More than 360 chapter leaders, Audubon staff, and international partners attended the 2015 Audubon Convention, held July 9-13 in Leesburg, Virginia. Attendees discussed how to best talk about climate change to a wide audience, learned about how to implement various conservation strategies and technology on large-scale conservation projects, and shared stories and encouragement. Respected atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe delivered the keynote lecture, touching on the pressing challenges that climate change presents to 21st century conservationists, and what can be done to help protect the planet for birds and people.
Watch Highlights From Katharine Hayhoe's Plenary Lecture
Staff and chapter members mingled and struck bird poses throughout the weekend in Leesburg, Virginia.
Attendees of an Audubon climate reception enjoyed Blackburnian Warbler Punch and kept an eye out for local birds.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
Echinacea and black-eyed Susans bloomed on one stop of a field trip highlighting native plants for birds.Photo:Kristina Deckert/Audubon
Robert Petty, director of Bird-Friendly Communities for the National Audubon Society, led a workshop focused on native plants.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Two convention field trips took birders to Great Falls Park in Virginia, along the Potomac River.Photo:Kristina Deckert/Audubon
Tebello Marumo, integrated marketing manager for the National Audubon Society, on a native plants field trip.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Jo Santiago of the U.S. Forest Service International Programs with an Eastern Screech Owl.Photo:Kristina Deckert/Audubon
At a raptor event, Jo Santiago of the U.S. Forest Service International Programs held a Broad-winged Hawk.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
At one convention session, Kim Brand spoke about her work with communities of faith in North Carolina.Photo:Kristina Deckert/Audubon
Joey Manson, Jen Syrowitz, Martha Harbison, Trina Bayard, and Gail Gatton took a break to smile for the camera.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
Rosabel Miro from Panama Audubon Society visits the #ClimateThing art table to draw pictures of birds, favorite natural places, and other reasons why she cares about climate change.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Attendees had the chance to spread their wings at the convention photo booth.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
Tony- and Emmy-award winning actress Jane Alexander performed for convention guests.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
Attendees enjoyed a banquet dinner on Saturday evening at the Lansdowne Resort.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
Winners of the 2015 Audubon Photography Awards were on display at the convention.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Fernando Castillo of Calidris and Gloria Lentijo of Audubon’s International Alliances Program checked out the winners and honorable mentions of the 2015 Audubon Photography Awards.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Field trips to Great Falls Park included a hike along the Potomac River, led by a professional guide.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
David Hartwell, vice-chair of the board of directors, showed off a button promoting Audubon’s climate initiative.Photo:Hyon Smith Photography
David Ringer, director of messaging for the National Audubon Society, on a birdwatching trip to Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Birders visiting Great Falls Park had their binoculars and spotting scopes at the ready.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
In a collaborative art project focused on climate change, convention visitors decorated colorful squares of paper to create a mosaic that spelled out “HOPE." Cathy Wise of Audubon Arizona organized the project.Photo:Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Convention Sponsors
U.S. Forest Service International Programs Geico
Voss Signs Woodlink, Inc. Naturalist Journeys/Caligo Ventures Red River Commodities Caribbean Conservation Trust
Holbrook Travel Holiday Card Center
Mark Feldstein Doherty Employer Services E.T. Techtonics FFW
Aves Amigos LLC
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