The second graders in South Sarasota County public schools are the target audience for this popular program. Last school year, our team of Audubon instructors visited over 60 classrooms with presentations introducing students to local birds, conservation, and varied bird habitats. The students also learn to use binoculars as they observe birds found in their local school campus. Classroom teachers are provided with materials and lessons to support the Audubon presentations.

In a culminating activity, each class visits the Audubon Rookery in South Venice. Here they learn about the history of the rookery and walk the trail circling the rookery to learn about the native plants. Students use binoculars and spotting scopes to observe the fascinating nesting activity at the rookery where they also engage in games, activities, and stories to further their interest in Florida birds.

This program has been the keystone of the Venice Area Audubon Society’s education efforts for over 30 years, introducing the wonder of birds and the outdoors to tens of thousands of second graders. Through this program, students have become excited about local birds, and teachers have developed lessons and activities to support the program which has evolved to mesh with the current instructional curriculum.  It was awarded the 2012 Audubon Florida Best Chapter Education Program Award.

We encourage our members to become involved in these education efforts by volunteering on our field trips. Volunteer participation is essential to the success of our programs.