TAS 2014-15 Event 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!
Field 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 most cases, the trip leader has included his/her email address for direct contact.
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, contact Brian Rapoza, the TAS field trip coordinator via email or phone (305) 388-1544. To volunteer for workdays, contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator by phone 305-343-4468 or e-mail. For more information concerning conservation meetings, workdays and plant sales, contact TAS via phone at (305) 667-7337 or email.
indicates
a trip with a bilingual leader.
The schedule will be updated as more information becomes available.
AUGUST 2014
Sat. Aug. 16 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. 27 Conservation Meeting
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. 30 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 6:30am at Sawgrass Recreation Park, on US 27 about two miles north of I-75 in Broward County. No fee. Walkie-talkies are recommended. There will be a lunch stop at a restaurant.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Tues. Sept. 2 Dine Out with TAS
Experience our monthly Dine Out program and help feather Tropical Audubon Society's proverbial nest. South Miami-area community restaurant partners participating in the first-Tuesday-of-the-month Dine Out series now include George's, Red Fish Grill, Sports Grill SoMi, The Big Cheese SoMi and Whisk Gourmet. Each restaurant dedicates ten percent of dinner and take-out checks on its designated Dine Out date to TAS. So please mark your calendar and Dine Out with our community partners on the 1st Tuesday of the month. You'll be dining well and helping amplify South Florida's nonprofit "Voice of Conservation!"
Sat. Sept. 6 Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens Bird Walk
Joe Barros
will lead birders through Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. Meet at
7:30am in the Matheson Hammock parking area adjacent to Fairchild's
north entrance. Entrance fee to Fairchild will be waived for TAS
members. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Sun. Sept. 7 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 7:30am, returning at approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Sat. Sept. 13 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Sept. 13 Greynolds Park Bird Walk
Jim King will lead birders through Greynold's Park, 17530 West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. Meet at the park boathouse at 7:30am. Parking is available near the playground and the elevated mound opposite the boathouse. Return is at approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Sun. Sept. 14 Hugh Taylor Birch State Park / Richardson Park Bird Walk
Ted and Barbara Center will lead this walk at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Ft. Lauderdale, followed by a visit to Richardson Park in Wilton Manors. The state park's entrance is on Sunrise Blvd., just west of A1A. Meet at 8:00am at the Hammock Trail parking area. Costs include an entrance fee to the park.
Sat. Sept. 20 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. Sept. 20 Corkscrew Swamp / Ft. Myers Beach Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead an all day carpool trip to Collier and Lee Counties. Meet at 7:00am at the Government Road/Snake Road service station (Exit 49 on I-75) in Broward County. There is an admission fee for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (discount for Audubon members) and a fee for beach parking. Bring lunch and beach footwear. Walkie-talkies are recommended.
Sun. Sept. 21 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 7:30am. Return is at approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Wed. Sept. 24 Conservation Meeting
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. Sept. 27 South Dade Birding
Raul Urgelles
will lead this carpool trip, which may include stops at Lucky Hammock,
Castellow Hammock and Dump Marsh. Meet at 7:30am in the parking lot of
the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park. No fee. Bring
lunch.
Sun. Sept. 28 Kendall Indian Hammock Bird Walk
Stephen Paez
will lead birders through Kendall Indian Hammock Park. Meet at 7:30am at
the parking area at the east end of the ballfields. Return is at
approximately 11:00am. No fee.
OCTOBER 2014
Thurs. Oct. 2-Sun. Oct. 5 South Florida Birding Festival
Join TAS for an exciting four-day event at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Keynote speakers will be birding expert and television host James Currie and award-winning researcher and conservation ecologist Dr. Cagan H. Sekercioglu. There will be workshops, presentations and, of course, birding adventures. Field trips to south Florida birding hotspots are scheduled on Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday will begin with a bird walk at Fairchild at 7:30am; admission is free for TAS members. Gates open to the public at 9:30am. There will also be arts and crafts, activities for children and vendor's booths. Bird-attracting plants will be available for sale. The South Florida Birding Festival is co-sponsored by Tropical Audubon Society and is made possible by support from the James A. Kushlan Bird Conservation Program. For more information and a complete schedule, visit the Fairchild Tropical Garden website. For more information and a complete schedule, visit the Fairchild Tropical Garden website.
