Hernando Audubon Meeting: Florida Scrub-Jays (Brooksville) ***CANCELED***

Florida Scrub-Jays will be the subject of a talk by Jacqui Sulek, Chapter Conservation Manager for Audubon Florida. Big, blue and boisterous describes the charismatic Florida Scrub-Jay, Florida’s only endemic bird species. While the Florida Scrub-Jay was once widespread in the state, development of scrub lands to plant citrus, graze cattle and build homes and businesses has resulted in a drastic reduction in numbers, 90 percent in the last 50 years. Why? In order to maintain ideal FSJ habitat fire must be introduced every 3-20 years, depending on the type of scrub. This has become increasingly challenging as the human landscape encroaches. Since 2012, Audubon Florida has worked with many partners and volunteers performing yearly surveys to monitor the status of FSJ populations on public lands. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. at Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. Contact Bev: 352-686-0460, bevalhansen@gmail.com