Audubon Chapter Networker - Volume XII, No. 7, Fall 2009

A Quarterly Resource for Audubon Chapter Leaders Across the Nation and Beyond

President's Message
-- Green Energy...That's Really for the Birds

Tools for Chapters
-- Outreach Tabling for Success
-- Analog Birding for Youth Education
-- Chapter Discount on Optics

New Outreach Materials
-- Audubon Orientation DVD, Magazine Inserts
-- Audubon 2010 Calendar Collection
-- Audubon Guides iPhone Apps

National Program News
-- Pennies Help Audubon Projects Reach New Heights

Chapter Networker Information

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Green Energy...That's Really for the Birds

by John Flicker, President

Global climate change poses the biggest threats to birds and their habitats that any of us have ever seen. Yet dealing with the complexities of climate and energy solutions sometimes requires a new look at old assumptions and makes Audubon’s state and Chapter-based presence all the more valuable.

That’s what is happening now in Wyoming; where the state’s tremendous wind energy potential appears at first glance to be blowing head-on against the needs of the imperiled Greater Sage Grouse and nearly 80 other species of conservation concern that depend on the health of dwindling sage habitat.  However, Audubon Wyoming Executive Director Brian Rutledge says the notion of wind energy and sage grouse as incompatible presents a “false choice,” that Audubon can help set right.

Thanks to years of effort by Chapters and Audubon’s State Office, local residents increasingly understand the importance of the grouse to Wyoming’s ecology and economy.  Audubon was a driving force in Wyoming Governor David Freudenthal’s establishment of a special task force that combined government, conservation, energy, agricultural and other interests to designate Sage Grouse Core Areas across the state. The process used sophisticated mapping to identify habitat needed to protect 75% of Wyoming’s remaining grouse population while allowing responsible energy development and transmission siting to proceed in other areas.

The Core Area designations provided fresh ammunition for curtailing the runaway oil and gas development that have already polluted, fragmented, and otherwise damaged sensitive sage habitat.  They also prompted Wyoming’s board of Land Commissioners to withdraw approximately a million acres of habitat from consideration for future wind and transmission development unless it can be proven consistent with the goal of grouse conservation.

By helping to ensure continued grouse viability, the Core Areas approach gained recognition from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If successful, it could help the state avoid an Endangered Species Act listing and the wide-ranging restrictions that go with it. It’s a budding success story that reveals growing opportunities for the Audubon network nationwide.

Audubon is already working with other organizations to create “human footprint maps” that identify existing energy development sites, “brown fields” and intensive agricultural areas where wind generation and energy and transmission facilities would have little additional impact on already-degraded resources. These maps will be combined with information on especially-sensitive lands to avoid—such as Sage Grouse Core Areas or globally-significant Important Bird Areas.  Data on wind patterns and other important information can also be added.  In combination, the maps will allow energy planners to zero in on efficient transmission routes and areas with plenty of wind potential, yet least likely to create problems for birds, other wildlife or sensitive landscapes.

Of course, not all conflicts are avoidable. But local Chapters are playing a vital role in moving between conflict and consensus.  Many are highlighting concerns regarding impacts on birds and habitat; pushing for improved siting regulations; and demanding more informed siting decisions. As new information and proposals emerge, chapters can:

• Identify places in need of special protection;
• Promote suitable, already-degraded areas, as identified, for possible consideration for renewable energy development;
• Monitor and review local development proposals; and
• Influence decision-makers at every level to ensure that “Green Energy” development gets the go-ahead when it is truly green.

Our early success in Wyoming shows the importance of understanding varying state, county and even local entities that have jurisdiction over energy site decisions.  Local chapters can play an important role in identifying the key players, sharing information and guiding local decision makers toward the right outcomes. Meanwhile, National and state offices will be working hard to influence broader energy siting policies, to disseminate important science, and to develop the tools and capacity needed to help out with a range of energy challenges and opportunities.

In Wyoming, we’re confident we can help save a storied western landscape, an iconic species and scores of other birds and wildlife.  And we can embrace the climate-sparing potential of renewable wind energy at the same time.  It’s a promising model—and one we should embrace together. 

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Outreach Tabling for Success

"Tabling"—in the non-profit organization usage of the word—is the act of staffing a table at an event or location in order to educate or advocate for a cause. Whether the purpose is to recruit new Chapter members, teach kids how to build bird houses, or obtain signatures for a petition, there are certain best practices to keep in mind. Here are several examples from the Audubon Chapter network with best practices highlighted in bold font.

Morro Coast Audubon Society (Morro Bay, CA) tables on local beaches to educate locals and tourists on plover nesting cycles and current habitat conservation efforts. Their outreach ensemble is comprised of a table, scope and signboard and is staffed by Aurianna Woodson, a Snowy Plover Monitor at Montana de Oro State Park.

