Another victory for Calusa homeowners: Developer must submit revised plan for 550 houses

It’s back to the drawing board for the developer of a 550-house development on the defunct Calusa Country Club golf course and another victory for homeowners who have been fighting for years to block or downsize the proposed Kendall subdivision. The winners following a Florida Supreme Court decision are not only the tricolored herons and other birds nesting on an islet in the middle of what used to be a water hazard but also homeowners who want a louder voice in preventing sprawl in their neighborhoods.

Miami Herald | May 5, 2024

Everglades Coalition recognizes environmental leaders at 2024 conference

Over 400 conservation groups, leaders, scientists, students and supporters attended the 39th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference, held Jan. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs, Florida. The three-day conference is the largest forum for discussing the restoration of the Everglades, and featured several keynote speakers, educational sessions and awards.

Cape Coral Breeze | February 12, 2024

Tropical Audubon Society invites community to celebrate Bird Day

The community is invited to Tropical Audubon Society’s 10th annual Bird Day, on Feb. 17, for a free, engaging, educational afternoon full of enriching outdoor experiences on the non-profit’s wooded Steinberg Nature Center grounds, 5530 Sunset Dr.

Miami’s Community News | February 10, 2024

Bird Day celebrates beautiful weather, majestic creatures in the sky

These beautiful Miami days are the perfect time to go outside and listen to the birds. And even though it is not yet spring migration, our year-round birds and winter visitors call to us to look up.

Miami Herald | February 01, 2024

Fresh from a loss, Miami Wilds scores a win against push to kill its lease at zoo

In December 2023, Miami-Dade commissioners abandoned a proposal to modify the Miami Wilds lease and keep the project in compliace with county requirements. Developers scored a victory on Jan. 9, 2024 when a commission committee rejected a resolution urging Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to rescind the project’s lease.

Miami Herald | January 09, 2024

Battered by conservation groups, Miami Wilds water park ‘dead’ after county vote

Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously turned on a Miami Wilds water park that once enjoyed broad support in County Hall, voting to abandon a lease modification needed to keep the deal alive.

Miami Herald | December 12, 2023

Judge orders NPS to dive deeper into proposed Miami water park

A proposed Florida water park has hit another rough patch, with a federal judge's decision Monday invalidating a National Park Service action required for the controversial project to proceed.

E&E News | December 11, 2023

Interior Department weighs in on Miami Wilds fight, warns critical bat habitat at risk

Hours before a planned vote on the Miami Wilds water park, federal wildlife regulators released a letter declaring the development site “environmentally sensitive” and likely “essential” for protecting an endangered bat.

Miami Herald | December 11, 2023

Proposed Miami water park would harm critical habitat, vulnerable species | Opinion

There’s plenty to do outside in Miami, a place blessed with sunshine and warm weather year-round. In a city with the ocean at your doorstep and an array of parks that are mere minutes away, we’re hardly suffering from a shortage of options. So why throw our fragile ecosystems under the bus and dive headfirst into more water parks?

Sun Sentinel | November 20, 2023

Tropical Audubon Society Needs Help Monitoring Bird Deaths in South Florida

On the heels of a mass avian death in which more than 1,000 birds died after crashing into a Chicago convention center, the Tropical Audubon Society is ramping up efforts to monitor bird-building collisions in South Florida.

Miami New Times | November 2, 2023

How you can help save some of the most environmentally sensitive spots in South Florida

Sometimes we forget that the natural, wild world is all around us here in South Florida. It is a gift to be treasured, and fought for.

Miami Herald | August 22, 2023

Migration fundraiser to benefit Cape Florida Banding Station

South Floridians can support crucial migratory bird research and help educate the next generation of local conservationists by donating to “Adopt-A-Net,” a Fall Migration fundraising campaign to benefit the Cape Florida Banding Station (CFBS).

Miami’s Community News | August 15, 2023

Fall Migration Fundraiser to benefit Cape Florida Banding Station field work

South Floridians can support crucial migratory bird research and help educate the next generation of local conservationists by donating to “Adopt-A-Net,” a Fall Migration fundraising campaign to benefit the Cape Florida Banding Station (CFBS).

