Nature Connection 2026
2026-03-21 - 2026-03-28 | FL
Nature Connection 2026
our 4th Nature Connection
With Four Outstanding Nature Events

Dr. Douglas Tallamy
March 21, 2026
Dr. 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”.
If 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.

Dr. Tallamy in a natural landscape.

If 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.
For Tickets To Doug Tallamy’s Presentation and related events

Click here

March 26 from 5–7 p.m.
Scott Rashid, Owlist and Watercolorist
GALLERY OF ART 850 Opening Reception
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.
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.

March 27, 2026 5p.m.-7 p.m.
Everyone 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.

View Photo Exhibit

Scott Rashid
March 28th

Scott 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.
Scott 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.
At 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.

For Tickets To Scott Rashid’s Presentation and related events

Click here

Douglas Tallamy Presents: Homegrown National Park
2026-03-21 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Captain Anderson’s Event Center, 5550 N Lagoon Dr,, Panama City Beach, FL, 32408, United States
Nature Connection 2026

Dr. Douglas Tallamy
March 21, 2026
Dr. 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”.
If 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.
ThePprogram begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Captain Anderson Event Center.
8am – Plant Fair (ends at 11:30am)
9am – “Meet and Greet” Doug Tallamy, coffee and refreshments
9:40am – Student Acorn Planting Session with Dr. Tallamy
10am – Main Event: “Homegrown National Park” presentation by Doug Tallamy
11am – Audience Q&A w/ Doug Tallamy
Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Gallery of Art 850 Opening Reception for Scott Rashid, Nature Watercolorist
2026-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Gallery of Art 850, Address: 36 W Beach Dr, , Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Opening Reception 5 – 7 pm
MARCH 26th, 2026
Scott 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.

Nature Photo Immersive Experience
2026-03-27 17:00 | Panama City Center For the Arts, 19 E 4th St,, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
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!

Scott Rashid, "The Owl Man"
2026-03-28 15:00 - 17:00 | FL
Scott Rashid, the “Owl Man”
Saturday March 28th 3 p.m.
FSU Holley Academic Center

Scott 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.

For Tickets To Scott Rashid’s Presentation and related events

Click here

April 13th Membership Meeting
2026-04-13 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) Volunteer Program
Adam Lache
Please 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.
Adam 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.

Spring migration birding at St. George Island State Park
2026-04-16 08:00 - 14:00 | St. George Island, 1900 E Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, FL, 32328, United States
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.
Accessibility: Easy; on flat ground.

Earth Day at Oaks by the Bay 2026
2026-04-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W 10th St., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
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.

Spring Migration trip to Dauphin Island
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-26 | Dauphin Island
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

Annual Potluck Celebration and Year in Review
2026-05-11 18:00 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
May 11th 6-8 p.m.
Join us for our Annual Potluck Celebration and Bay County Audubon Society Year in Review
Please bring a covered dish (a side or dessert). We will supply the entree (ham) and 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 year’s activities running in the background. After dinner, we will have the Installation of our new officers followed with a short presentation by Shelby Robinson, Director of Panhandle Animal Rescue.

Fieldtrip to Laidlaw Preserve May 16th
2026-05-16 08:00 - 12:00 | FL
May 16th Field Trip

Audubon Florida’s Laidlaw Preserve in Washington County.
This 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.
