Audubon Florida Acquires Lanark Reef as bird sanctuary

A few weeks ago we told you that Audubon Florida was trying to get people to pay 100 dollars each to help them buy Lanark Reef and protect it as a bird sanctuary.

The group reached its goal, and last Friday it announced that it has acquired the last private inholding on Lanark Reef, one of Florida’s most significant sites for declining coastal birds in Florida and a designated Important Bird Area.

Funding for the purchase was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as well as from individuals from across the country who made contributions to ensure the acquisition and management of the island.

Audubon Florida was concerned that the site would be developed at some time in the future.

In recent years, permits for septic tanks were issued with plans to develop condominiums on the site.

Audubon’s acquisition secures the entirety of Lanark Reef as a wildlife sanctuary.

The narrow barrier island off Lanark Village provides essential habitat to some of the Gulf of Mexico’s most imperiled species.

In spring and summer, it hosts a large breeding colony of Brown Pelicans, as well as nesting American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Willets and more.

In fall and winter, migrant and wintering birds like Red Knots, Piping and Snowy plovers flock to the islands to feed and rest.

If you would like to sign up for updates on the Reef, you can do that on-line at fl.audubonaction.org.

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