TALLAHASSEE –– Audubon Florida presented the Champion of the Everglades award to The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida at its annual Assembly event on Oct. 16-18. This award is given for leadership on behalf of the Everglades and its iconic wildlife.  This year, Audubon proudly recognized the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida for their partnership in the conservation of the Everglades’ Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. The sparrow’s population has dwindled due to habitat loss and is now further endangered by sea level rise. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Miccosukee Tribe, Audubon, and conservation partners joined forces to secure state resources and advocate for a federal appropriations request to launch a conservation breeding program, modeled after the successful, ongoing effort to recover the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Chairman Talbert Cypress accepted the award on behalf of the Tribe. [Photo courtesy Audubon Florida]