The National Audubon Society is dedicated to protecting diversity in bird species. Their programs include habitat protection, green energy development, and the management of protected areas. Let’s take a look at how this organization formed and the important work they do today.
History
The organization was founded in 1905 and is one of the oldest conservation organizations in the United States. The success of the society depends on grassroots programs and funding. The society takes its name from James Audubon, a famous naturalist, ornithologist, and painter who lived in the early part of the 19th century. Throughout his lifetime he contributed an extensive collection of over 300 detailed illustrations of birds in their natural habitats. The work documents over 700 species of North American birds.
Protection Programs
Their most famous programs include protection of the California condor, brown pelican, and bald eagle. Waterbirds are also a priority on the protection list. Songbirds such as the black-throated blue warbler, Canada warbler, grasshopper sparrow, and tri-colored blackbird are also on their conservation priority list.
Public Programs
The National Audubon Society encourages the public to get out and become a part of the birding community. The feature resources on birding, photography, and other activities to encourage others to develop a love of birds and protecting their habitat. They promote the conservation of urban habitats by promoting planting native species in neighborhood parks, and public spaces. They also dedicate time to creating bird friendly buildings by reducing hazards caused by glass and lights.
The Society Today
Today, the Audubon Society manages over 2,500 bird preservation areas in the United States. It has over 45 nature centers and 150 bird sanctuaries nationwide. The Audubon Society lobbies for laws that make it illegal to drill natural gas on national reserves in an attempt to protect habitats.
The National Audubon Society considers climate change and urbanization to be the two greatest threats to bird populations. It estimates that by the year 2080 nearly 314 species will be considered endangered, threatened, or potentially extinct altogether. They work together with other government agencies and conservation societies to help curb the decline in bird species so that future will generations can enjoy their songs and beauty.
Related article: 5 Places Protected by the Endangered Species Act
Featured Image from Tada Images/Unsplash
