Building Momentum

For decades, birds have been telling us—with their behavior, dwindling numbers, and silence— that we must take action.

Last year, Audubon launched Flight Plan, our strategy to deliver the best outcomes for birds, people, and the planet. In it, we committed to protecting birds wherever they are—from the Arctic to Chile and everywhere in between.

Now we have much to celebrate, including victories from the highest levels of government to Audubon’s community-based centers and sanctuaries. Audubon works everywhere people care about birds.

In April, President Biden signed the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act. This bipartisan bill recognizes that birds fly above political boundaries and that reversing their decline means investing in habitats and communities throughout the hemisphere. Audubon members and staff are positioned across the Americas to make every dollar count for bird conservation.

For example, our Conserva Aves program worked with partners and the Ecuadorian government to add 12,000 acres to Yacuri National Park, one of the richest biodiversity areas on the planet. This preserves the Andes highlands and upper Amazon basin for iconic species like the Red-faced Parrot and the Andean Condor.

Farther north, in Florida, three years of effort to rid nearly 500 acres of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary of Carolina willow and other invasive plants is nearly complete. The restoration of habitat for the Wood Stork and other species, which also increases freshwater supplies for nearby communities, is expanding to another 250 acres. Corkscrew Swamp is a living laboratory to model solutions grounded in science, and the impact of this work is being felt far beyond this beloved sanctuary as other groups and government agencies follow the example we are setting.

Finally, in the Great Lakes region, Audubon Great Lakes and members in Michigan encouraged lawmakers to support passage of historic clean energy legislation. Their advocacy helped pass a landmark package that will result in the home of the U.S. auto industry moving to 100 percent clean energy by 2040—a win for us all given the threat climate change poses to people and the planet.

These are just a few examples of what we are accomplishing together following our Flight Plan. Birds have been telling us it is time to act, and we are rising to the occasion.

Our work has never been more needed, and you are critical to our success—sharing your love of birds with others, contacting a lawmaker to support bird-friendly policies, or donating to Audubon to advance our hemisphere-spanning and world-changing initiatives. Every action, even a small one, counts.

This piece originally ran in the Summer 2024 issue as the Audubon View. To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.