Audubon Academy 2008
April 4 - 6. 2008
Vero Beach, FL
hosted by Pelican Island Audubon
view Audubon Academy information

The opening reception Friday afternoon, April 4, at the Sebastian Entertainment Center along the Indian River Lagoon provided ample opportunities to sight passing birds. Unfortunately, the weather cancelled the boat ride around Pelican Island but an impromptu sunset walking tour of the nation's first National Wildlife Refuge was an enjoyable substitute.

People congregate for the opening session on Saturday morning, April 5, held in the Vero Beach Community Center.
Richard Baker, President of Pelican Island Audubon, welcomes everyone to the Academy along with reminding everyone the weekend's theme is sustainability.
Audubon of Florida Executive Director David Anderson makes his opening remarks.
Indian River County Planning Director Stan Boling, Pelican Island Audubon board members Jens Tripson, Debby Ecker and Dr. David Cox of David Cox Consulting led the Power to the People workshop
A crowded room hears the Is Anyone Listening? workshop led by Charles Lee of Audubon of Florida, Susan Boyd of Pelican Island Audubon, and Indian River County Commissioner Gary Wheeler.
Audubon of Florida Chapter Coordinator Jacqui Sulek, standing at right, prepares the reception table welcoming guests to the Saturday evening lecture and concert. Special guest Paige the Bald Eagle from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey looks contemplative as she hears during the evening lecture how crowded Florida is going to get in the future.
Phil Laurian, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, presented the Saturday evening lecture detailing all the beautiful new towns that will be springing up like weeds all over Florida.
As a counterpoint to Florida's crowded future, the evening folk music concert featured Frank Thomas and his wife (pictured) and Jeanie Fitchen singing about the state's natural beauty.
Images & text by Bob Montanaro.  
 
 
All images and text copyright Pelican Island Audubon Society.
E-mail: piaudubon@bellsouth.net