Tues. Oct. 7 Dine Out with TAS
Experience our monthly Dine Out program and help feather Tropical Audubon Society's proverbial nest. South Miami-area community restaurant partners participating in the first-Tuesday-of-the-month Dine Out series now include George's, Red Fish Grill, Sports Grill SoMi, The Big Cheese SoMi and Whisk Gourmet. Each restaurant dedicates ten percent of dinner and take-out checks on its designated Dine Out date to TAS. So please mark your calendar and Dine Out with our community partners on the 1st Tuesday of the month. You'll be dining well and helping amplify South Florida's nonprofit "Voice of Conservation!"
Fri. Oct. 10 SoMi Art Walk
The Doc Thomas House parlor, porch and patio are transformed into charming "galleries" during SOMI ArtWalk, a free event that unfolds in retail venues along Sunset Drive on the second Friday of each month from October through March. Pedestrian-friendly South Miami enables patrons to reduce their collective carbon footprint and stroll from one venue to the next. TAS showcases the art of a different environmental artist each month, alongside the works of area students enrolled in Magnet Arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is tithed to TAS by each artist. Please "Get your Art On" and join us!
Sat. Oct. 11 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Oct. 11 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 7:30am, returning at approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Sun. Oct. 12 Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Bird Walk
Robin Diaz. will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00am. 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 8:15am. returning at approximately 11:00am. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sat. Oct. 18 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. Oct. 18 Shark Valley / Loop Road Birding
Paul Bithorn will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 8:00am 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.
Sun. Oct. 19 Big George and Little George Hammock Bird Walk
Tiffany Melvin of Miami-Dade County's Environmentally Endangered Lands Program will lead birders on a walk through this county property in southwest Miami-Dade, normally closed to the public. This walk is limited to 15 participants and reservations are required. No fee. Email Brian Rapoza for details, including meeting place and time.
Wed. Oct. 22 Conservation Meeting
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. Oct. 25 Everglades National Park Beginning Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead this carpool trip. Birders of all abilities are welcome. Meet at 7:30am in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Sat.-Sun., Oct. 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.
Sun. Oct. 26 Tri-Annual Food Truck Migration
Flock to Tropical Audubon Society for Sunday Supper! The Tri-Annual Food Truck Migration hatches beneath the shady canopy that comprises our Steinberg Nature Center, a 3-acre native oasis in the heart of South Miami. Forage for your Supper among unique savory and sweet food vendors; dine alfresco at communal picnic tables or tuck in under the Chickee; slake your thirst at the Bird Bar; wander Nature trails; tour the historic Doc Thomas House; and listen to a chorus of birds sing the sun to bed.
NOVEMBER 2014
Sat. Nov. 1 Southern Palm Beach Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center (12800 Hagen Ranch Road, 2.2 miles noth of Atlantic Avenue in Boynton Beach) No fee. Bring lunch.
Tues. Nov. 4 Dine Out with TAS
Experience our monthly Dine Out program and help feather Tropical Audubon Society's proverbial nest. South Miami-area community restaurant partners participating in the first-Tuesday-of-the-month Dine Out series now include George's, Red Fish Grill, Sports Grill SoMi, The Big Cheese SoMi and Whisk Gourmet. Each restaurant dedicates ten percent of dinner and take-out checks on its designated Dine Out date to TAS. So please mark your calendar and Dine Out with our community partners on the 1st Tuesday of the month. You'll be dining well and helping amplify South Florida's nonprofit "Voice of Conservation!"
Fri. Nov. 7 SoMi Art Walk
The Doc Thomas House parlor, porch and patio are transformed into charming "galleries" during SOMI ArtWalk, a free event that unfolds in retail venues along Sunset Drive on the second Friday of each month from October through March. Pedestrian-friendly South Miami enables patrons to reduce their collective carbon footprint and stroll from one venue to the next. TAS showcases the art of a different environmental artist each month, alongside the works of area students enrolled in Magnet Arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is tithed to TAS by each artist. Please "Get your Art On" and join us!