Miami’s Community News | July 31, 2023

Proposed Miami Wilds theme park would devastate wildlife and gouge zoo visitors | Opinion

Zoo Miami is one of Miami-Dade County’s most beloved public facilities. It combines wholesome family fun with learning about wildlife and why many species require our protection for their survival. However, Miami-Dade County is about to make it more expensive to visit the zoo.

Miami Herald | July 30, 2023

Enrollment now open for award-winning Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program

South Floridians who love the natural world and would like to foster “conservation through community” can become more engaged, educated and effective environmental advocates by signing up for the 2023 edition of the award-winning Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program.

Miami’s Community News | July 15, 2023

Go-Native Plant Sale: Nurture and shelter birds, bees, butterflies, bats and beetles

Tropical Audubon Society’s master gardeners will host the organization’s much-anticipated, annual “Go-Native Plant Sale” on Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., just in time for rainy season.

Miami’s Community News | May 27, 2023

Birdstock concert finale & Members Migration event crown Earth Month

More than 400 Tropical Audubon members and friends perched with the birds on the final weekend of April to celebrate Mother Earth at the 2.2-acre Steinberg Nature Center that serves as the environmental organization’s green campus.

Miami’s Community News | May 22, 2023

Marius Robinson inspires inaugural Cape Florida bird festival

Marius Robinson touched many people’s lives. At his memorial service last year, friends and family remembered Marius as a man of peace who loved to dance, a patient and encouraging teacher of tai chi, a spiritual seeker, and a loving father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Everyone also agreed that Marius was passionate about birds.

Islander News | May 7, 2023

Love Birds? Turn Off Your Lights.

Fly into any major city at night and the first thing you see upon descent are lights from skyscrapers illuminating the sky. Some of us would call them impressive or even beautiful, but the National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy calls it light pollution and deadly. Here’s why.

Biscayne Times | Apr 4, 2023

Environmental groups sue National Park Service over water park

Four conservation groups sued last week in federal court charging the National Park Service with failing to protect plants and wildlife threatened by a planned 27.5-acre water park, Miami Wilds, and retail development adjacent to Zoo Miami.

Miami Today | Feb 14, 2023

National Park Service accused of failing to protect endangered Florida wildlife

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior, accusing them of failing to protect several species of endangered animals and plants from the construction of a water park and retail development in South Florida.

Courthouse News Service | Feb 8, 2023

Lawsuit pits Miami development against endangered bats, beetles

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) violated environmental laws when it approved the development of a Miami waterpark in an endangered bat’s critical habitat, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by conservation groups.

REUTERS | Feb 8, 2023

National Park Service Sued for Approving South Florida Waterpark

The National Park Service has failed to protect a number of species from a waterpark and retail development in South Florida, conservation groups alleged in a new lawsuit.

Bloomberg Law | Feb 8, 2023

Lawsuit Challenges Federal Failure to Protect Rare Wildlife from Development in South Florida

Conservation groups today sued the National Park Service for failing to protect the endangered Florida crested bat, Miami tiger beetle, Bartram’s bushhair stripe, endangered plants and globally endangered pine cliffs from the destructive effects of the Miami Wilds water park and retail development in protect South Florida.

Local Today | Feb 8, 2023

Entertaining concerts, events upcoming in South Florida will also help worthy causes

Take Sixx will again inaugurate the popular series of winter concerts hosted at the Tropical Audubon Society Doc Thomas House Keystone Stage.

Miami Herald | Jan 31, 2023

Villagers continue support for restoration at Tropical Audubon’s Doc Thomas House

The Villagers have added to their ongoing support for restoration of Tropical Audubon Society’s historic Doc Thomas House. Another $6,000 was presented recently, bringing the Villagers’ contributions for the current project to $31,500.

Miami Community News | Jan 30, 2023

Climate change is shifting bird migration patterns in Miami

Miami's Tropical Audubon chapter has been participating in the count for 53 years. More than 40 volunteers participated in their count day last month, tallying 15,019 birds of 130 species, coordinator Brian Rapoza tells Axios.

