Field Notes
It's Time to Build a Truly Inclusive Outdoors
As the nation continues to confront racism, the birding community must embrace difficult conversations.
The kick off to summer in the Northern Hemisphere also brings the second annual #BlackBirdersWeek from Sunday, May 30 to Saturday, June 5, organized by The BlackAFInSTEM Collective – a collective that “seeks to support, uplift, and amplify Black Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics professionals in natural resources and the environment through professional development, career connection, and community engagement.” According to the organizers, “This year’s event will showcase the many unique ways Black people connect in the outdoors.”
While not an official organizer, Audubon is proud to be a partner of #BlackBirdersWeek2021. Audubon will Facebook livestream the #SafeInNature discussion with Monique Pipkin, M.S. and Dr. Amelia Demery, M.S. on fieldwork safety on Thursday, June 3, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET.
We encourage the Audubon network and birders everywhere to support the trailblazing work of the @BlackAFInSTEM organizers, uplift Black professionals and voices shared via the hashtag #BlackBirdersWeek2021, and learn more about the Black experience in STEM, the outdoors, and in the birding community. Follow along, share, and engage with content the daily themes of #BlackBirdersWeek2021 outlined in the official flyer below. To support the organizers and the movement, follow the handles and websites below and consider other Black-led organizations to support during the week and beyond:
Twitter: @BlackAFInSTEM
Instagram: @BlackAFInSTEM
Facebook: @BlackAFInSTEM
Website: BlackAFInSTEM.com
Black-led organizations to consider supporting:
As an organization, Audubon has a lot of work to do to ensure Black individuals and the Black community are respected, honored and valued within our own house and in the birding community. (Audubon Board Addresses Workplace Culture.) We are dedicating this time to reflect, to humble ourselves, and to elevate the voices, perspectives and experiences of the Black community. This requires a culture shift within the organization well beyond this week – the work is ongoing. We are committed to building a workplace environment that is respectful and kind and where Black, Indigenous, people of color, women and everyone across the gender spectrum are respected for their expertise and valued as human beings with multi-layered experiences who enrich our work.
Find events throughout the Audubon network to celebrate #BlackBirdersWeek2021 on the Audubon events page. (These events are independent and not official @BlackAFInSTEM events.)
Advocacy
Making a Call for a More Inclusive Outdoors on Black Birders Week, and All Year Long
Two bills being considered in Congress would help make outdoor spaces more inclusive by making access more equitable.
News
‘Black Women Who Bird’ Take the Spotlight to Make Their Presence Known
As part of Black Birders Week, women are sharing their love of the outdoors and the challenges they face in them.
News
Vanessa Miot Turns to South Florida Parks in Pursuit of Bird Photography
While zooming in on South Florida's bird diversity, Miot connects her children with the natural world.
News
Teresa Baker, Activist and Hiker, on Why Kids Are the Future of Our Public Lands
Instagram feeds and internships are encouraging young people of color to join the environmental movement. But we can do more.
News
Meet the Harvard Ornithology Professor Biking Across the Country
With school out due to COVID-19, Scott Edwards decided to make a lifelong dream a reality. Now his ride has taken on even more meaning.
News
Journey Complete, Scott Edwards Looks Back On His Cross-Country Bicycling Trip
After 76 days on the road, the Harvard ornithology professor shares highs—and lows—from his epic trek while relaxing at a seaside hotel.
News
Getting to Know Jerome Ford, the Government’s Top Bird Official
The head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program talks with Audubon about changes in the birding world.
News
The National Parks Have a Diversity Problem. This Couple Has Been Working for 20 Years to Fix It.
Audrey and Frank Peterman want any and everyone to get outside and get involved in the environmental movement.
News
Meet Charles Young, the First Black National Park Superintendent
A military leader and conservationist, Young made history at a time when the achievements of Black Americans were often erased from the record.
News
Harriet Tubman, an Unsung Naturalist, Used Owl Calls as a Signal on the Underground Railroad
The famed conductor traveled at night, employing deep knowledge of the region's environment and wildlife to communicate, navigate, and survive.
News
Stuck in Vermont: Birding With Debbie Archer of Audubon Vermont During Black Birders Week
A Seven Days Video production by Eva Sollberger
News
Young Birder from Georgia
When many organizations come together to support young birders amazing things can happen.
Coasts
A Conversation with Derrick Jackson for #BlackBirdersWeek
The Hog Island instructor, photographer, and journalist shares his experience as a Black birder working with puffins.
News
Conservation Leadership Initiative Alum Reflects on Future Career in Environmental Movement
An essay from a CLI alum.
