President's Letter, July 2022

Memories of Tampa Audubon Society

By Ann Paul, President

I've been involved with the Tampa Audubon Society since moving to the city in 1990. My second telephone call after moving in, after calling the moving company to find out when the van would arrive, was to the National Audubon office at the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries. 

Rich Paul answered the phone and suggested I call Sally Thompson, who was conservation chair for Tampa Audubon. I did, and then attended a meeting. Overton Ganong was president, and he announced that Tampa Audubon needed a secretary to serve on the board. I volunteered, knowing that if you want to find out what's happening, the best way is to be on the board.

Over the years, I ended up serving as president several times. Along the way, there were several activities that really stood out in my memory. Here are some of them:

Tampa Audubon was taking the lead in the development and management of the city of Tampa's McKay Bay Nature Park. We led multiple trash removal volunteer activities, as the site was a homeless habitat and former city dump site. We helped the city design the boardwalk, led tours and planted native vegetation. During this effort, Tammy Lyons provided a lot of leadership. Now, she still serves as our vice president!

We were shocked when the Hillsborough County School Board considered shutting Nature's Classroom due to funding constraints. With the help of Mike Mullins, then county science curriculum staff; Candy Olson, school board member; and Heinz Gartlgruber, manager of the Grand Hyatt, we made a difference. The county's Education Foundation came on board, with help from a major donation from a grandmother whose granddaughter was distraught she wouldn't be able to experience Nature's Classroom. Today, Nature's Classroom continues to provide in-field environmental lessons to all 6^th grade students in our county.

When National Audubon decided that each community in America needed an Audubon Nature Center, we worked with Ed Radice, parks director and Peter Fowler, parks staff, to open an Audubon-managed center at Lettuce Lake Park. 

Ged Caddick and Andrea College taught 4^th and 5^th grade students about wetlands and water conservation for several years. The National Audubon support eroded, although Ged's fundraising efforts was successful. Mike Mullins continued the program, supported by grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. When Mike retired, Roger Sheets organized Tampa Audubon volunteers to act as weekend docents at the Nature Center. This project continues today and is led by Terri Simons, Lettuce Lake volunteer coordinator.

Ged heard Jane Goodall speak at the University of Florida and contracted her to speak to Tampa Audubon. Her talk at the Tampa Theater was a standing-room-only event. Busch Gardens provided a fundraising breakfast meeting with her the next day. It was wonderful.

Six years ago, Tampa Audubon stepped up as an integral leader for the Florida Birding and Nature Festival. Mary Keith provided significant direction, expertise and energy, and other members of Tampa Audubon also stepped up in big ways to make the festival a success. We are looking forward to the festival this fall, October 20-23.

Over the years, meetings, field trips, Christmas Bird Counts, experiences with our members, and being on your board have highlighted my life. I found friends for life and great joy working with members of Tampa Audubon. Thank you so much for all your support and for the privilege of serving as your president.

Do you have memories to share about Tampa Audubon? As we celebrate our 50-year anniversary, we want to hear your stories. Please email your memories to news@tampaaudubon.org. By sharing your memories with us, you grant us the right to publish your memories and share them with others.