Manatee County Audubon Society Awarded $14,910
Manatee County Audubon Society Awarded $14,910 from the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation to Support Conservation and Nature Appreciation at Felts Audubon Preserve
The Manatee County Audubon Society is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous grant of $14,910 from the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation. The funds will be used to install picnic tables at the Felts Audubon Preserve, a beloved natural habitat in Manatee County, in support of conservation efforts and the promotion of environmental education and appreciation.
The new picnic tables will provide visitors with a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the beauty of the preserve while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. These outdoor gathering areas will also serve as an ideal location for educational programs, guided nature walks, and community events, allowing people of all ages to learn more about local wildlife and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
“We are deeply grateful to the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation for their support,” said Patty Ford, President of the Manatee County Audubon Society. “This generous grant will help us create a welcoming environment where visitors can pause, reflect, and enjoy the stunning wildlife and habitats at Felts Audubon Preserve. The installation of picnic tables will also encourage more families and groups to spend time outdoors, strengthening their appreciation for nature and contributing to our broader conservation goals.”
The Felts Audubon Preserve is a critical wildlife habitat, home to a wide variety of native plant species and bird populations. The preserve plays a significant role in the Audubon Society’s mission to protect Florida’s natural resources and wildlife, while providing a space for outdoor education and recreation. We have recorded visitors this past season from 34 states, Puerto Rico and 10 countries who have enjoyed Felts Audubon Preserve and our Bird Blind, where you can see many local and migratory birds at our feeders.
The installation of picnic tables is part of the Manatee County Audubon Society’s ongoing efforts to make the Felts Audubon Preserve a more accessible and inviting space for the public. The organization remains committed to promoting conservation, environmental stewardship, and the appreciation of nature in the community.
For more information on the Manatee County Audubon Society or to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities at Felts Audubon Preserve, please visit ManateeAudubon.org or contact [email protected] 941-729-2222.
About Manatee County Audubon Society
The Manatee County Audubon Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
conservation of birds, wildlife, and their habitats. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, the society works to inspire others to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.About the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation
The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that supports charitable efforts in the areas of arts, education, conservation, and community development in the Sarasota-Manatee region of Florida.