When you peruse Staci Doucett’s photography portfolio, you may find it hard to believe she hasn’t been behind a camera her entire life. Her striking portraits of Florida’s shorebirds are not the typical work of someone with just 10 years of experience under her belt, but Staci’s path to wildlife photography wasn’t straightforward.
A Florida native hailing from Orlando, Staci found healing by pursuing her passion in photography, helping not only with her ADHD symptoms but also with the devastating loss of her 18-year-old son Alex.
“It’s something you never get over, you just hope for a life that would honor their memory,” said Staci of her son, who passed away 15 years ago. “I realized that photography, especially wildlife and wading birds, allowed me to practice mindfulness. When I was looking through the lens, my brain would quiet down.”
When Staci chose to recognize our Foundation in her estate plans as part of our Leave A Wild Legacy campaign, we were honored.
“I want to support any organization that helps protect our environment and wildlife in their habitats,” said Staci on her decision.
Today, Staci and her husband live in St. Augustine. The local wildlife scene keeps her photography efforts busy, and she enjoys working with Bay County Audubon in Panama City Beach to raise awareness of the importance of protecting nesting areas for shore and wading birds. She frequently donates prints of her beautiful shots to causes that support wildlife conservations, including our 2023 A Night For Nature gala.
October is Estate Planning Month, which aims to ensure everyone has a plan in place to honor their wishes. Protecting Florida’s outstanding wildlife and habitats requires long-term commitment, which your bequest, trust, annuity, or fund can help provide. For more information on how to join Staci and ensure your love of wild Florida is honored as part of your legacy, click here.