AXIOS Miami | Jan 27, 2023

Take Sixx returns to perform in Conservation Concert series opener

The good times will roll once again when Tropical Audubon Society’s 13th annual Conservation Concert series takes flight Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. Fittingly, the event’s founding band, Take Sixx, again will inaugurate the wildly popular string of winter concerts.

Miami Community News | Jan 24, 2023

What’s that Bird?

During my travels, I’ve always seen the signs for Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, sometimes in the most unlikely places. The time was right to learn more about the birds living in and flying over Florida.

Road Trip | Jan 4, 2023

Winter’s Winged Wonders: Seasonal Bird Spotting in Matheson Hammock

Living in the Gables definitely has its advantages. Most neighborhoods have their own little parks where we can re- connect with nature, and we’re blessed to have the wonderful Matheson Hammock county park within our borders.

Coral Gables Magazine | Jan 1, 2023

THE EVERGLADES Jim Kushlan & Kirsten Hines

Jim Kushlan & Kirsten Hines join Michael Stock to talk about the Everglades and their new picture book.

WLRN | Nov 13, 2022

How Miami-Dade residents can help birds migrate safely

Millions of birds that fly south for the winter pass through Miami-Dade County — and the Tropical Audubon Society is looking for help so that fewer of them crash into buildings.

AXIOS Miami | Oct 13, 2022

Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program seeking Fall participants

South Floridians who are passionate about the natural world and interested in fostering “conservation through community” can become more engaged, educated and effective environmental advocates by attending the free 2022 Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program Sept. 6 through Nov. 15.

Miami Community News | July 26, 2022

Sundial podcast - Wildlife Thursday: WLRN’s environment reporter

It’s Wildlife Thursday and today we're going to talk about an array of animals — covering land, sky and water. WLRN’s environmental reporter, Jenny Staletovich, joined Sundial to talk about the thousands of birds that cross our skies with the change of seasons, python surgery and a creature that often gets overlooked.

WLRN | June 30, 2022

Best of Miami - Best Charity: Tropical Audubon Society

Celebrating its 75th year along with the Everglades National Park, the Tropical Audubon Society has been and remains one of the most important crusaders for the protection and restoration of South Florida's ecosystems.

Miami New Times | June, 2022

Tropical Audubon Celebrates Seventy Five Years

South Miami’s treasured neighbor, Tropical Audubon Society is celebrating its 75th Anniversery this year, and the Doc Thomas House on Sunset, its 90th.

SOMI Magazine | June 14, 2022

Tropical Audubon: 75th Anniversary Celebrations

Tropical Audubon Society observed its 75th Anniversary with a series of special events over the Earth Day Weekend.

SOMI Magazine | June 14, 2022

Island Residents Learn About Area’s ‘Backyard Birds’

This past week, Rumya Sundaram, Citizen Scientist coordinator for the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, hosted a lecture at the Community Center featuring Brian Rapoza of the Tropical Audubon Society.

Islander News | June 13, 2022

Tropical Audubon’s 75th Anniversary Bash

The Tropical Audubon Society, the local Audubon chapter in Miami that was established in 1947, is celebrating their 75th anniversary on Earth Day and throughout the weekend with an entire weekend of birding and conservation events. Best known for their support of Biscayne Bay and Everglades National Park, Tropical Audubon has long been south Florida’s “Voice of Conservation.”

Birding Wire | April 20, 2022

Tropical Audubon asks court to reverse governor and cabinet’s orders on SR-836

Audubon Society has filed its Initial Brief in its appeal to Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal seeking to overturn a vote by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet to approve a new highway that threatens Everglades Restoration and risks Miami-Dade County drinking water security.

Miami Community News | April 19, 2022

Celebrate Tropical Audubon Society’s 75th Anniversary

South Florida’s Voice of Conservation is marking 75 years of environmental advocacy and education with a birthday bash for Earth Day weekend, April 22-24.