In addition to providing maps and other local beach information, there is a build-a-nest box activity that allows children to design their own Snowy Plover nest. Perhaps the biggest draw is the viewing scope aimed at an active nest, allowing for a close-up view of a female incubating her three-egg clutch.

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Stephanie Little of Morro Coast Audubon Society, (805) 610-6229 or
stephjoy13@hotmail.com.

Jayhawk Audubon Society (Lawrence, KS) coordinated an Earth Day outreach table that was a huge success, due largely to a good number of enthusiastic and talented Chapter volunteers who were very organized and worked in shifts throughout the day to avoid burnout. The Chapter used a canopy tent with the Jayhawk Audubon logo which clearly identified the table and sparked visitor interest. Volunteers drew in people through standing in front of or next to the table and offering friendly greetings and encouragement to participate in an engaging activity for children and parents—creating a personalized bird feeder.

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Chuck Herman of Jayhawk Audubon Society at hermansnuthouse@earthlink.net or (913) 484-8932.

Lehigh Valley Audubon Society (Emmaus, PA) focused their spring festival tables on education and drawing people, especially youth, into the enjoyment of birds. They experienced a high volume of visitors due to volunteer-crafted, eye-catching displays, a continuously looping video displayed through a laptop and LCD projector on a portable presentation screen, plenty of handouts for kids (from http://www.birdday.org/), and good volunteers staffing the tables. Visitors of all ages amused themselves by trying out the displayed Audubon plush birds, which play authentic songs recorded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Jack Kane of Lehigh Valley Audubon Society at jackjanuz@verizon.net.

Audubon's Public Policy Office tables for advocacy—often encouraging visitors to sign petitions or fill out postcards to their Members of Congress. The Office gives away small stickers with the e-activist web site (www.audubonaction.org) to make it easy for people to sign up when they get home. On occasions where visitors are encouraged to call their Members on an issue, cell phones are provided along with a simple written message for them to convey. Lapel stickers are given to people who have signed postcards or made phone calls, e.g., "I made a difference for the planet."

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Connie Mahan at Audubon’s Public Policy Office, cmahan@audubon.org.

Tabling Tips

• Determine the purpose of the outreach activity and your target audience (e.g., youth education, conservation issue advocacy). Make certain your intended message is clear to the public (don't let them leave wondering what it is that you do or what you wanted from them).
• Orient volunteers by demonstrating how to appropriately greet and engage visitors. Be sure they know the Chapter's mission and any stance the Chapter takes on particular conservation issues. Leave a list of instructions at the table (taped behind the display).
• Have at least one banner and or display board to clearly identify the table.
• Keep a a basic field guide on hand to help people with their bird ID questions.
• Create an area where people can help themselves to general Chapter information.
• Bring plenty of pens.
• Use recorded bird calls or a video to draw attention to your table.
• Stand in front of or next to the table and greet people in a friendly manner. Invite them to participate in an activity, to view displayed information or take handouts with them.
• Do not leave the table unattended; have enough volunteers to work in short shifts or work in pairs
• Make a sign-up sheet for visitors' contact information (e.g., for subscribing to the Chapter email list); fill out the first line of the sheet with your name and contact information to set an example.
• Follow up by inviting people who signed in to the next Chapter event and meeting—hand them a flier and/or send an email.
• Include a bowl for business cards and offer a free plush bird, hat or other prize to the individual whose name is drawn at the end of the event. Record the names and addresses from the cards, follow up with a letter of thanks for visiting the table and an invitation to the Chapter's next program or event.
• Tidy up the table as you work and replenish materials as they run low.
• Provide a fun activity, if the purpose is education; or if advocating for a cause, feature letter-writing or a petition-signing so all visitors can take action on a particular conservation issue.
• After a visitor participates in an activity (e.g., signing up as a new member, playing a game, taking a survey, etc.) give him/her a prize (e.g., small bag of bird seed, seeds for growing plants that will attract birds or Audubon ball caps).
• Be prepared to ask people to become members of the Chapter and Audubon (free membership brochures and forms are available through Chapter Services. Reminder: Chapters are paid 100% of the first year's dues for recruited members).
• Items to give away may be ordered through Chapter Services, e.g., Audubon logo ball caps, lapel pins and window stickers). Browse all products at http://www.audubon.org/local/outreachHome.html.

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Connie Mahan (cmahan@audubon.org) or Rebecca Richter (chapter_services@audubon.org) at (800) 542-2748.

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Analog Birding for Youth Education

North Central Washington Audubon Society (Wenatchee, WA)

Several years ago, North Central Washington Audubon Society (NCWAS) received a grant of Audubon collaborative funding to develop an Analog Birding System ("What's That Bird?"). The core of the Analog Birding System (ABS) is a set of wooden bird models—hand carved, life-size, hand-painted with realistic field marks. The initial grant funded purchase of eight Analog Birds. Later, the Chapter received a Washington Foundation for the Environment grant that funded two additional Analog Birds as well as a wing-span banner.

