BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Bay County Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Bay County Audubon Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Bay County Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260321 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260329 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260215T214203Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260328T172235Z UID:2542-1774051200-1774742399@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Nature Connection 2026 DESCRIPTION:Nature Connection 2026\n  our 4th Nature Connection\n With Four Outstanding Nature Events\n  \nDr. Douglas Tallamy\nMarch 21\, 2026\nDr. Douglas Tallamy\, an entomologist\, is much more than an insect expert.  He is professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at The University of Delaware. He is a nationwide spokesperson promoting the use of native (local) plants instead of exotic species from other geographic areas thereby fighting invasive species which can displace local ecosystems. His presentation is entitled “Homegrown National Park”.  \nIf everyone planted part of their yard with native plants\, this area of millions of yards would be bigger than our National Parks! Doug’s big idea is to plant local species of flowers\, bushes\, and trees\, which will attract and feed local insects\, which will then nourish local caterpillars\, bees\, moths\, butterflies\, and birds as part of local natural ecosystems. \n  \n \nDr. Tallamy in a natural landscape. \n  \nIf your home has a yard\, you need to hear Dr. Tallamy. He will discuss why and how you can change your yard into a natural landscape full of the web of life. Dr. Tallamy’s latest book is appropriately entitled “How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard”. Help him help us learn how to make our yards more nature friendly by attending his presentation on the morning of March 21 at the Captain Anderson’s Event Center\, close to Captain Anderson’s Restaurant.    We thank Sweetbay Chapter Florida Native Plant Society in Panama City and Sandhills Native Nursery in Fountain for assisting with bringing Dr. Tallamy’s message to our locale. \nFor Tickets To Doug Tallamy’s Presentation and related events \n \n Click here\n \n  March 26 from 5–7 p.m.\nScott Rashid\,  Owlist and Watercolorist\nGALLERY OF ART 850 Opening Reception\n Scott Rashid\, owl expert\, portrayed below\, will be hosted by the GALLERY OF ART 850 at an Opening Reception March 26 from 5 – 7 pm. Located at 36 West Beach Drive next to the Mary Ola Miller Palm Preserve\, and partnering with Bay County Audubon Society\, the Gallery will provide the perfect venue for nature lovers and art aficionados to grasp Scott’s unique blend of Cubism and Realism in a watercolor medium. \n Living in Estes Park\, Colorado\, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park\, Scott paints what is his life work – helping and protecting birds as a naturalist\, author\, rehabilitator\, and bander\, then portraying them in all their startling beauty in his inimitable style fusing layers of color into one essence of Bird. Don’t miss this remarkable showing which will continue through May 2\, every Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 5 pm\, at the Gallery of Art 850. All of his works of art at this exhibition will be for sale. \n \nMarch 27\, 2026 5p.m.-7 p.m.\nEveryone is invited to submit  nature photos for an opportunity to participate in  our exciting new “immersive” photo experience without charge. After opening night the display will continue at the Center for the Arts for visitors to see until late April.  To enter scan the QR code on the poster. \n \n \n View Photo Exhibit\n \n \nScott Rashid\nMarch 28th\n \nScott Rashid  an ornithologist is an Owl expert.  Scott has spent over 30 years working as a researcher\, state and federal licensed bird bander (approaching 20\,000 bandings)\, licensed bird rehabilitator\, lecturer\, educator\, and author of 7 books primarily about species of owls and other birds\, such as the American Kestrel and Northern Goshawk. He will also an accomplished and he will  exhibit his incredible watercolor nature art work while here.   \nScott is an energetic and passionate Naturalist who has kindly consented to a number of  presentations at schools and special small group activities throughout the week before his “Grand Finale” event at the Holley Center on the 28t.  For a complete schedule check you emails or click here. \nAt the FSU Holley Center\, in the evening of March 28 Scott will present a multi-media compilation of his formidable knowledge of owls and other birds from from three decades of field work\, with videos\, photos\, anecdotes and owl box camera images.   \n \nFor Tickets To Scott Rashid’s  Presentation and related events\n \n Click here URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/nature-connection-2026/ CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Doug-Tallamy-Save-the-Date-v3-2_Page_1_Image_0001-e1766445294552.