Sat. Nov. 8 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Nov. 8Everglades 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 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Sat. Nov. 15 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. 15 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., two miles east of University Drive. Meet Paddy at 8:00am at the trailhead past the playground. Lunch at a local restaurant will follow. No fee.
Sat. Nov. 22STA-5 Birding
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. Contact Brian Rapoza for details, including meeting place and time.
Wed. Nov. 26 Conservation Meeting
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. Nov. 30Snake Bight Kayaking/Canoeing
David Schaffter leads this kayak/canoe trip to Snake Bight in Everglades National Park, a 7-9 mile round-trip paddle, designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers. Meet at Flamingo Marina for a 9:00am departure. Return by 4:00pm. Bring lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant and PFDs. There is an entrance fee to the park, plus a kayak/canoe entrance fee. Rentals, including paddles/PFDs, are available at the marina: kayaks-$45.00 per day, canoes-$32.00 for 8 hours. Call 239-695-3101 for rental details.
DECEMBER 2014
Tues. Dec. 2 Dine Out with TAS
Experience our monthly Dine Out program and help feather Tropical Audubon Society's proverbial nest. South Miami-area community restaurant partners participating in the first-Tuesday-of-the-month Dine Out series now include George's, Red Fish Grill, Sports Grill SoMi, The Big Cheese SoMi and Whisk Gourmet. Each restaurant dedicates ten percent of dinner and take-out checks on its designated Dine Out date to TAS. So please mark your calendar and Dine Out with our community partners on the 1st Tuesday of the month. You'll be dining well and helping amplify South Florida's nonprofit "Voice of Conservation!"
Sat. Dec. 6 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Dec. 6 South Florida Exotics Trip
Paul Bithorn and Brian Rapoza will lead birders in search of parrots, bulbuls, mynas, swamphens and other introduced species in this all-day van trip. Costs: $60.00 includes van/gas and lunch at a local restaurant. Reservations are required. Email Brian at fieldtrips@tropicalaudubon.org for further information.
Fri. Dec. 12 SoMi Art Walk
The Doc Thomas House parlor, porch and patio are transformed into charming "galleries" during SOMI ArtWalk, a free event that unfolds in retail venues along Sunset Drive on the second Friday of each month from October through March. Pedestrian-friendly South Miami enables patrons to reduce their collective carbon footprint and stroll from one venue to the next. TAS showcases the art of a different environmental artist each month, alongside the works of area students enrolled in Magnet Arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is tithed to TAS by each artist. Please "Get your Art On" and join us!
Sat. Dec. 20 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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.
Sun. Dec. 14 Long Pine Key CBC
Coordinated by Robin Diaz. For additional information, email Robin.
Fri. Dec. 19 Biscayne National Park CBC
Coordinated by Dr. Vanessa McDonough. For additional information, email Dr. McDonough.
Sat. Dec. 20 Miami-Dade County CBC
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. For additional information, email Brian.
Sat. Dec. 27 Kendall CBC
Coordinated by Bill Boeringer. For additional information, email Bill.
Sat. Jan. 3 Coot Bay / Everglades CBC
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. For additional information, email Brian.
JANUARY 2015
Fri. Jan. 9 SoMi Art Walk
The Doc Thomas House parlor, porch and patio are transformed into charming "galleries" during SOMI ArtWalk, a free event that unfolds in retail venues along Sunset Drive on the second Friday of each month from October through March. Pedestrian-friendly South Miami enables patrons to reduce their collective carbon footprint and stroll from one venue to the next. TAS showcases the art of a different environmental artist each month, alongside the works of area students enrolled in Magnet Arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is tithed to TAS by each artist. Please "Get your Art On" and join us!
Sat. Jan. 10 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Jan. 10 Everglades National Park Birding
Angel and Mariel Abreu
will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe
Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 7:30am. There is an
entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Fri.-Mon., Jan. 16-19 North Florida Birding
Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn will lead this four day, three-night van trip to the Tallahassee area. Costs ($495.00 per person double occupancy: $150.00 single supplement) include hotel and van/gas. Email Brian for further information.
