National Audubon Society

Audubon's mission:

To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.

How they implement the mission:Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

Strategic Plan

• Sharpen the focus of Audubon's campaign and resources on the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

• Expand our educational programs to nurture appreciation of nature and understanding of the essential link between ecological health and the well-being of human civilization.

• Invest heavily in Audubon's distinctive grassroots network as the primary instrument of our environmental advocacy.

John James Audubon 1785-1851

The American Woodsman:

Namesake and Inspiration

He never met a bird he didn’t shoot.

Birds of America By John James Audubon

Audubon Timeline

1905 National Audubon Society founded Originally incorporated as the "National Association of Audubon Societies“1905 Audubon Warden shot Guy Bradley, among the first Audubon Wardens hired to patrol wading bird colonies in South Florida, is murdered by poachers. His death becomes a rallying point for conservationists. 1910 New York State takes lead The New York State legislature enacts the "Audubon Plumage Law," prohibiting the sale or possession of feathers from birds in the same family as any species already protected in the state. The bill cripples the plume trade. 1934 Peterson's Guide revolutionizes birding The first edition of Roger Tory Peterson¹s A Field Guide to the Birds is published and almost immediately reprinted. It popularizes birding as never before. Baker hires Peterson as Audubon's education director and art director for the magazine. Peterson¹s indelible images appear for many years in Bird-Lore and Junior Audubon materials. 1936 First Audubon camp Audubon acquires Hog Island in Maine and opens its first camp to teach adults about wildlife and education. Carl Buchheister is the first director. Hundreds of conservation leaders will be educated here. 1945 Trouble signs Audubon experts sound the first alarms about the potential hazards for wildlife of the pesticide DDT more than twenty years before its eventual ban. 1973 Puffin Project begins Audubon Scientist Stephen Kress begins restoring Atlantic Puffins to Eastern Egg Rock off the Maine Coast. 1999 100th Christmas Bird Count Close to 50,000 volunteers take part in what is now the longest-running bird census in America.

Guy Bradley

• Membership-$20/yr.

• 500,000 members

• 490 chapters

– Northeast PA Audubon Society

– Wyoming Valley Audubon Society (Wilkes-Barre)

– Lackawanna Audubon Society (Scranton)

Do they deserve our support?

ABSOLUTELY!