Remembering Bayard “Bart” Dodge Rea

In my more than 25 years with Audubon, I have seen many changes—staff coming and going, new programs, and shifting conservation challenges. Through it all, one constant remained: Bart Rea. He was always there, steady, dedicated, and unwavering in his support for me and Audubon’s mission.

Born on Armistice Day, November 11, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bart lived a remarkable life. He was many things—loving husband and father, petroleum engineer, world-class geologist—but to me, and to Audubon, he was above all a passionate birder and a thoughtful, creative conservationist. Bart’s journey with Audubon began at age eight, when his parents introduced him to the Junior Audubon program. That first step grew into a lifelong journey and commitment that spanned more than 85 years.

I first met Bart in 2001, when he was serving on the Audubon Wyoming board, in addition to his longtime service with his local Audubon chapter, Murie Audubon Society. His wisdom helped guide conservation priorities across the state, but what stood out most was his kindness, generosity, and deep dedication—not just to birds, but to the places they need to thrive.

Bart’s conservation impact is impossible to capture in full, but one story illustrates his courage and resolve. In 1971, when fewer than 200 breeding pairs of Bald Eagles remained in the United States, Bart assisted federal officials in Wyoming investigating a series of eagle deaths. While helping retrieve eagle carcasses near the Casper airport, Bart and a friend noticed a helicopter with a shotgun inside. A quick photo of the scene eventually led to the pilot’s confession—he had killed more than 500 Bald and Golden Eagles. Bart seized that heart-wrenching moment to bring attention to the plight of eagles, raising awareness and advocating tirelessly for their protection.

His legacy is also evident in the Platte River Parkway. In the 1980s, Bart founded the Parkway to restore and protect the river that flows through Casper. Thanks to his vision and determination, more than ten miles of healthy river habitat are now enjoyed by both birds and people to this day.

There are countless other stories, achievements, and acts of service that could be told. Bart was a driven, compassionate, and wise conservationist who understood both the needs of nature and the realities of human development.

On August 24, 2025, Bart passed away under a tree by the Platte River, a place he helped protect and deeply loved. Though we will miss him immensely, I cannot imagine a more fitting farewell. We carry forward his passion for birds and wild places in our hearts and in our work.