Sat. Jan 17 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. Jan 17 Crandon Park Birding
Jim King will lead birders through Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. Meet at 7:30am at the Crandon Visitor and Nature Center at Parking Lot #1, accessed via the North Beach entrance to the park (no fee before 8:00am). The tour will start at the Coastal Dune Trail, followed by a walk along the beach to the mud flats for shorebirds and a visit to Crandon Gardens.
Sat. Jan 24 North Broward Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip to birding locations in northern Broward County. Meet at 8:00am at Tall Cypress Natural Area. From Florida's Turnpike, exit at Sample Road (Exit 69). Drive west 3 miles to Turtle Run Blvd. Turn right and drive north 0.2 miles to the park entrance. Bring lunch.
Sat. Jan. 24 Conservation Concert — TBA
Our Winter Conservation Concert Series showcases top South Florida bands and solo performers. Bring a blanket, your sweetie, children, or a friend and come out for an old Florida evening of original and cover music under the oaks and stars. A donation BirdBar, courtesy of Republic National Distributing Co., provides liquid refreshment and a designated food truck sates appetites. Additionally, neighboring TAS community partner restaurants (George's, Sports Grill SoMi & Whisk Gourmet) offer takeout.
Picnic tables available on a first-come basis.
Admission: $10 donation, children free
Gates open at 7 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 28 Conservation Meeting
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. Jan. 31 South Dade Birding
Raul Urgelles
will lead this carpool trip, which may include stops at Lucky Hammock,
Castellow Hammock and Dump Marsh. Meet at 7:30am in the parking lot of
the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park. No fee. Bring
lunch.
FEBRUARY 2015
Sat. Feb. 7 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Feb. 7 STA-1E Birding
Audubon Society of the Everglades invites TAS to join them for a tour of Stormwater Treatment Area-1E in Palm Beach County. For those planning to carpool, this trip is limited to 20 participants and reservations are required. No fee. Contact Brian Rapoza for details, including meeting place and time.
Fri. Feb. 13 SoMi Art Walk
The Doc Thomas House parlor, porch and patio are transformed into charming "galleries" during SOMI ArtWalk, a free event that unfolds in retail venues along Sunset Drive on the second Friday of each month from October through March. Pedestrian-friendly South Miami enables patrons to reduce their collective carbon footprint and stroll from one venue to the next. TAS showcases the art of a different environmental artist each month, alongside the works of area students enrolled in Magnet Arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is tithed to TAS by each artist. Please "Get your Art On" and join us!
Sat. Feb. 14 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. Feb. 14 Everglades Nature Photography
Trey Mitchell will lead this all-day trip in Everglades National Park. Photographers of all abilities are welcome. Meet at 6:00am at the Coe Visitor Center. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Sat.-Sun., Feb. 14-15 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.
Sun., Feb. 15 Tri-Annual Food Truck Migration
Flock to Tropical Audubon Society for Sunday Supper! The Tri-Annual Food Truck Migration hatches beneath the shady canopy that comprises our Steinberg Nature Center, a 3-acre native oasis in the heart of South Miami. Forage for your Supper among unique savory and sweet food vendors; dine alfresco at communal picnic tables or tuck in under the Chickee; slake your thirst at the Bird Bar; wander Nature trails; tour the historic Doc Thomas House; and listen to a chorus of birds sing the sun to bed.
Sat. Feb. 21 Shark Valley / Loop Road Birding
John Hutchison will lead this trip. Meet at 8:00am 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. Feb. 21 Conservation Concert — TBA
Our Winter Conservation Concert Series showcases top South Florida bands and solo performers. Bring a blanket, your sweetie, children, or a friend and come out for an old Florida evening of original and cover music under the oaks and stars. A donation BirdBar, courtesy of Republic National Distributing Co., provides liquid refreshment and a designated food truck sates appetites. Additionally, neighboring TAS community partner restaurants (George's, Sports Grill SoMi & Whisk Gourmet) offer takeout.
Picnic tables available on a first-come basis.
Admission: $10 donation, children free
Gates open at 7 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 25 Conservation Meeting
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. Feb. 28 Southern Palm Beach Birding
Nancy Freedman will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.) No fee. Bring lunch.
