Lanark Reef: We Did It!

By Julie Wraithmell, Audubon of Florida Director of Wildlife Conservation


Friends, we did it!

I’m pleased to share with you that in the final days of September, Audubon quietly closed on the last private inholding on the Panhandle’s Lanark Reef. Thank you so much for your support - together we have made a lasting difference for Florida's iconic coastal wildlife.

Lanark presents one of the last examples of what was once commonplace on Florida’s coasts: a dynamic barrier island, shaped by wind and tides, supporting a vibrant natural community of Florida’s signature wildlife - without a car or a condo to its name.

With the help of some local volunteers, I joined Tallahassee Democrat reporter Jennifer Portman for a boat tour of the island earlier this week. Together we watched two adult Bald Eagles tussle overhead while two migrating American Kestrels took advantage of the morning’s cool north wind. A hunting Northern Harrier flushed clouds of Marbled Godwits, Willets, and a phalanx of Black Skimmers into the air. Fish jumped, sea oats swayed, and for a brief, perfect moment I exhaled and got comfortable with the realization that this remarkable place was now off the market forever.

As conservationists, the need is always greater than our capacity and so we often move on quickly from our successes in our rush to meet the next looming challenge. But not this time! Please join me in congratulating you, each other, on this success.

This morning, I woke up to see Jennifer's article was on the front page of the Tallahassee Democrat. Savor the satisfaction of this victory for Florida’s coastal birds.You’ve earned it! Click here to see the article: http://fl.audubonaction.org/site/R?i=PfcWhmV-iGkol5uOz7P2rQ

For the birds of Lanark Reef, Monday was just another day of making their living with grace and strength in one of Florida’s harshest environments. On behalf of myself and Audubon Florida, my heartfelt thanks goes out to our supporters, the donors from across the nation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for making these birds’ everyday existence more secure with the acquisition of this special place.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Julie Wraithmell