The mission of the Hernando Audubon Society is to promote an awareness and appreciation of nature, to preserve and protect natural ecosystems, and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship. Outreach and Education

have always been an important part of our activities in the community.   Our programs and field trips are open to everyone and we do not charge a fee.

Hernando Audubon Meeting, Thursday, January 24: Program about Red-headed Woodpecker Research and Photography in Minnesota. In the upper Midwest, the Red-headed Woodpecker population has declined by 80 percent in the last 20 years. Siah St. Clair will speak about the Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery Project and the knowledge that has been gained from research about this species. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Community Activity Center, 205 E. Ft. Dade Ave. in Brooksville.

Hernando Audubon Birding Trip to Circle B Bar Reserve: Friday, January 4. At 8 a.m. drive to the end of the road and meet in the parking lot, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland. Walk the dikes of this restored marsh system to view wading birds and waterfowl. For information, contact 757-373-0287 (Lee) or 757-636-6229 (Wally), idocvb@gmail.com

Hernando Audubon Birding Trip to Honeymoon Island State Park: Thursday, January 17. We expect to see waders, shorebirds, gulls, and terns, and perhaps a Bald Eagle nest. To carpool, meet at 6:30 a.m. at Publix on the east side of US-19, just south of Spring Hill Drive, or meet at 7:45 in Dunedin on the Curlew Road (SR-586) causeway at the pull-off on the south side before the draw bridge. Park fee: $4 for lone driver or $8 for 2-8 people. For more information: call Bev, 352-686-0460 or bevalhansen@gmail.com.

Hernando Audubon Beginning Birding: Friday, January 25, 8 a.m. at Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. Learn to identify birds at feeders and during a short walk. There will be binoculars and bird books available for use. For information, text Linda at 352-428-2629 or email lindalark85@gmail.com.

For more details about these activities, check hernandoaudubon.org  All Hernando Audubon activities are free and open to the public.