Tucson Audubon Society

Chapters in Stories Old and New

The monthly meetings of the Hackensack Audubon Society, now the Bergen County Audubon Society, were special. They rank high among my fondest childhood memories, second only to going on the Chapter’s field trips to special places in New Jersey. The very first of these – awaiting the evening courtship flight of a woodcock at dusk, with anticipation and freezing toes – opened a new world to me.

The warm Audubon world of welcome and camaraderie became my window to the discovery of nature--to its power and beauty, to a sense of ownership, and to its stewardship. It all started when my sister Helen and I were brought by my mother to a public nature film series called the Audubon Screen Tours. We had no television, and in that era there were none of the amazing nature films that we take for granted today. The auditorium was full of nice people who loved birds and outdoor adventures.  They invited us to their meetings, to their homes, and even on long weekend trips. There was freedom and trust. The nature outings kept us engaged and out of trouble. They also defined our futures.

Now, decades later and still with Audubon, I see and feel the power of Chapters multiplied 500 fold in a nationwide network of volunteers whose values I share.

Across the Americas, Audubon Chapters still provide kids, families, and retirees with windows to the natural world that sustains us. Chapters mentor field skills and discoveries. And they take ownership of their special places, from traditional sanctuaries to the growing cadre of Important Bird Areas that connect individuals and Audubon to BirdLife International’s global network of conservation refuges.

The collective power of Audubon Chapters to connect people to nature and inspire conservation action to protect it is today the envy of organizations far and wide.

As Audubon’s Interim President (and one who has built a ornithological career around the knowledge and inspiration nurtured by the Chapter system) I thank you for all it has given to me, to my family and to the woodcock of New Jersey as they start their spring rituals.

Audubon itself is now in the midst of that infrequent but essential ritual of selecting a new leader.  Replacing John Flicker, our President of 15 years, will not be easy. Still, the effort is underway in earnest and will most certainly secure an energetic, visionary and savvy new leader to advance the cause we share.

Audubon’s new President will face many challenges, opportunities and choices.  No doubt she or he will bring some changes.  Yet the foundation upon which to build is as solid as ever.  Our Chapter network—you—will continue to be the source of the action, inspiration and conservation progress that are the essence of Audubon.  Thank you again for being part of that unique Chapter force that makes such a difference for birds, other wildlife and for people too.  As I can humbly attest, Audubon changes lives.