The Venice Area Audubon Society (VAAS) offers a variety of educational and conservation programs. Our programs are busiest from January to April when visitors and part-time residents return to the area. Our all-volunteer organization offers birding field trips, monthly lectures, children's educational programs, community science projects, and others. Activities are open to the public and participants are encouraged to become members and get involved as volunteers. 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Educational Programs is one of the core focus areas of the Venice Area Audubon Society (VAAS) and encompasses a variety of projects. Exciting plans are underway for the 2023 season and include a conscious effort to hold programs and events in Englewood, North Port, Osprey, and Nokomis, in addition to Venice.

When participating in VAAS programs, please follow recommended COVID health and safety precautions.

• Rookery Docents and Stewards: Docents provide information, printed reference materials, Audubon membership information, and loan scopes and binoculars to Rookery visitors.  Rookery Stewards help keep the pavilion, walking path, and perimeter clean and safe. Contact: Bill Fairbank, wgfairbank@gmail.com, 941-330-6573.
• Rookery Greeters: Greeters welcome visitors, answer questions,  and provide information about Venice Area Audubon Society. Contact: Jean Pichler, jeanpichler@gmail.com. 
• Children’s Educational Programs: The Second Grade Birdwatchers Program consists of classroom instruction and a field trip to the Rookery from January to April. A proposal to resume the Scrub Jay Program for fifth graders is in the works, and children’s activities are also part of events throughout the year. Contact: Linda Soderquist, linist@hotmail.com, 941-270-7994.
• Birding Field Trips: Volunteer hosts lead field trips from October through April at various sites in the area. Join us to learn about local birds and other flora and fauna! Details can be found  on the Calendar page of this website.
• Monthly Educational Programs: On the fourth Tuesday of each month from September through April, VAAS hosts an educational program on a topic of interest to our members. The "Meet and Learn" events start at 6:00 pm for conversation and refreshments, then at 6:30 pm there is a brief VAAS Membership Meeting followed by the educational program. Contact: Judy Landkamer, judylandkamer@yahoo.com, 253-391-1240.
• Recordings of past educational programs can be viewed on the Venice Audubon YouTube Channel

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Venice Audubon's Conservation Programs are organized into four areas of focus: Community Science, Bird Stewardship, Rookery Park Habitat, and Advocacy & Networking. Contact: Bob Clark, rlwclark@gmail.com,  317-294-0080.

Community Science

·        Christmas Bird Count
·        Rookery Watch Survey
·        Urban Forest Survey
·        Jay Watch
·        Eagle Watch

Bird Stewardship

·        Beach nesting protection
·        Rooftop monitoring

Rookery Park Habitat

·        Purple Martin houses
·        Pollinator garden
·        Tree thicket and understory project
·        Long-range habitat planning and County Parks collaborations        

Advocacy & Networking

·        Audubon Florida Gulf Coast Regional Conservation Committee      
·        Myakka River Management Coordinating Council
·        Science & Environment Council of Sarasota
·        City of Venice Environmental Advisory Board
·        Ad hoc advocacy