served Sunday through Wednesday 5:30 to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; lunch seven days.
Reservations are accepted.
Phone: (305) 740-8118
Website: www.townkitchenbar.com
Ten percent of Tuesday, April 3rd dinner checks (exclusive of sales tax) will be donated to Tropical Audubon Society, helping amplify the nonprofit Voice of Conservation in South Florida.
Sat. Apr. 7 Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bird Walk
Robin Diaz will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
TAS 10th Annual Birdathon!!!
Saturday, April 14 – Friday, April 27
New dates! Raise money for TAS! Tropical Audubon's Tenth Annual Birdathon is coming in April. Bird for up to 24 consecutive hours anytime during April 14-27. Collect pledges per bird seen or for the whole day. Win prizes! Click here for more information and pledge forms. Birdathon...fun teams, good prizes, all day birding and all for a good cause!
Sat. Apr. 14 Greynolds Park Bird Walk
Jim King, Interpretive Nature Coordinator for Miami-Dade Parks, will lead birders through Greynold's Park, 17530 West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. Meet at the park boathouse at 7:30 AM. Parking is available near the playground and the elevated mound opposite the boathouse. Return is at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sun. Apr. 15 Fairchild Gardens / Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
Joe Barros
will lead birders through Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens, followed
by a walk through Matheson Hammock Park. Meet at 7:30 AM in the Matheson
parking area adjacent to Fairchild's north entrance. Entrance fee to
Fairchild will be waived for TAS members. Return is at approximately
11:00 AM.
Fri. Apr. 20-Sun. Apr. 22 Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas Birding
Sold Out! Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn lead this three-day, two night van trip through the Florida Keys, including a one day boat trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Costs ($695.00 per person double occupancy: $150.00 single supplement) includes two nights hotel in the Key West area, van/gas, park fees and ferry to the Dry Tortugas. Email Brian for further information.
Sat. Apr. 21 MDC-Kendall / Kendall Indian Hammock Bird Walk
Jake Tucker and David Schaffter will lead birders through the Environmental Center on the Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus, followed by a visit to Kendall Indian Hammock Park. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Environmental Center entrance on SW 113 Place, on the west side of the campus. Return is at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Sat. Apr. 21 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Apr. 22 A. D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Robin Diaz will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30 AM, returning at approximately 11:00 AM. No fee.
Wed. Apr. 25 Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
Sat. Apr. 28 Big Cypress Swamp Birding
Brian Rapoza, will lead this carpool trip to Big Cypress National Preserve. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Oasis Visitor Center on Tamiami Trail (US 41). Bring lunch and insect repellant. No fee.
Sun. Apr. 29 Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
John Boyd will lead birders through Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Rd. immediately north of Fairchild Gardens. The group meets in the Matheson parking area on the left, inside the park entrance, at 7:30 AM. No fee.
Sun. Apr. 29 TAS WingDing & Annual Meeting
4-7 pm at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive in South Miami
The Tropical Audubon Society invites you to participate in our annual celebration of conservation and environmental stewardship in South Florida.
Gather with friends and supporters of TAS and celebrate with music by the Southbound Suspects, food, and beverages. Our program will begin at 5 p.m. with an awards ceremony followed by a keynote address given by Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
We will be awarding:
- Polly Redford Citizen Conservation Award to Hunter Reno
- Dan Beard Government Conservation Award to Comm. Dennis Moss
- Joy Klein shall be awarded a Board Appreciation Award
- Joan Browder will be awarded the Biscayne Bay Stewardship Award
At this time, we are accepting Silent Auction donations, food donations, and if you are unable to attend in person, please consider donating at this time. Please contact us at 305-667-7337. or e-mail us with any questions or to RSVP for the event.
MAY 2012
Sat. May 5 Key Largo Birding
Brian Rapoza, will lead this trip to the largest remaining tract of coastal tropical hardwood hammock in the Florida Keys. Meet at 6:30 AM at the Cracker Barrel restaurant at US 1 and Palm Drive in Florida City. Bring water and insect repellant. There is an entrance fee to the botanical site. Lunch at a Key Largo restaurant.
Sun. May 6 Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bird Walk
Robin Diaz will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sat. May 19 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
JUNE 2012
Sat.-Sun., June 2-3 Native Plant Sale at the Doc Thomas House
Our native plant sales are famous and fun. We have a great selection of South Florida plants with knowledgeable sales people to help you choose the best ones for your yard. Come early for the best selection, stay late to enjoy the company.
Thur. June 14-Sun. June 24 Trinidad and Tobago Birding
Brian Rapoza leads this 11-day, 10-night trip to the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago. While in Trinidad, we'll spend a full week at the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. On Tobago, we'll stay three nights at the beachfront Blue Waters Inn. Excursions will include a search for the endemic Trinidad Piping-Guan, a boat trip to Little Tobago Island, home to nesting Red-billed Tropicbirds and Red-footed Boobies, as well as a night trip to the nesting beaches of leatherback turtles.
Costs: $2,635.00 per person double occupancy, $385.00 single supplement. Cost includes transportation (including round-trip flight to Tobago), meals, lodging and guides. Not included is round-trip airfare to Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses. For a detailed itinerary and trip application, with reservation requirements, email Brian Rapoza.
Sat. June 16 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
JULY 2012
Sat. July 21 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
AUGUST 2012
Wed. July 25-Thur. Aug. 2 Birding the Sky Islands of Southeastern Arizona
Brian Rapoza leads this 9-day, 8-night trip to birding hotspots in the Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. This trip, which begins and ends in Tucson, involves eight full days of birding in both mountain and desert habitats and is designed for intermediate to advanced birders. Group size will be no more than ten (10) participants.
Costs: $1,100.00 per person double occupancy, $400.00 single supplement. Cost includes van transportation, hotel accommodations and park entrance fees. Not included is air fare to Tucson, tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses. Meals will be eaten in local restaurants and are paid for by each participant. For a detailed itinerary and trip application, with reservation requirements, email Brian Rapoza.
Sat. Aug. 18 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer1@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.