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Tucson Audubon Society
Tucson Audubon Vermilion Society:
Creating a Legacy of Conservation

In our 55th year of serving the community, Tucson Audubon Society has created the Vermilion Society. The Vermilion Society is our way of recognizing and honoring those members who have included Tucson Audubon in their estate planning.

Although the Vermilion Society is new, its members are already an important part of Tucson Audubon. There is no better example of the generosity and foresight of Vermilion Society members than the contribution of Dr. John Madden. Many of you have had the privilege of birding at Dr. Madden’s home, at the confluence of Bear Creek and Sabino Canyon. This remarkable property, described by Dr. Madden as a "biologist’s dream" is a fledgling Tucson Audubon nature sanctuary.

The Madden property was the perfect combination for Tucson Audubon—critical riparian habitat on Tucson’s east side where we are expanding our presence. Former Tucson Audubon Executive Director, David Yetman introduced Dr. Madden to Tucson Audubon. After years of discussions to ensure that the property was in the best possible hands, it was current Tucson Audubon Executive Director, Sonja Macys who sealed the deal with Dr. Madden, creating a permanent Tucson Audubon nature sanctuary with endowed funds to support the property’s stewardship in perpetuity.

"We are grateful that Dr. Madden has been such an outstanding steward of this property. It will be an honor to continue his 25+ year legacy of managing ‘the oasis’ for birds and other wildlife," said Macys.

Dr. Madden who describes himself as a biologist, embryologist, general surgeon, teacher, anatomist, auto-radiographer, salvage diver, movie maker and monk, has lived happily on the Sabino Canyon property for 25 years. Dr. Madden’s extraordinary life lead him to develop friendships with 17 Noble prize winners and make tremendous contributions to our understanding of the nature of healing. An accomplished hand surgeon and teacher, Dr. Madden found solace in his "holy place" along Sabino Canyon. He turned to Tucson Audubon to carry on his vision that his home should always be filled with research, education and life-long learning. "Tucson Audubon gets what this place is all about. I have been privileged to live here and I want to share that with others."

The Madden gift is one example of the tremendous legacy of remembering Tucson Audubon in your estate planning. For information on the benefits of becoming a Vermilion Society member, contact Executive Director, Paul Green at 622-5622.

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This page was updated on 07/31/06