Conservation Social Science

The Conservation Social Science team conducts social science research across the hemisphere that helps advance Audubon’s Flight Plan to protect birds and the places they need, while supporting local people and communities. The team has expertise in numerous social science data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and participatory approaches, as well as quantitative and qualitative analyses.  

The Conservation Social Science Team works with other Audubon teams to explore diverse topics such as attitudes toward voluntary conservation land practices, social-economic indicators and metrics, consumer interest in bird-friendly products, visitation at Audubon’s centers, and approaches to engage communities in nature-based solutions projects. The team also provides internal support across Audubon by providing guidance on social science best practices and strengthening other teams’ inclusion and implementation of conservation social science data collection.  

Examples of products the Conservation Social Science team are developing include guidance on human subjects research, a guide for engaging with local knowledge that showcases Audubon’s work, and trainings on how to conduct conservation social science. Current members include Kerry Grimm (Lead).