MARCH 2015
Sat. Mar. 7 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Mar. 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 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Fri. Mar. 13 SoMi Art Walk
The Doc Thomas House parlor, porch and patio are transformed into charming "galleries" during SOMI ArtWalk, a free event that unfolds in retail venues along Sunset Drive on the second Friday of each month from October through March. Pedestrian-friendly South Miami enables patrons to reduce their collective carbon footprint and stroll from one venue to the next. TAS showcases the art of a different environmental artist each month, alongside the works of area students enrolled in Magnet Arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is tithed to TAS by each artist. Please "Get your Art On" and join us!
Sat. Mar. 14 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. Show up anytime between 8:30am and 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. Mar. 14 East Everglades Area Birding
Carlos Sanchez
leads this half-day trip to the east Everglades. Meet at 7:00am at the
C-357 sparrow fields. From Krome Avenue, drive west 3.0 miles on
Richmond Drive (SW 168 Street). Park near the entrance, at a yellow gate
just west of the C-357 Canal. Return is at approximately 11:00am. No
fee.
Sat., Mar. 21-Sun., Mar. 29 Honduras Birding: Pico Bonito to Copan
Brian Rapoza and local guides lead this nine-day, eight-night trip to northwestern Honduras, beginning and ending in San Pedro Sula. While in Honduras, we'll spend six nights at the luxurious Lodge at Pico Bonito, on the Caribbean coast, one of the top 50 eco-lodges in the world and home to over 400 species of birds! We'll also spend two nights in Copan, near the border with Guatamala and home to spectacular Mayan ruins and fantastic birding.
Costs: $2,530.00 per person double occupancy, $716.00 single supplement. Cost includes airport transfers, lodging, guides and all meals and taxes. Not included is round-trip airfare to San Pedro Sula, tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses. For a detailed itinerary and trip application, with reservation requirements, email Brian Rapoza.
Sat. Mar. 21 South Broward Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip to birding locations in southern Broward County. Meet at 8:00am at Plantation Preserve. The preserve is on Broward Blvd., two miles east of University Drive. Meet at 8:00 AM at the trailhead past the playground. Bring lunch.
Sat. Mar. 21 Conservation Concert — TBA
Our Winter Conservation Concert Series showcases top South Florida bands and solo performers. Bring a blanket, your sweetie, children, or a friend and come out for an old Florida evening of original and cover music under the oaks and stars. A donation BirdBar, courtesy of Republic National Distributing Co., provides liquid refreshment and a designated food truck sates appetites. Additionally, neighboring TAS community partner restaurants (George's, Sports Grill SoMi & Whisk Gourmet) offer takeout.
Picnic tables available on a first-come basis.
Admission: $10 donation, children free
Gates open at 7 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 22 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. Meet at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park at 8am, return approximately 11:30am. 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.
Wed. Mar. 25 Conservation Meeting
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. Mar. 29 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. Meet at 7:30am. 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.
APRIL 2015
TAS 13th Annual Birdathon!!!
Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 19
Raise money for TAS! Bird for up to 24 consecutive hours anytime during April 4-19. Collect pledges per bird seen or for the whole day. Win prizes! Stay tuned for more information about our exciting Birdathon...fun teams, good prizes, all day birding and all for a good cause!
Sat. Apr. 4 Lake Kissimmee Area Birding
Brian Rapoza leads this all day carpool trip to Lake Kissimmee State Park in Polk County and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Osceola County. Meet Brian Rapoza at 6:00am 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.
Sat. Apr. 11 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. Apr. 11 Enchanted Forest/Arch Creek Park Bird Walk
Jim King will lead birders through Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park and adjacent Arch Creek Park. Meet at 7:30am in the Enchanted Forest parking area (1725 NE 135th Street in North Miami). Return is at approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Sun. Apr. 12 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens Bird Walk
Joe Barros
will lead birders through Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. Meet at
7:30am in the Matheson Hammock parking area adjacent to Fairchild's
north entrance. Entrance fee to Fairchild will be waived for TAS
members. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Sat. Apr. 18 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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. Apr. 18 Kendall Indian Hammock Park Bird Walk
Stephen Paez
will lead birders through Kendall Indian Hammock Park. Meet at 7:30am at
the parking area at the east end of the ballfields. Return is at
approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Sun. Apr. 19 Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Bird Walk
Robin Diaz will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00am. 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 8:15am. returning at approximately 11:00am. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Wed. Apr. 22 Conservation Meeting
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. Apr. 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 7:30am, returning at approximately 11:00am. No fee.