Edible South Florida | April 11, 2022

Tropical Audubon Society to throw 3-day 75th Anniversary Celebration brimming with food, fun, music & meaning - EARTH DAY WEEKEND APRIL 22-24

South Florida’s “Voice of Conservation” is throwing a milestone Birthday bash this spring to mark its 75 years of environmental advocacy and education. As the official local chapter of National Audubon, Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) has been leading area bird walks, defending wildlife, protecting natural resources, Biscayne Bay and the Everglades since its 1947 founding.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | April 9, 2022

Little Known, South Miami’s Hidden Gem, The ‘Doc’ Thomas House Turns 90 This Year

The “Doc” Thomas House is a hidden gem right in the middle of South Miami. The story of this little-known authentic relic begins in the mid-1920s, as a bustling little berg was growing alongside Flagler’s railroad.

CBS News Miami | March 24, 2022

Plan B to perform in concert at Doc Thomas House on Mar. 26

Rock ‘n’ Roll lives! Ever-popular Plan B returns to the Doc Thomas House Keystone Stage on Saturday, Mar. 26, performing a repertoire of classic and contemporary Rock ‘n’ Roll with a dash of the unexpected.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | March 22, 2022

Miami, Ayer y Hoy: Una casa detenida en el tiempo

“Hay mucha gente que pasa por aquí que ni sabe que esta casa existe aquí atrás.”

Telemundo 51 | February 9, 2022

Lawsuit by environmental groups launched to protect critical habitat for the Florida Bonneted Bat, again

For a second time a trio of South Florida environmental agencies are planning to sue the federal Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to designate a 10.5-million-acre safe haven for the endangered Florida bonneted bat. The creature is the largest bat in the state and the rarest one in the nation, and is at grave risk of being wiped out by a changing planet.

WGCU | February 8, 2022

Tropical Audubon Exhibit Reception @ The Wirtz Gallery, FEB 11, 6-8pm

Attend the free opening night reception celebrating the February Wirtz Gallery exhibit titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future” — an intimate look at Tropical Audubon Society’s 75-year trajectory, our deep local roots and crucial conservation mission.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | January 29, 2022

Everglades Hall of Fall Award presented to Richard Pettigrew

Tropical Audubon Society Board member, environmental attorney and former Florida lawmaker Richard “Dick” Pettigrew has received the Everglades Coalition Everglades Hall of Fame Award for his lifetime commitment to Everglades restoration.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | January 25, 2022

Tiger Beetle designation menaces Zoo Miami and Miami Wilds

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may designate 1,977 Miami-Dade acres as critical habitat for the Miami tiger beetle, directly impacting Zoo Miami and the Miami Wilds water park project. A final ruling is to be published by September 2022.

Miami Today | December 7, 2021

Tropical Audubon Society “Members Gratitude Concert”

It’s with enduring gratitude and heightened anticipation that Tropical Audubon Society will open our hearts and gates on Saturday, November 27, to our treasured members, who are invited to a complimentary “Members Gratitude Concert” featuring homegrown singer-songwriter DeBlois Milledge.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | November 20, 2021

Lights Out Miami - It’s for the Birds

Fall bird migration is at its peak this month and into early November as millions of birds heading south for the winter pass through South Florida.

SOUTH DADE NEWSLEADER | October 22, 2021

Promueven campaña en Miami para evitar muertes de aves

Tropical Audubon Society lanzó la campaña Lights Out Miami para disminuir las luces de la ciudad, que confunden a las aves migratorias y causan su muerte.

Diario Las Americas | October 18, 2021

Opponents Vow To Fight After DeSantis, Cabinet Reverse Judge's Decision To Block Highway Across Everglades

Opponents of a 13-mile highway extension across Everglades wetlands say Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Cabinet violated the law when they tossed a judge’s order blocking the road — and set a dangerous precedent statewide. They plan to appeal within 30 days, said attorney Richard Grosso, who represents Tropical Audubon.

WLRN | September 24, 2021

The Lights Out Miamiaims to stop the bird window strikes

Two days a week, Florida International University senior Jennifer Quintero starts her day with a sick assignment. On Tuesday and Thursday morning, the environmental science and public administration students are examining the land around the buildings near the university’s nature reserve in search of dead birds.

