AIR DATE FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Title: Florida Wildlife

Emily sets out to learn more about the wildlife that Florida is known for and ways organizations are fighting for their existence.

Guests

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, Executive Director & Assistant Director – Debbie Helsel & Kelly Verduin

Orange Audubon Society, President – Deborah Green

Supporting Local Wildlife Helps Everyone Stay Connected to Nature

People come to Central Florida for many reasons. One of the top ways to enjoy our community, even for those who live here full time, is to get in touch with nature. The Orange Audubon Society helps make that happen.

I recently spoke with Deborah Green, the organization’s president, at the beautiful Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail. We talked about the wildlife you’ll see in the area.

“Plenty of alligators, which is the thing that everybody loves to see,” Green said. “You have to come really early to see bobcats, and otters appear whenever they want. The main thing is the birds, and it’s really inspired birders to come out from all over, and photographers.”

Refuge Centers Provide Another Wildlife Resource in Central FL

I also spoke with Debbie Helsel and Kelly Verduin, who work with Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge. We discussed why their work is essential to our community and how they knew this path was right for them.

“I was in high school, and I got exposed to a lot of outdoor recreation through a club,” said Verduin. “They had a Florida panther and an educator come to our school. I got my first interaction with an endangered species, and it was just overwhelming.”

Helsel said she knew as a kid that she wanted to work with animals and wildlife, but didn’t know how it would happen. “I ended up being exposed to the opportunity to volunteer at Back to Nature, starting after the news article in the Orlando Sentinel about the Exxon Valdez accident,” she said. “That was the first time that I realized that there was something locally that you could do.”

For Green, she dedicated herself to the Orange Audubon Society after working as a professor of environmental science at Valencia. “We follow local issues; we speak up, and we offer trips, field trips, and online programs, and all the things for the local community,” she said.

Why Is It Essential to Focus on Wildlife Preservation Today?

Conservation must be a priority as we move forward together as a community. “Florida continues growing, population growing, new subdivisions, taking away habitat for birds and other wildlife,” said Green. “The areas that somehow have been protected, we need to continue to support them to keep their protection.”

Verduin says another option is to make simple changes at home. Even moving from fertilizers and pesticides to organic products supports the environment and water supply.

“If people start to notice different species that are in their neighborhood or even frequenting their yard, to start doing some research on the natural behaviors of those animals,” Verduin said. “Keep your trash cans secure.”

Helsel mentioned that basic landscaping chores are also helpful. “When you have your trees pruned, pay attention to what time of year it is,” she said. “If the babies are nesting, just wait a little bit longer.”

Our ecosystem will stay stronger and healthier when we work together to support local wildlife. You can connect with the Orange Audubon Society at orangeaudubonfl.org or find more information about Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge at btnwildlife.org.