Make this Holiday Season Count for Conservation!

Reprinted from the Audubon Advocate


Bring Legacy campaign petitions to your next holiday gathering.

In Florida, the holiday season for many people means enjoying time with family outside. Whether it's walking along the beach searching for shells or camping at one of our amazing state parks, you've no doubt experienced how amazing Florida's natural areas are during our beautiful fall season.

Thanks to volunteers across the state, the Florida Water and Land Legacy campaign continues to gather momentum. Over 27 Audubon chapters have endorsed the campaign as organizations. Congratulations to Alachua Audubon for remaining in the top 4 petition gathering organizations for the third week in a row!

What's their secret? Sharing the job. Leaders participating include Helen Warren, John Killian, Emily Schwartz, Debra Segal and Kathy Fanning. Duval Audubon popped up into 4th place this week listing Pete Johnson as the primary gatherer and Dave Kandz put St. Petersburg Audubon on the list last week.

Individual stars include Paula Wehr from Halifax River Audubon, John Hood from Clearwater Audubon (in the top ten for 2 weeks) and Carl Veaux from Audubon of Southwest Florida.

But we still need your help to gather signatures. All you need to do is gather at least 15 signatures from your friends, neighbors, and co-workers during the holiday season.

So pick up your package of petitions today. Be sure to check out the short training video and get ready to make a difference for Florida's environment! There are people all over the state with supplies so to find a stash near you - contact Jason Brady at jason@floridawaterlandlegacy.org.

Here are a few ideas for how to get your signatures:

As you get together for family gatherings and office parties, bring along some petitions and gather from the people you know.

Are you heading to a Turkey Trot or other outdoor event next week? Gather a few signatures while you're registering (or while relaxing with your post-race snacks and beverages!) Many cities are hosting Thanksgiving Day races. Here are just a few: Miami, Tampa/Pinellas, Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Coral, and Naples.

Knock on a few doors in your neighborhood and ask you neighbors to sign! Many people bring goodies to neighbors during the holiday season, so use it as an opportunity to gather signatures too.

If you need petitions, please let the campaign know ASAP or contact (850) 629-4656.

Audubon and the Florida Water and Land Legacy campaign thank you for all your support. Keep up the incredible work!