The ABS has become the Chapter's signature educational activity for elementary and middle school children, and often their families. The bird models are placed in trees and shrubs and program participants are supplied with mini-binoculars, a checklist and a simplified field guide. The venues are usually entire classrooms or grade levels for a school as well as environmental/bird festivals. The great success of the ABS has been both surprising and gratifying. Finding and identifying the "birds" seems to put children of all ages on equal footing. Very often, entire families disappear into "the woods"—helping one another and racing back to the Chapter booth to check the "field guide".

Just recently, "What's that Bird?" was featured on the BirdNote radio program (archived episode at http://www.birdnote.org/birdnote.cfm?id=1640). The "birds" also migrated to Discovery Park, in Seattle, for an event hosted by BirdNote (http://birdnote.org/birdnote-info.cfm?id=1630).

In fall 2008, NCWAS received additional collaborative funding to purchase new binoculars for educational programs. A good number of binoculars were needed to equip a classroom of kids, but the binoculars had to be high quality for use during birding classes and workshops. They needed to be small enough for small hands but big enough for good images. They also had to be tough—to take rain, dust or a fall. After extensive research, the Chapter purchased the Vortex Fury 8 x 32. Grant funds were supplemented by a generous donation from Dwayne Mc Mahon of Der Sportsmann in Leavenworth, WA.

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Mark Oswood of North Central Washington Audubon Society at moswood@nwi.net.

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Chapter Discount on Optics

Eagle Optics offers a Product Matching Donation Program for Audubon Chapters. Purchase three or more qualifying sport optics (Eagle Optics and Vortex Optics)* valued under $200.00** each through Eagle Optics, and Eagle Optics will match the purchase, including your shipping charges, with an equal donation. This offer excludes all other specials. Sale items or products for resale do not qualify.

*This program applies exclusively to sport optics (binoculars, monoculars, and spotting scopes).
**Substantial discounts may be available on products above a $200.00 price point.

View all qualifying products at www.eagleoptics.com

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Kate Fitzmier or Tom Kuenzli at (800)-289-1132 or e-mail webmaster@eagleoptics.com, attention Product Matching Donation Program.

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Audubon Orientation DVD, Magazine Inserts

An Audubon Orientation DVD, originally created for Audubon staff orientation, is now available to Chapter leaders. The video provides a 7-minute overview of Audubon's mission and goals, organizational structure, and programs.

Audubon Field Guide: Birding in the National Parks, by Kenn Kaufman, is an insert from September/October 2009 AUDUBON that describes birding opportunities in 12 National Parks, including Isle Royle NP in Michigan, Cuyahoga Valley NP in Ohio and Saguaro NP in Arizona. Learn where to find the magnificent sights and sounds of blue-throated hummingbirds, long-tailed jaegers and purple gallinules.

Cost: $6.00 for each set of 100; shipping included
View online

Auto Guide: Charge!, by Susan Cosier, is an insert from AUDUBON’s September/October 2009 issue that highlights alternative and efficient automobile design features including electric motors, efficient tires, solar cells and hydrogen fuel cells.

Cost: $6.00 for each set of 100; shipping included
View online

FOR MORE INFO:

To order Audubon outreach materials from Chapter Services, download the order form at http://www.audubon.org/local/outreachHome.html and either:

Mail to Chapter Services; 30 Fort Missoula; Missoula, MT 59804-7211
Email to chapter_services@audubon.org, or
Call in your order at (800) 542-2748

Checks only, please; no cash or credit cards.

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Audubon 2010 Calendar Collection

Headlining the 2010 Audubon Calendar Collection are two new calendar titles: JOHN JAMES AUDUBON’S BIRDS OF AMERICA, with twelve beautifully reproduced paintings from Audubon’s seminal work Birds of America, and GREEN WORLD, a year of eco-travel featuring a dozen extraordinary destinations, each one rich in geographic and geologic wonders and teaming with flora and fauna. Audubon Calendars are available to Chapters at a 40 – 50% discount off retail.  To view calendars and place an order, download the order form here.

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Rosalyn Garcia, (212) 979-3027 or rgarcia@audubon.org.

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Audubon Guides iPhone Apps

A comprehensive new series of Audubon Guides iPhone apps will be introduced this October.  This series marks a natural evolution of Audubon’s publishing efforts into the digital age and continues Audubon’s long tradition of connecting people with nature. The Audubon Guides iPhone apps are based on content from the best-selling National Audubon Society field guides, all put into an interactive and easy-to-use mobile platform.