MCU Times | September 18, 2021

Birdwatching in Gables – The Return of Our Feathered Friends

September may still feel like summer in the Gables, but “snowbirds” flying south for the winter are already arriving. Many of the very same neotropical migrants we encountered in spring are now returning from their northern nesting grounds, making Fall Migration pit stops in our exceptional “Tree City USA.”

Coral Gables Magazine | September 9, 2021

Gov. DeSantis Rejects Order Opposing Highway Across Everglades Wetlands

A plan to extend one of South Florida’s busiest highways across Everglades wetlands is back in play after Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet rejected a judge's order that found the expressway failed to comply with state growth laws.

WLRN | June 15, 2021

20 Years, 40,000 Birds: How One Small Scientific Station Has Tracked South Florida's Migrating Birds

Every spring and fall, South Florida becomes part of one of the planet’s most amazing spectacles: the seasonal migration of billions of birds.

WLRN | June 7, 2021

Our annual NATIVE PLANT SALE is back!

Just in time for rainy season, Tropical Audubon Society’s Master Gardeners are delighted to announce the return of our organization’s annual Native Plant Sale!

Miami’s Community Newspapers | May, 21, 2021

Birding in the Green Gables

Bird watching has long been America’s No. 1 hobby, and over the past year, it has proven an easy way to socially distance and enjoy nature. For Gables residents, birding in the field can be an everyday adventure.

Coral Gables Magazine | March 11, 2021

Even In A Pandemic, You Can Count On — Or Just Count — Birds

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a tradition that goes back 120 years. Those counts went ahead in South Florida this year, despite the pandemic. But there were some changes.

WLRN | December 31, 2020

Tropical Audubon Society & Cape Florida Banding Station poised to grow Community Science program together

Tropical Audubon Society and the Cape Florida Banding Station are coming together to nurture and grow one of South Florida’s longest-running Community Science programs.

South Dade NEWSLEADER | November 10, 2020.

Tropical Audubon Society & Cape Florida Banding Station poised to grow Community Science program together

Tropical Audubon Society and the Cape Florida Banding Station are coming together to nurture and grow one of South Florida’s longest-running Community Science programs.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | November 4, 2020

Miami Wilds water park plan downsized but activists push for restoring rare forest instead

Environmentalists are protesting a planned water park slated to be built on Zoo Miami’s parking lot — next to a patch of rare forest that’s home to endangered species such as the Miami tiger beetle and the Florida bonneted bat. They say the area can be restored, and that the park should be built somewhere else.

Miami Herald | September 10, 2020

Audubon Bird-Friendly Garden Photo Contest names Winner

Tropical Audubon Society has announced the winners of its first Bird-Friendly Garden Photography Contest.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | August 25, 2020

Florida Cabinet should reject a proposed $1 billion Miami-Dade highway that threatens the Everglades and the water supply

This fall, Florida’s Governor and the Cabinet will review a judge’s recommendation to reject a proposed roadway that would damage the environment and thwart efforts to restore the Everglades.

The Invading Sea | August 6, 2020

Judge rules against $1 billion 836 extension, cites ‘meager’ traffic improvement

Opponents of a proposed $1 billion highway extension through wetlands in western Miami-Dade won a legal victory Monday when an administrative judge rejected the planned southwest route for State Road 836, citing uncertain impacts on Everglades preservation and “meager” improvements of traffic congestion.

Miami Herald | March 31, 2020

Critics Say A Highway Across Everglades Won't Make Traffic Better. Now, A Judge Agrees

A controversial extension to State Road 836/Dolphin Expressway across Everglades wetlands and protected farm fields would do little to fix crippling congestion in parts of Miami-Dade County, an administrative law judge said.

