LEARN HOW TO BE A MORE ENGAGED, EDUCATED AND EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE!
Become a lifelong champion for birds, other wildlife and South Florida’s natural places.
Register today for our empowering 2024 program featuring online classes, field trips, deep dives with local experts and hands-on advocacy campaigns.
NEW streamlined schedule
features four South Florida ecosystems!
Our award-winning education series is Free & Virtual!
Click to read the English-language version media advisory/ Lea la versión en español de este aviso de prensa aquí
REGISTRATION for the 2024 Program is CLOSED.
Please join our waitlist for the 2025 Season.
South Floridians 18 and older 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 our free 2024 Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program. Our award-winning education series is designed to activate environmental ambassadors who want to beat the drum for South Florida’s unique and endangered ecosystems.
Participants will receive comprehensive advocacy training from environmental experts, and will come away with an in-depth knowledge of our region’s cornerstone ecosystems: The Everglades, Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks and Biscayne Bay. The end goal is to empower participants to activate their “Tropical Audubon Ambassador” education on behalf of South Florida’s wild places and the indigenous wildlife who inhabit them.
Tropical Audubon Ambassadors learn about Pine Rocklands on one of our free guided field trips.
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Gain knowledge and skills to participate more fully in public discourse and advocacy campaigns. Learn about Miami-Dade County’s government structure, as well as state and federal institutions, and the roles, rights and responsibilities of community members. Learn how to engage with elected officials via a letter writing and public comment workshop.
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Discover the complexity of our South Florida ecosystems, with a special emphasis on the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks. Explore the science behind what makes these ecosystems unique, the factors that threaten their stability, and the economic, cultural and ecological importance of these endangered ecosystems.
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Retrace South Florida’s development timeline. Discover which development decisions were most impactful, the origins of invasive species, and dive into the water resource power struggle.
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Learn about the current issues impacting our local South Florida ecosystems from water flow to fire suppression to development. Discover how Climate Change impacts South Florida at the local level as an intensifier of our region
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Gain knowledge about current protections and restoration efforts taking place in our local ecosystems. Discuss the efforts and policies that are working well, for land and species conservation.
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Continue learning about ongoing endeavors, and what needs to be done to protect and restore Miami-Dade County’s natural heritage. Learn how to engage in current conservation efforts, and share ideas with others in the community.
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Learn how an environmental advocacy campaign works in this introduction to campaign strategy. How to develop a strategy for change, how to involve your community, supporters and detractors, and the power of one’s personal story are among the topics to be covered. Meet and learn from current campaign strategists from various local organizations and coalitions. Practice strategies for campaign design, and frame a campaign on an issue of personal importance during the workshop.
WHO CAN JOIN the Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program?
Tropical Audubon Ambassadors are passionate environmental advocates who want to make a lasting impact on conservation in Miami-Dade County. Ambassadors are a committed group of volunteers who care deeply about protecting habitat for birds and other wildlife. Anyone 18 and older is invited to join the Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program. We will provide you with the training and experience to participate in environmental advocacy within your community. High school students under the age of 18 can join our high school program next summer!
BY JOINING YOU WILL
Play an active role in shaping conservation in Miami-Dade County
Become part of a like-minded community that is passionate about South Florida’s natural places and the wildlife who rely on them
YOU WILL LEARN
Naturalist Roger Hammer on an Everglades field trip with Tropical Audubon Ambassadors.
The history, science and politics behind South Florida conservation issues focusing on Everglades Restoration, Pine Rocklands & Hardwood Hammocks and Biscayne.
Your civic rights, roles and responsibilities in Miami-Dade County in regard to environmental advocacy
The history of environmental issues in the county
National, State and County organizations and elected officials who impact environmental decisions
How the environment affects you and your community
How you can play a role in protecting your environment
AMBASSADOR BENEFITS
Access to monthly advocacy newsletter
Action alerts on critical advocacy actions
Monthly action calls
Field trips to expand your understanding of the environment you are helping to protect
Leadership development opportunities
Access to a toolbox of resources
Discussions with local experts
LEARN FROM OUR EXPERT
Stephanie Clements, Ph.D.
Stephanie Clements, Ph.D., joined Tropical Audubon Society as Education & Advocacy Director in May 2022. She has been passionate about conservation of our natural world from a young age, and brings expertise in conservation biology, interpretive programming and environmental advocacy to our organization.
In her Education & Advocacy role, Stephanie stewards the flagship Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program, which transforms conservation-curious Miamians into pro-active environmental advocates. She also leads our youth education programming via our new Chirp! initiative, focused on providing hands-on environmental learning opportunities to children from underserved communities.
Stephanie strongly believes in connecting kids with nature from a young age, and enjoys developing interactive learning opportunities for South Florida families, including our society’s annual Bird Day.
Stephanie received her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Miami where her dissertation focused on conservation of reptiles and amphibians in human-modified landscapes in Miami and Costa Rica. She has authored ten scientific publications with more in the works. As part of her doctorate, Stephanie conducted extensive field work in local ecosystems, including Pine Rocklands, Hardwood Hammocks and the Everglades.
Originally from Pennsylvania, she received her B.S. in environmental science from Roanoke College in Virginia before moving to Miami for graduate school, where she was invested in scientific outreach programs with local youth. She also previously enjoyed tenures as an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service, as a field manager with an environmental advocacy group, and multiple roles curating and facilitating educational materials for young learners.
Stephanie personally enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, spending time with friends and playing with her indoor cat.
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Photo Credits: Banner Photo of Snail Kite by Georgia Wilson