NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Program Schedule for the 2024-2025 Season
Presentations are all on second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm and generally last about an hour. A potluck supper will be held before each program, at 6 pm. All are invited to attend!
​​​​​
January 14: Raptor Rescue, presented by Nancy Murray, President, Raptor Center of Tampa Bay
​
February 11: Fascinating Florida Insects, presented by Cissy Stanko, Garden Educator at Bok Tower Gardens.
​
March 11: Feathered Jewels, the Amazing World of Hummingbirds, presented by Reinier Munguia, President, Lake Region Audubon Society, photographer
​​
Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, December 28.
For this who have not participated in the past, participants count birds at various destinations. This is done in teams, by car, on routes which are pre-determined. It takes most of the day, starting and ending at the Ridge Audubon Center, where the counts are tallied. If you can contribute your time, please contact Jacque Woodward at 863-632-1667.
Got news? Your recent local birding and nature-related news could fit here! Contact jomarlin@bellsouth.net. Please put Ridge Audubon in the subject.
A Big Success
Our annual sale in conjunction with the 39-mile Scenic Highway Sale took place on November 2. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year. It is also a big undertaking that is weeks in planning and preparation. Thanks to the volunteers who helped to price, set up, sell and clean up!
The Lake Region Bird Club is part of the Lake Region Audubon Society, located in nearby Winter Haven.
They meet on Thursdays from November to April for birding outings. For more information, email Bob Snow at birdclub@lakeregionaudubon.org.
Lake Region Audubon Society
Bird Club schedule for the '24 - '25 season
January 16: Florida’s Natural Settling Ponds. Meet at the Lake Wales City Hall, 201 West Central Avenue, Lake Wales, FL. 33853, at 8:00 a.m. to meet our guide, Jerry Burns. Restrooms are available at City Hall, but not on the property we will be touring. We will drive through the wetlands, and stop periodically for observation. Bring lunch, binoculars, scopes, walkie-talkies, etc. Carpooling is suggested, to reduce the number of vehicles in our caravan. We can have lunch at Lake Wailes Park after the tour.
​
January 24: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, FL. 32703. We can meet at the McDonald’s at I-4 and U.S. 27 at 6:30 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. departure. This is a Friday trip, because vehicles are not allowed on Thursdays. Bring lunch, binoculars, scopes, walkie-talkies, etc. This will be a driving trip through the preserve with periodic stops for observation. There are restrooms and a picnic facility along this drive.
​
January 30: Panther Point, Farm Road Bartow, FL. 33830. The sign on Bartow Highway 98 South, will state Lake Hancock Boat Ramp. Meet at the trailhead at 8:00 a.m. Bring binoculars, scopes, water, etc. This hike will be at the Lake Hancock Outfall Wetlands, and will be approximately 2 – 3 miles. There is no shade or restrooms on this hike.
​
February 6: T. M. Goodwin WMA, near Fellsmere, FL. Meet at the Lake Wales McDonald’s on Highway 60 at 7:00 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Bring lunch, binoculars, walkie-talkies, etc. This is a driving trip with periodic stops for observation. There are restrooms on Fellsmere Road, leading to the preserve.
​
February 13: Hardee Lakes Park, 5502 Ollie Roberts Road, Bowling Green, FL. 33834. Meet at the Mulberry McDonald’s at 7:00 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Bring lunch, binoculars, scopes, walkie-talkies, etc. This will be mostly driving and stopping for short observations. There is one hike of approximately 1.5 miles. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle, and there are restrooms and picnic facilities at the park.
​
February 20: Orlando Wetlands Park, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, FL. 32709. Meet at the park between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Bring lunch, binoculars, scopes, etc. This will be a hike of approximately 2.5 – 3.0 miles. There are restrooms and picnic facilities at the park.
​
February 27: Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL. 33637. We will meet at the park between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., at the parking area near the Nature Center. This will be a hike of approximately 2 miles. Bring lunch, binoculars, etc. The entrance fee is $2 per vehicle.
​
​
​
​