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260321T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260321T120000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260307T235816Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260308T222915Z UID:2696-1774080000-1774094400@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Douglas Tallamy Presents: Homegrown National Park  DESCRIPTION:Nature Connection 2026\n\nDr. Douglas Tallamy\nMarch 21\, 2026\nDr. Douglas Tallamy\, an entomologist\, is much more than an insect expert.  He is professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at The University of Delaware. He is a nationwide spokesperson promoting the use of native (local) plants instead of exotic species from other geographic areas thereby fighting invasive species which can displace local ecosystems. His presentation is entitled “Homegrown National Park”.\nIf everyone planted part of their yard with native plants\, this area of millions of yards would be bigger than our National Parks! Doug’s big idea is to plant local species of flowers\, bushes\, and trees\, which will attract and feed local insects\, which will then nourish local caterpillars\, bees\, moths\, butterflies\, and birds as part of local natural ecosystems.\nThePprogram begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Captain Anderson Event Center.  \n8am – Plant Fair (ends at 11:30am) \n9am – “Meet and Greet” Doug Tallamy\, coffee and refreshments \n9:40am – Student Acorn Planting Session with Dr. Tallamy \n10am – Main Event: “Homegrown National Park” presentation by Doug Tallamy \n11am – Audience Q&A w/ Doug Tallamy \nClick Here to Purchase Tickets URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/homegrown-national-park/ LOCATION:Captain Anderson’s Event Center\, 5550 N Lagoon Dr\,\, Panama City Beach\, FL\, 32408\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Doug-Tallamy-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Brian Dusseault":MAILTO:bdusseault@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260326T170000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260326T190000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260306T162435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T171416Z UID:2640-1774544400-1774551600@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Gallery of Art 850 Opening Reception for Scott Rashid\, Nature Watercolorist DESCRIPTION:Opening Reception 5 – 7 pm\nMARCH 26th\, 2026\nScott Rashid\, owl expert\, portrayed below\, will be hosted by the GALLERY OF ART 850 at the Opening Reception March 26 from 5 – 7 pm. Located at 36 West Beach Drive next to the Mary Ola Miller Palm Preserve\, and partnering with Bay County Audubon Society\, the Gallery will provide the perfect venue for nature lovers and art aficionados to grasp Scott’s unique blend of Cubism and Realism in a watercolor medium. Living in Estes Park\, Colorado\, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park\, Scott paints what is his life work – helping and protecting birds as a naturalist\, author\, rehabilitator\, and bander\, then portraying them in all their startling beauty in his inimitable style fusing layers of color into one essence of Bird. Don’t miss this remarkable showing which will continue through May 2\, every Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 5 pm\, at the Gallery of Art 850. All of his works of art at this exhibition will be for sale. \n \n  URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/gallery-of-art-850-opening-reception-for-scott-rashid-nature-watercolorist/ LOCATION:Gallery of Art 850\, Address: 36 W Beach Dr\, \, Panama City\, FL\, 32401\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/scott-Rashid-WC-e1772815845323.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260327T170000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260327T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260215T205908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T215732Z UID:2533-1774630800-1774630800@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Nature Photo Immersive Experience DESCRIPTION:The Bay County Audubon Society and the Bay Arts Alliance\, in partnership with The Public Eye\, The Lightroom\, and Innovations Federal Credit Union present: A Nature Photo Immersive Experience! URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/nature-photo-immersive-experience/ LOCATION:Panama City Center For the Arts\, 19 E 4th St\,\, Panama City\, FL\, 32401\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Immersive-Display-Poster-Printed-Distribution-1-scaled-e1771286890169.