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by Natalie Al-Shihabi, Conservation Leadership Initiative Intern

This spring, Ä¢¹½Av hosted three academies in Orlando, Tallahassee, and St. Petersburg, drawing together students from 12 different schools and a range of backgrounds to participate in these events. Students first headed out into nature on a birding field trip with local Ä¢¹½Av guides to experience birding through the eyes of an enthusiast, as well as learning how to use binoculars. Coming back inside for lunch, they listened to presentations to learn more about Ä¢¹½Av’s rich history in Florida, grassroots structure, conservation work, and ways for early-career folks to get involved. Finally, students participated in an environmental career panel with representatives from local environmental organizations and agencies.

Orlando Wetlands:

During the Orlando Wetlands CLA, students explored the boardwalk and spotted baby Roseate Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets, as well as many other fantastic birds. This event reached five different universities across Central Florida and highlighted both a wonderful birding spot and local chapter: Orange Ä¢¹½Av Society.

Wakulla Springs:

When at Wakulla Springs State Park for the CLA event, students had a special chance to hear from Ä¢¹½Av Florida's Executive Director Julie Wraithmell and Communications Director Erika Zambello. While on their field trip with Apalachee Ä¢¹½Av bird guides, students saw Anhingas, Red-shouldered Hawks, and even welcomed a pair of Swallow-tailed Kites back from their spring migration. This was the first CLA held in the Panhandle, and Ä¢¹½Av celebrated meeting new students from Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and more.

Weedon Island:

The last CLA event, at Weedon Island Preserve, introduced students to the beautiful Florida coastal ecosystem habitat with the help of St. Pete Ä¢¹½Av and Hernando Ä¢¹½Av leaders. They spotted a juvenile Yellow- crowned Night Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Palm Warblers, and Laughing Gulls, to name a few.

 Following the academies, students will have the opportunity to apply to Ä¢¹½Av Florida’s Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) program, which grants 25 undergraduate students the chance to attend Ä¢¹½Av Assembly, be matched up with a local Ä¢¹½Av Chapter for mentorship, and complete a conservation project of their choosing. The CLI program is an incredible opportunity for students of all backgrounds to either start or continue their own bird journey through this introduction into Ä¢¹½Av Florida and what it has to offer.