By Elizabeth Roderick
State Audubon Office Update
Legislative Report: A report on the 2021 session can be found on the state office website here
Conservation: Information on statewide conservation initiatives and publications are at these links: Coastal Conservation, Sagebrush-steppe Conservation, and Climate Change.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Many of you have read the two articles about John James Audubon in the Audubon magazine this past year. He was a slave owner and held white supremacist views. Rodney Brown, National Audubon board member from Seattle, said that National Audubon and many chapters are considering a name change. Brown acknowledged that words aren’t enough, actions are needed to advance racial equity. The national organization is committed to working with partners and chapters on this effort beginning with staff changes and training. In January, BHAS formed an EDI committee to address this issue as well.
Chapter Updates
The list below includes a key Issue or innovation for each chapter during the pandemic year.
Willapa Hills Audubon was deeply concerned about the revelation of John James Audubon as a racist and slaveholder. Their ideas for addressing this are to put a disclaimer on materials (online and paper); change the name of chapter, and/or dissolving the organization and reforming it.
Grays Harbor Audubon Society had an all-virtual shorebird festival, supported by a media guy who produced a lot of content that drew people to the refuge (approximately 88 people/day), especially more local people.
Black Hills Audubon Society posted Do-It-Yourself field trips and held a successful Zoom speaker series with improved attendance.
Vancouver Audubon Society obtained a Proclamation of Bird Friendly Week by Vancouver City Mayor that should help get more bird friendly buildings and native plants.
Tahoma Audubon began People of Color walks which were not well attended so they will increase outreach and will follow NAS’s lead on a name change.
Originally scheduled to be an on-line event in July, 2021, the National Audubon Convention will be postponed until October. Specific dates and details will be announced later. In 2022, the plan is to hold an in-person convention in Tacoma, WA.
On September 24-26 a hybrid in-person/virtual meeting of the Audubon Council of Washington will be held in the eastern part of the state. Stay tuned for more details!
The full powerpoint presentation for the SW Regional Meeting can be viewed at this link.
