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South Florida High School students who love the natural world can now foster “conservation through community” and earn service hours via the third annual Summer Edition of the award-winning Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program.
The high school version of the environmental series is intended to empower a new generation of young leaders to become more engaged, educated and effective environmental advocates.
New this summer: more in-person opportunities to network with fellow ambassadors.
Scheduled for July 7 to Aug. 1, the program’s “Bending the Curve” curriculum is designed to inspire students to activate their Tropical Audubon Ambassador education in a concerted effort to halt and reverse biodiversity loss across South Florida.
Learning is structured with a virtual Zoom component for remote flexibility, and with in-person events to enhance networking and provide tangible experiences.
Aspiring High School Ambassadors will receive comprehensive advocacy training from environmental experts, will gain a deeper understanding of our region’s indigenous wildlife and The Everglades, Biscayne Bay, Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks. Field
Trip opportunities to Everglades National Park and A.D. Barnes Park will animate their studies.
Ambassadors will have more opportunities this year to network with each other, with a choice to attend the opening and closing sessions in person or virtually.
Tropical Audubon Society’s High School Ambassador Program is free thanks to Conservation Sponsors Everglades National Park, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Miami-Dade County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, and to the financial support of Coconut Grove Garden Club, The Everglades Foundation and The Miami Foundation.
Registration closes June 5. Visit https://support.tropicalaudubon.org/a/tropical-audubon-ambassador-bending-the-curve-2026.
The Tropical Audubon Society High School Ambassador Program is open to any incoming or current high school student, or any graduating senior.
Program benefits include a monthly virtual action call (to be combined with the adult program in Fall 2026), a Whatsapp group, action alerts on time-critical conservation issues, an online toolbox of resources, the opportunity to earn up to 30 community service hours, and leadership development opportunities.
Curriculum
Program topics will be explored under the wing of TAS education director DJ Mlodozeniec. Regional environmental experts will guest-host each session.
Session Details:
South Florida Ecosystems (Hybrid): Join this session virtually or in person. Discover the complexity of South Florida ecosystems with a special emphasis on the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks. Explore the science behind what makes South Florida ecosystems unique, the factors that threaten their stability, and their economic, cultural and ecological importance. Learn how to contribute to community science and enhance knowledge of our local biodiversity.
History of Development: Retrace South Florida’s development timeline. Discover which development decisions were most impactful, the origins of invasive species, and dive into the water resource power struggle.
Current Issues and Climate Change: Discover how Climate Change impacts South Florida as an intensifier of our region’s existing environmental challenges — from water quality to invasive species. Discuss the region’s future in the face of Climate Change, and learn about taking personal action to help combat Climate Change, “bending the curve” to slow current trends.
Imperiled Species: From Manatees to Florida Panthers, South Florida is home to an array of iconic wildlife. Learn about our region’s imperiled species, the events that led to their decline, and local conservation efforts to protect them.
Intro to Environmental Justice: Learn about the crucial role environmental justice plays in environmental restoration and advocacy. Examine how environmental challenges are unequally distributed among South Florida communities, the reasons behind this disparity, and the efforts underway to balance it more equitably.
Ecosystem Protection and Restoration: Gain knowledge about current protections and restoration efforts taking place in our region’s ecosystems. Discuss the efforts and policies that are working well, and what needs to be done to protect and restore Miami-Dade County’s natural resources. Learn how to participate and share ideas with the community.
Civics and Advocacy 101: Acquire skills to participate more fully in public discourse and advocacy campaigns. Learn pertinent legal processes and governmental structures, along with the roles, rights and responsibilities of community members.
Campaigns (hybrid): Join this session virtually or in person. Learn how an environmental advocacy campaign works in this introduction to campaign strategy; how to develop a strategy for change; how to involve your community, supporters and detractors, and the power of one’s personal story. Practice strategies for campaign design, and frame a campaign on an issue of personal importance.
To qualify for a Certificate of Program Completion, students are required to complete all eight virtual Zoom sessions. Attendance at the in-person events is strongly encouraged.
The High School Ambassador Program is designed to complement the TAS Mission and methods: “Conserve and restore South Florida ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats,” with outreach centered around education and advocacy.
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