Our Mission Statement
Educate and motivate residents to embrace an active commitment to our natural environment including native plants, waterways and wildlife, especially birds and butterflies.
To learn about Grand Harbor Audubon's Vision and Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Certification -- Click Here
Visiting the Orlando Wetlands
This year, the Audubon Program Events included a field trip to the Orlando Wetlands Park. What a wonderful experience we were treated to by the staff and volunteers. The Park is a massive 1700 acre man-made wetland located in Christmas, Florida. The Park is both a spectacular nature preserve and a natural cleansing system for reclaimed wastewater before it is discharged into the St. Johns River.
After boarding our comfortable and well-equipped bus, we made the short trip to the Wetlands Park and were greeted by our tour guide for the day, Courtney. We started in the Visitors Centre with a 45-minute video presentation narrated by Courtney giving us the history of the Wetlands Park. This included facts about the amazing preserve but also many details of why and how the wetlands came to exist. We were all fascinated by the operation of the Park. Courtney was able to answer many inquiries that our group had and added lots of stories of her own. We adjourned the presentation to board a private tram tour with Courtney, which took us on a hour trip around the various areas of the Wetlands.
It is home to over 220 bird species and a large number of alligators, along with occasional sightings of deer, bobcats and turtles to name a few! The tram tour took us on unpaved roadways, (of which there are 20 miles of trails) , however there is also a new feature which is the Cypress Boardwalk. After our tram ride, we were treated to a delicious boxed luncheon prepared by Grand Harbor kitchens, and then we had free time to wander the Park on our own which included the trails and the new boardwalk. Our timing for this field trip was amazing in that it was mating season. This gave us numerous views of nesting birds and their new hatchlings. It was a photographers’ paradise!!
On our return bus trip to Grand Harbor, there was wine, snacks and lots of conversations with everyone exchanging their amazing stories of the day!
Annette Jameson
Photos courtesy of Rose Virgin (1-35) & Kate Thomas (36-41)
Thank you ladies!
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Seen in Grand Harbor
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We encourage Audubon members to email info@grandharboraudubon.org to share pictures of birds, plants and wildlife captured in Grand Harbor. All residents are welcome to join GHA.
Thank you to all that submitted the beautiful pictures.
Tribute Pavers
Engraving a paver in the Audubon Gardens can be a lasting way to express a tribute to loved ones, share a favorite saying, or express commitment to the gardens.
If you have an interest in supporting Grand Harbor Audubon and its gardens in this way, now is the time since May 13th may be the final round of engravings in the gardens. Orders must be received by April 20th.
Order forms can be picked up at the concierge desk or printed from our website All proceeds from the sale of pavers will be used to maintain and improve the gardens.
Click on "Document.pdf" to open
Welcome, Spring!
Growing Gardens that Give Back
By Janet Thomas
Spring in Grand Harbor: A Season of Renewal
Spring has officially arrived in Grand Harbor! After months of cold and wind, we’re greeted by longer days, fresh breezes, and a burst of wildlife activity—birds, butterflies, and bees are back, filling our landscapes with life and color. It’s the perfect time to refresh your gardens and choose plants that thrive in our subtropical climate while supporting our precious pollinators.
The Value of Native Plants
Native plants aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential! Because they evolved alongside Florida’s birds and pollinators, they flourish naturally in our soils, require less water once established, and provide crucial nectar, pollen, seeds, and shelter. By planting native species, you’re creating vibrant, low-maintenance gardens that give back to nature, season after season.
Wildflowers and Groundcovers
Looking to brighten up your yard? Coreopsis (tickseed) bloom brilliantly in sunny spaces, attracting bees and butterflies all spring long. Beach sunflower thrives in coastal areas, spreading easily and supplying reliable nectar—plus, it’s adored by pollinators! These wildflowers make your garden a feast for the eyes and a haven for wildlife.
Coreopsis / Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) –
Florida’s state wildflower; excellent early nectar source
Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) –
Ideal for sandy or coastal sites; loved by pollinators
Shrubs and Small Trees
Shrubs and small trees add structure and year-round interest to your garden. Firebush is a butterfly and hummingbird magnet, blooming bright red-orange for much of the year. American Beautyberry produces delicate spring blossoms for pollinators and vivid purple berries in late summer to nourish songbirds.
Firebush (Hamelia patens) –
Bright red blooms draw butterflies and hummingbirds
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) –
Spring flowers for pollinators, fall berries for birds
Vines and Host Plants
Want to complete your wildlife-friendly landscape? Vines and host plants play a key role. Passionflower is the secret to attracting Gulf fritillary butterflies, while native Milkweeds are critical for monarch caterpillars. Add these beauties to ensure pollinators can complete their life cycles—not just stop by for a quick snack.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) –
Host plant vine for Gulf fritillary butterflies
Native Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
Essential for monarch caterpillars and adult butterflies
Planting with Purpose
This spring, plant with intention! Even a small patch of native flowers can become a refuge for wildlife. Let your gardens welcome spring with color, life, and a lasting gift to the birds and pollinators that make our Florida home so vibrant.
Monarch Caterpillar
Actively Forming its Chrysalis
By Alex Diedrick
Last month Janet Thomas authored an article teaching us all about Monarch butterflies. One of the topics that Janet covered was the life cycle stages of the Monarch Butterfly; egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. Below is a video ~4 minutes long showing a caterpillar actively forming its chrysalis. Typically, the cages are outside but were brought inside due to intense winds and heavy rain. After 10-14 days a beautiful Monarch butterfly will emerge and be ready for flight within just a few hours.
Grand Harbor Audubon
Butterfly & Native Nature Gardens
There is a place in Grand Harbor where birds and butterflies abound. The Nature Gardens are are alive with plants, trees, birds and butterflies in a thriving natural scene.
The Nature Gardens are located behind the main GH clubhouse, on the other side of any of the bridges. Follow any one of the paths behind the clubhouse and look for a pergola which is the entrance to the gardens. We welcome both Grand Harbor club members and community residents to explore and enjoy the gardens. Take a walk on the wild side and visit our Nature Gardens. We would also love to have you join one of our worker bees!
In order to maintain the gardens, monthly "worker bees" are held during the season and in the summer where volunteers show up at their own convenience to pitch in with planting, weeding, mulching, trimming, etc., whatever is needed at the time. The date of the April worker bee date will will announced shortly.
Grand Harbor Audubon
Garden Bingo
Audubon has an activity for children to use while exploring our garden. Just stop by and ask the GH concierge for a Garden Bingo card for each child and enjoy this activity with your children and/or grandchildren. When done, the child can stop by the concierge for a treat.
If you are interested in seeing our winter 2025 bingo card, please click here.
The bingo card will be updated seasonally to highlight specific plants in bloom or different flora. The next card will be ready April 12th, a little later than planned.
Have fun!
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For Answers to Common Questions about Injured Birds or Wildlife
More ... Seen in Grand Harbor Through the Years