WLRN | March 30, 2020

Miamians flock to activities for eighth annual Bird Day

The 2.2-acre near-native grounds that comprise Tropical Audubon Society and its Steinberg Nature Center campus at 5530 Sunset Dr. were energized on Saturday, Feb. 15, by the inquisitive chatter of children as they romped, oblivious to misting rain, from one engaging Bird Day activity station to the next.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | March 10, 2020

New Bird-Friendly Demo Garden at Tropical Audubon

Ditch the manicured lawn and create an oasis for birds, bees and other pollinators in your backyard or on your balcony. Find out how in the months ahead at the Tropical Audubon Society’s Steinberg Nature Center, where they’re hosting a new demonstration garden.

Edible South Florida | March 3, 2020

A Unified Voice Advocates for the Everglades in Tallahassee

Everglades advocates, local and state conservation leaders, environmental policy analysts, and college students from all corners of Florida made the journey to Tallahassee for Everglades Action Day on February 11.

National Audubon Society | February 27, 2020

Children, Families, Students, Naturalists & Newcomers are invited to Flock to Tropical Audubon Society for BIRD DAY!

The 2.2 near-native acres that comprise Tropical Audubon Society and its Steinberg Nature Center campus will be the site of the 8th Annual Bird Day, an engaging, educational afternoon and an enriching outdoor experience.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | February 5, 2020

Conservation Concert season opens JAN 25 @TropicalAudubon

Yes, it’s finally that time of year! Tropical Audubon Society’s Conservation Concert series returns this month with Take Sixx inaugurating the Birding organization’s 11th annual signature concert series. For just as many years running, Take Sixx has been the opening night act on the storied Doc Thomas House Keystone Stage, albeit in various incarnations.

Miami’s Community Newspapers | January 14, 2020.

Paola Ferreira appointed as executive director of Tropical Audubon Society

The Tropical Audubon Society’s Board of Directors has announced the engagement of a new executive director, Paola Ferreira, a former Climate and Conservation Director for World Wildlife Fund.

South Miami News | October 22, 2019.

A Vintage Refrigerator Back Where It Belongs

When the Tropical Audubon Society decided to restore its 1948 MJ-7 Frigidaire refrigeratorin their historic Doc Thomas House, they turned to Antique Appliances in Clayton, Georgia, one of only a few such specialists in the country.

Edible South Florida | Fall, 2019.

Birders get rare glimpse of red-legged Caribbean thrush

The Tropical Audubon Society’s online Bird Board said it all: “Red-legged Thrush. Lantana Nature Preserve; many birders on it.” That was enough to send birdwatchers flocking to Lantana Nature Preserve recently when the bird, seen only one previous time in North America, was spotted.

Naples Florida Weekly | May 9, 2019

Up There, in The Tree!

For those who pay attention to every treetop flicker and even the faintest warble or trill, South Florida is a mecca, a birder’s paradise from the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park to the shores and wetlands of Palm Beach County.

Coral Gables Magazine | April 2, 2019

Audubon environmental education series designed to engage, enlighten and inspire

South Floridians interested in learning from leading area environmentalists and becoming better advocates for the environment are invited to register for the “Audubon Ambassador Program” and earn their proverbial wings.

Kendall Gazette | March 26, 2019

Been There Done That returns to Doc Thomas House Keystone Stage

Tropical Audubon Society’s 10th Anniversary Conservation Concert series returns on Mar. 30 with Been There Done That plugging back into the Doc Thomas House stage by popular demand. The musically gifted Classic Rock cover band is known for its hard-driving delivery of enduring ’70s hits leavened by the occasional ’60s Oldie.

Coral Gables News | March 18, 2019

Giving the Doc Thomas House its Historic Due

If you live in South Miami, Coral Gables or High Pines, it’s quite likely that you’ve spotted the little wood cottage at 5530 Sunset Drive. Most folks I encounter tell me they have driven by it for years, even decades, and always wondered about its origins.

SomiMag | February-March, 2019

Group Puts Pressure On UM Over Sale Of Rare Dade Forest

A growing group of protesters were outside the University of Miami (UM) Friday holding signs in hopes, what they say is a priceless piece of land, is preserved for future generations.

CBS4 Miami | February 27, 2015

Banner photo: Barred Owl by Robert Strickland