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260328T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260328T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260306T201650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T202953Z UID:2682-1774710000-1774717200@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Scott Rashid\, "The Owl Man" DESCRIPTION:Scott Rashid\, the “Owl Man”\nSaturday March 28th 3 p.m.\nFSU Holley Academic Center \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScott Rashid\, an ornithologist is an Owl expert.  He has spent over 30 years working as a researcher\, state and federal-licensed bird bander (approaching 20\,000 bandings)\, licensed bird rehabilitator\, lecturer\, educator\, and author of 7 books primarily about species of owls and other birds\, such as the American Kestrel and Northern Goshawk. At 3:00 p.m.\, March 28th at the Holley Center\, Scott will present a multi-media compilation of his formidable body of knowledge of owls and other birds from from three decades of field work with videos\, photos\, anecdotes and owl box camera images.  Scott is also an accomplished artist. His incredible watercolor nature art work will be on exhbit while he is here. The Opening reception for his art show is March 26th at the Gallery of Art 850. \n\n\n\n\nFor Tickets To Scott Rashid’s  Presentation and related events\n\n\n\n\nClick here URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/scott-rashid-the-owl-man/ CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Scott-Rashid-in-the-fiels-e1766445464709.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260413T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260413T200000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260309T213526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T214936Z UID:2271-1776105000-1776110400@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:April 13th Membership Meeting DESCRIPTION:Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) Volunteer Program\nAdam Lache \nPlease join  Adam to learn about how the FWC volunteers program is committed to creating a sustainable and healthy future for Florida’s fish\, wildlife\, water\, and habitat resources through science-based leadership\, community engagement\, and educational outreach. Learn how you can become involved with FWC initiatives including stewardship\, habitat restoration\, population studies\, and so much more. \nAdam Lache recently joined FWC as the new Northwest Volunteer Program Biologist.  Adam will serve the Florida Panhandle region in coordinating volunteer conservation projects  in collaboration with scientists\, biologists\, and land managers across the agency and beyond!  Adam earned a B.S. in Ecology\, Evolution\, and Biodiversity at the University of Michigan and his M.S. degree from the University of Miami where he conducted research on spinner dolphin populations in the western North Atlantic. \n  URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/april-13th-membership-meeting/ LOCATION:St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall\, 1608 Baker Court\, Panama City\, FL\, 32401\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/490377365_1100542552110489_2783391792782343076_n-e1773092969186.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T140000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260216T235302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T235314Z UID:2578-1776326400-1776348000@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Spring migration birding at St. George Island State Park DESCRIPTION:Spring migration birding at St. George Island State Park near Apalachicola. Migrants are usually present on our trips here. We will be birding in the youth camping area\, which is about 1 mile past the park entrance gate on the left. Meet in the parking area by the restrooms at 9:00 Eastern Time (8:00 Central). Allow 2 hours to get there from Panama City\, so plan to leave by 6:00am. There is a park admission fee. Bring snacks\, drinks and a lunch to eat at the picnic area. If you would like to carpool or follow us down\, meet at the Panama City Mall in front of Dillard’s on the north side of the store facing 23 rd St. at 6:00am. We will leave there at 6:10 sharp. \nAccessibility: Easy; on flat ground. URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/spring-migration-birding-at-st-george-island-state-park-2/ LOCATION:St. George Island\, 1900 E Gulf Beach Drive\, Saint George Island\, FL\, 32328\, United States CATEGORIES:Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/St-George-Island-Bird.avif ORGANIZER;CN="Ron Houser":MAILTO:ronhouser84@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260418T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260418T130000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260217T000433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T213314Z UID:2582-1776502800-1776517200@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Earth Day at Oaks by the Bay 2026 DESCRIPTION:Be sure to come out to support Bay County Audubon as we celebrate Earth Day with other conservation organizations from 9:00 – 12:00. This is a family friendly event with activities for all ages! Stay tuned for more information. The Earth Day Proclamation reading will begin at 11:45. URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/earth-day-at-oaks-by-the-bay-2026/ LOCATION:Oaks by the Bay Park\, 2715 W 10th St.