The National Audubon Society recently revealed the recipients of the 2025 Audubon Photography Awards, which feature two winning photographs showcasing avian life in Florida. Now in its 16th year, the awards have broadened their scope to include Chile and Colombia, with a focus on migratory species, their habitats and conservation efforts.
Jean Hall is the 2025 Conservation Award Winner for her photograph of a burrowing owl on Marco Island. Tianze Ling is the 2025 Video Award winner for his footage of a burrowing owl nest on a soccer field in Hollywood, Fla.
“We are so thrilled that Florida’s Burrowing Owls are the subjects of two Audubon Photography Award this year,” said Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida. “We have worked with Jean Hall for years, who is a tireless advocate of conservation and beautifully illustrates how responsible, ethical photography can protect birds and the places they need. Congratulations to both photographers”
This year saw the introduction of the Birds Without Borders Prize, which highlights birds with migratory routes that traverse international borders, as well as the Conservation Prize, which showcases the conservation issues that birds encounter and how addressing these challenges can facilitate their survival.
The annual Top 100 and additional select photos and videos will also be shared in digital galleries promoted on Audubon’s website, audubon.org/.
Caxambas: ‘Fuel is on the way!’
That’s according to Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro, whose district includes Marco Island.
In a recent newsletter, he wrote that the fuel tank and the associated equipment for this county park, which were destroyed by Hurricane Ian, is nearing readiness.
“Estimates are we should be ‘selling fuel’ in a few months – but our timeline is obviously contingent on any unforeseen challenges with the installation and of course any storm or hurricane activity that could halt construction operations … but fuel is coming!”
LoCastro called the new system state of the art. The majority of repairs have been made and the park reopened in February.
Youth Haven awarded $25,000 grant
Youth Haven, an emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens, in Collier County recently announced it has received a $25,000 grant from The League Club.
These funds were used to replace an aging van used to safely transport its residents to activities and employment.
“We are extremely grateful to The League Club for supporting our mission and helping us provide a sense of normalcy to the children and teens in our care,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “This funding will ensure Youth Haven can continue offering safe, reliable transportation for our young people to participate in activities and experiences like their peers. For vulnerable youth, it is imperative to have a way to get to school, medical appointments, employment and community enrichments opportunities that are essential for healing and development. Together, we can empower youth in Collier County to build successful, stable futures
Funding for these grants come from The League Club’s Community Trust Fund. These monies are raised from the club’s annual fundraiser, Naples Tables, held every spring in Naples.
“The 2024-25 year has been an extraordinary one for The League Club,” said Donna Lindberg, president of The League Club. “Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, The League Club has continued to honor its commitment to community by raising funds and distributing these funds through grants made to carefully vetted not-for-profit agencies in Collier and Lee counties.”
For more information, visit youthhavenswfl.org.
FWC Lionfish Challenge celebrates 10-years
The 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge celebrated a significant achievement with its 10-year anniversary.
Divers from all over the state competed fiercely until the final moments to secure the titles of Lionfish King and Commercial Champion.
Over 500 divers embarked on 1,104 dive trips to remove over 30,000 invasive lionfish during the summer-long tournament. Participants raced to collect the most lionfish and turn them in at statewide checkpoints. The more lionfish submitted, the more prizes divers received.
Paul Carlson of Palm Beach County earned the prestigious title of Lionfish King in the Recreational Division by removing 1,542 lionfish over 73 dive trips. Kris Anderson of Texas followed closely with 1,098 lionfish removed over 36 trips to earn second place. Helen Rodney, from Broward County, won third place by removing 962 lionfish.
Donald Vautrinot of Walton County earned the title of Commercial Champion by removing a whopping 1,161.04 pounds of lionfish from our Florida waters. Matt Myers of Jacksonville earned second place by removing 803 pounds of lionfish, and David Garrett of Volusia County took third place with 754 pounds of lionfish removed during the tournament.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: Marco Islander among Audubon Photography Awards
Reporting by Will Watts / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