These apps include thousands of professional, high-quality color photos, 2,300 bird songs and calls, in-depth species descriptions, range maps, search features, and many more functions such as the ability to create life lists, GPS-enabled sighting lists, and user-created photo albums. The result is mobile apps that bring an extraordinary new, dimension to outdoor exploration and enjoyment.

The first four field guides in the series—Birds, Wildflowers, Trees and Mammals—are each being offered at Apple’s iTunes store for a limited time only at introductory prices. 

FOR MORE INFO:

Visit the free companion Web site, which goes live in early October, at AudubonGuides.com. Contact Rosalyn Garcia, (212) 979-3027 or rgarcia@audubon.org.

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Pennies Help Audubon Projects Reach New Heights

Imagine stacking pennies end-to-end and watching as the pile climbs higher than the Statue of Liberty. That soaring pile represents how much children across the country have sent to Audubon—2,609,100 pennies to be exact—to support the first year of Pennies for the Planet conservation projects. 

The $26,109 made a real difference. It helped South Carolina’s Four Holes Swamp purchase addition land for permanent protection. Project Puffin and the Audubon Seabird Restoration Program used part of the money to fund their 36th field season protecting colonies of Maine puffins, terns and other rare seabirds—and thanks to them, the imperiled birds are making a comeback. Audubon Wyoming repaired and built miles of fencing in the Sagebrush Sea to manage cattle grazing and ensure that critical species have enough food and habitat to survive.

Ready to do more?

This fall the second season of Pennies for the Planet gets underway and the focus shifts to endangered coastlines and coastline-dependent wildlife. Change collected from October 2009 through the end of next summer will be divided equally among the following three Audubon projects:

• Share the Shore, Audubon California: Western Snowy Plovers are a threatened species whose very survival depends on the behavior of humans who enjoy the beaches. As part of this year’s Pennies for the Planet program, Audubon California and its network of Chapter volunteers will organize local design contests for kids, with the most eye-catching images becoming permanent signs posted near Snowy Plover nesting sites along the California coastline. The signs will raise public awareness about how to protect nesting shorebirds and the other wildlife that live on California’s shores.
• Save Our Soil, Louisiana Coastal Initiative: Sediment dredged to rebuild lost marsh will erode away and be lost in the Gulf of Mexico unless marsh grass is planted to hold the soil in place. Every hundred pennies donated to Pennies for the Planet will be used to buy plants to hold sediment dredged on this TogetherGreen marsh restoration project, creating new habitat for alligators, declining birds, muskrats, and crabs.
  
• Protect Panther Island, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Panther Island is an area being restored from agricultural use to natural wildlife habitat, including marshes and other wetlands. Restoring Panther Island will take a lot of work—the removal of invasive exotic vegetation, building of marsh systems, and the planting of native vegetation, to name a few—but it will also improve the water quality of the area and greatly improve habitat for important species such as the endangered Florida panther, wood storks, and gopher tortoises.

Chapters can download new materials at www.penniesfortheplanet.org or request printed materials.

TogetherGreen-supported Pennies for the Planet is an educational fundraising campaign targeted at grades two through six. By teaching students about threatened ecosystems and wildlife, Pennies for the Planet hopes to connect young people and families with the environment and provide ideas about how they can help protect it.

Just think how high the stack of pennies can grow with your help and imagine the awareness and action it can jump-start.   

To see Pennies for the Planet in action, visit:
Pennies for the Planet website: www.penniesfortheplanet.org
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/togethergreen/sets/72157617186389968/
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pennies-for-the-Planet/27925364685

FOR MORE INFO:

Contact Elaine O’Sullivan at (212) 979-3184 or eosullivan@audubon.org

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Great horned owl by Steven D'Amato

Chapter Networker Information

The Chapter Networker is published quarterly by National Audubon Society as a resource for Chapter leaders. Please send Chapter Networker articles and Chapter Services inquiries to Audubon Chapter Services at the contact information below.

Chapter Services Office
National Audubon Society
Building 30, Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804

Phone/Fax: (800) 542-2748
Email: chapter_services@audubon.org

Lynn Tennefoss, Vice President, State Programs and Chapter Services
ltennefoss@audubon.org

Rebecca Richter, Program Associate
chapter_services@audubon.org

Contact Audubon-Policy Office
1150 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036,(202) 861-2242, Fax: (202) 861-4290

Contact Audubon Home Office
225 Varick St, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014, (212) 979-3000, Fax: (212) 979-4290

Audubon Website
www.audubon.org

Chapter Resources Website
www.audubon.org/local/index.html

Chapter Networker Editor
Rebecca Richter

Contributors
Steven D’Amato
Chuck Herman
Susan Iversen
Jack Kane
Barbara Malt
Mark Oswood
Peter Saenger
Taryn Schlinger
Aurianna Woodson

Deadlines for submitting newsletter content
Winter 2009: Tuesday, Nov. 17
Spring 2010: Wednesday, Feb. 24

© Audubon 2009

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