A Legacy Rooted in Conservation and Connection

Mike Gies spent most of his life in Western Washington, yet it was the wide-open landscapes of Eastern Washington that truly captured his heart. Spending time in the region with a longtime birding friend and coworker of 40 years, Mike discovered a deep love for birdwatching amid the shrub-steppe’s warmer climate and expansive horizons. Together they explored numerous corners of the region—identifying birds along quiet trails and savoring moments of peace and connection in nature.

These shared experiences became cherished memories and ultimately inspired Mike to make generous bequests to Audubon Washington and North Central Washington Audubon Society (NCWAS). He hoped that the special places he grew to love will remain protected, and that conservation, education, and research will continue so future generations can experience the same sense of wonder and belonging he found there.

In Washington state, Audubon works to protect the sagebrush shrub steppe ecosystem in central and eastern Washington, the coastal estuaries of Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, and seeks to address climate change, the primary threat to birds today. Together with our network of 25 Washington Audubon chapters, including NCWAS, we conserve and restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.

Mike’s gift will open new opportunities for NCWAS to expand programs, outreach, and educational efforts throughout North Central Washington. Guided by dedicated local volunteers, NCWAS works to ensure that birds and their habitats are known, valued, and protected. His gift will also help Audubon Washington expand Audubon Conservation Ranching on the Columbia Plateau.

We are deeply grateful for his generosity and honored to steward his legacy—one that will inspire a growing, lasting appreciation for the birds and landscapes that depend on these collective efforts.

If you are not already a member of Audubon’s Grinnell Legacy Society, you can join this group of philanthropic leaders by contacting us at 212-979-3033 or plannedgifts@audubon.org to start a no-obligation conversation.