Florida >> On March 8, 2020, the Florida Keys Chapter hosted the annual meeting (and picnic) of the Florida Division at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Members representing all three Florida chapters were in attendance: Cypress Chapter (Naples/ Fort Myers area), Mangrove Chapter (Miami area) and Florida Keys Chapter.

The meeting is open to the public and about 40 people were present, both League members and members of the public. Speakers included Penelope Del Bene, the new superintendent of Biscayne National Park; Jeremy Dixon, manager of Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge; Karen Bohnsack, biologist for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Paul Rice, Pennekamp park manager; and representatives of several other conservation and civic organizations. Some of the organizations represented included the Tropical Audubon Society (Miami), National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Florida Keys Environmental Fund, Conservation Concepts (Tallahassee), Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowners Associations, Upper Keys Citizens Association and Florida Keys Citizens Coalition.

This meeting provides an annual opportunity for League members and the public to learn about current issues at the various state and federal protected areas, what their conservationist neighbors are doing, and how they, as citizens, can be more involved in protecting valuable resources.

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