\, Panama City\, FL\, 32401\, United States CATEGORIES:Earth Day,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/560351219_1221184683370766_4537882566431132941_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260424 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260427 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260217T001448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T143653Z UID:2588-1776988800-1777247999@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Spring Migration trip to Dauphin Island DESCRIPTION:Spring migration trip to Dauphin Island\, Alabama. This barrier island is a hot spot for birds migrating from South and Central America. For us\, it is second only to High Island\, Texas as a great spring birding spot. We will be staying two nights (the 24th and 25th ) at the Gulf Breeze Motel on the island. Make your reservations soon because this is a popular place to stay for the many birders who come there. Call them directly at (251) 861-7344. There is a two-night  minimum stay and check-in is after 2:00pm. Rates are $144.00 plus tax per night. We plan to drive there on our own Friday morning and arrive in time to eat lunch on the island. It takes about 4 hours to get there from here. We will start birding at the Shell Mound Park/Goat Tree area after lunch. On Saturday we’ll go to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary\, the airport and the other areas we visited on Friday. On Sunday\, we will take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan\, another great birding spot before driving home through Pensacola. A more detailed itinerary will be made available to participants. Please let Ron know if you plan to go. ronhouser84@gmail.com URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/spring-migration-trip-to-dauphin-island/ LOCATION:Dauphin Island CATEGORIES:Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://baycountyaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_187566188-e1771287331427.avif ORGANIZER;CN="Ron Houser":MAILTO:ronhouser84@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260511T200000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260415T214622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T214622Z UID:2274-1778522400-1778529600@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Annual Potluck Celebration and Year in Review DESCRIPTION:May 11th 6-8 p.m.\nJoin us for our Annual  Potluck Celebration and Bay County Audubon Society Year in Review\nPlease bring a covered dish (main\, side\, or dessert).  We will supply the beverages.  Arrive about 6:00 p.m.  The festivities will begin at 6:30 with the Potluck Dinner.   Dinner will be accompanied by a slide presentation of our past years activities  running in the background.  After dinner\, we will have the Installation of officers followed by a short presentation by Shelby Robinson\, Director of Panhandle Animal Rescue. URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/annual-potluck-celebration-and-year-in-review/ LOCATION:St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall\, 1608 Baker Court\, Panama City\, FL\, 32401\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Programs END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260516T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260516T120000 DTSTAMP:20260416T222109 CREATED:20260415T220934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T221011Z UID:2743-1778918400-1778932800@baycountyaudubon.org SUMMARY:Fieldtrip to Laidlaw Preserve May 16th DESCRIPTION:May 16th  Field Trip\n\nAudubon Florida’s Laidlaw Preserve in Washington County. \nThis 280-acre preserve is located between Vernon and Bonifay on Hwy 79. It has an interesting history and if you’ve never been there\, you’ll hear all about it from Neil Lamb\, who will lead the trip. Members of Choctawhatchee Audubon will join us as we walk the trails and boardwalks looking for interesting birds. Much of the preserve is wetlands\, with the rest hardwood forest.  We will eat lunch at our own gazebo overlooking Pam’s Pond. Bring your binoculars\, bug spray\, snacks and drinks and a picnic lunch. If you know where the preserve is\, meet at the gate on Hwy 79 at 9:00. Otherwise\, meet Ron Houser at Porter Park in Lynn Haven by the bridge at 8:00. He will be by the restrooms. The walking is easy\, over dirt trails and boardwalks. URL:https://baycountyaudubon.org/upcoming-event/fieldtrip-to-laidlaw-preserve/ CATEGORIES:Field Trips ORGANIZER;CN="Ron Houser":MAILTO:ronhouser84@gmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR