A flock of bird and nature enthusiasts gathered at the Heritage Center for the Pelican Island Audubon Society’s annual holiday gathering and to honor Richard Baker, Ph.D., and Juanita Baker, Ph.D., for their leadership of the organization and their promotion of environmental education.
“Thank you, Drs. Baker, for teaching, inspiring, encouraging and challenging us to be advocates for the environment in Pelican Island Audubon,” said Donna Halleran, PIAS executive director, adding that through their actions, both have made a lasting impact on Indian River County.
Chronicling some of the couple’s more notable accomplishments, she said they co-authored the book, “Reflections of Blue Cypress Lake,” which raised $50,000 for the nonprofit. They also helped to rewrite the county’s landscaping ordinances, headed the construction of the Audubon House Education Center, and were instrumental in the successful efforts to pass two bond issues for protected land acquisitions.
“Richard and Juanita are highly valued in the community and by PIAS,” said Fred Poston, PIAS board member, who with other board members, offered accolades while a slide show highlighted the couple’s more memorable accomplishments.
Among the reflections, Richard was dubbed a Terrible Quiet Quitter for his tireless work and as someone who gives exponentially more than he receives back.
He also received a Participation Trophy as an essential quality of life defender; the Michael Scott Dundee award [a reference to the sitcom “The Office”] as a positive force for our county and state; and the Get Off My Yard award for his commitment of time and effort to change county policies and residents’ mindsets in the way we landscape our yards.
Clearly, the adage “birds of a feather flock together” has some substance, as Juanita was honored as the Birder-in-Chief for her lifelong passion for birds and people. She is known throughout the community for her photography, bird classes and writing, as she advocates for efforts to improve the quality of life for humans and wildlife.
Both Richard and Juanita Baker noted that none of their accomplishments would have occurred without the dedication of volunteers.
Additionally, the Florida Audubon Society awarded PIAS the 2022 Best Chapter Conservation Project Award for its Education and Demonstration Native Plant Garden at the County Commission complex.
Founded in 1900, the Florida Audubon Society was instrumental in compelling President Theodore Roosevelt to stop the slaughter of roosting birds for their plumage on Pelican Island by designating Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903.
PIAS, a chapter of Florida Audubon, was formed in 1964 to preserve and protect animals, plants, natural communities, land and water through education, advocacy and public awareness.
To close out the celebration, a sign was unveiled renaming the Audubon House Classroom the Drs. Richard and Juanita Baker Education Center.
On Jan. 21, PIAS will host its fourth Transforming Land for a Sustainable Future conference, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Emerson Center.
For more information, visit PelicanIslandAudubon.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