Sat. Apr. 25 Conservation Concert — TBA
Our Winter Conservation Concert Series showcases top South Florida bands and solo performers. Bring a blanket, your sweetie, children, or a friend and come out for an old Florida evening of original and cover music under the oaks and stars. A donation BirdBar, courtesy of Republic National Distributing Co., provides liquid refreshment and a designated food truck sates appetites. Additionally, neighboring TAS community partner restaurants (George's, Sports Grill SoMi & Whisk Gourmet) offer takeout.
Picnic tables available on a first-come basis.
Admission: $10 donation, children free
Gates open at 7 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Sun. Apr. 26 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 7:30am. No fee.
MAY 2015
Sat. May 2-Mon. May 4 Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas Birding
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 ($795.00 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. May 2 Hugh Taylor Birch State Park / Evergreen Cemetery Birding
South Florida Audubon Society's Paddy Cunningham invites TAS to join her for a tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, followed by a visit to Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Lauderdale. The state park's entrance is on Sunrise Blvd., just west of A1A. Meet at 8:00am at the Hammock Trail parking area. Costs include an entrance fee to the park.
Sun. May 3 Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Bird Walk
Angel and Mariel Abreu
will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key
Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00am. 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 8:15am. returning at
approximately 11:00am. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the
Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sat. May 9 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. May 9 Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site: Birds, Butterflies and Native Plants
Joe Barros
will lead this trip to the largest remaining tract of coastal tropical
hardwood hammock in the Florida Keys. Meet at 6:30am 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.
Sat. May 16 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. Show up anytime between 8:30am and 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. May 27 Conservation Meeting
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.-Sun., May 30-31 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.
Sun. May 31 Tri-Annual Food Truck Migration
Flock to Tropical Audubon Society for Sunday Supper! The Tri-Annual Food Truck Migration hatches beneath the shady canopy that comprises our Steinberg Nature Center, a 3-acre native oasis in the heart of South Miami. Forage for your Supper among unique savory & sweet food vendors; dine alfresco at communal picnic tables or tuck in under the Chickee; slake your thirst at the Bird Bar; wander Nature trails; tour the historic Doc Thomas House; and listen to a chorus of birds sing the sun to bed.
JUNE 2015
Sat. June 13-Sun. June 21 Southern California Birding
Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn lead this nine-day, eight-night trip, beginning and ending in Los Angeles. Southern California boasts a wide variety of habitats, including coastal, mountain and desert, each with its own unique assemblage of breeding birds. The itinerary includes a boat trip to Santa Cruz Island, home to the endemic Island Scrub-Jay, a visit to Giant Sequoia National Monument and to the Salton Sea. This trip involves eight full days of birding, and is designed for intermediate to advanced birders.
Costs: $1,650.00 per person double occupancy (not including air fare to Los Angeles); $400.00 single supplement. Cost includes van and boat transportation, hotel accommodations, and park entrance fees. Not included are tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses. Meals are paid for by each participant. For a detailed itinerary and trip application, with reservation requirements, email Brian Rapoza.
Sat. June 13 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. June 20 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. Show up anytime between 8:30am and 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. June 24 Conservation Meeting
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.
JULY 2015
Sat. July 11 Workday at Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Preserve
Learn about native plants and help Tropical maintain an endangered habitat! We will be working to remove non-native plants, maintaining some of the shrubs, and work on making trails on the property. The site is very important, as it is a pine rockland habitat, an endangered ecosystem of which roughly 2% of the original habitat still exists.
Please bring sunscreen, your water bottle, and wear closed toed-shoes. We will provide water, refreshments, and t-shirts for all participants. Groups welcome! Contact Celeste De Palma, TAS Outreach & Education Coordinator, to RSVP at 305-343-4468 or via email.
Sat. July 18 Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Steinberg Nature Center at Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Workdays are held every third Saturday of every month. 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 22 Conservation Meeting
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.