Audubon Mourns the Passing of Conservation Hero Nathaniel Pryor Reed
NEW YORK — In response to today’s passing of Nathaniel Pryor Reed, dedicated conservationist and public servant, the National Audubon Society issued the following statement.
“Nat was a giant in conservation—that phrase is used a lot but in Nat’s case it’s true. His scientific knowledge and his passion for birds and wild places made him a hero for decades and Audubon will miss him dearly,” said David Yarnold (@david_yarnold), president and CEO of the National Audubon Society.
Reed’s impact and influence in the conservation community was particularly felt in the Sunshine State.
“Nat’s fingerprints are on many of the most significant national conservation accomplishments of the last 60 years. Florida and our Everglades were fortunate to have his heart and his talents, both of which he committed fully to making our state better,” said Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida.
“In addition to a clear-eyed focus on solutions, Nat was also a patient teacher. He mentored several generations of conservationists in their formative years. Through them, as well as the Everglade Snail Kites, Roseate Spoonbills, Bald Eagles, and Florida Grasshopper Sparrows of the Greater Everglades, Nat's legacy will live on.
"The entire Audubon family extends our deepest condolences to the Reed family. His work and memory will live on in the countless Floridians and organizations he inspired in his journey as an environmentalist."
In 2017, Audubon awarded Reed the Dan W. Lufkin Prize for Environmental Leadership by National Audubon Society for his lifelong commitment to conservation and his instrumental role in protecting America’s Everglades. Reed is considered one of the founding leaders of the modern environmental movement. Working for both Florida Governor Claude Kirk and Presidents Nixon and Ford, he helped usher in a wave of federal and state environmental policies that have created an enduring conservation legacy.
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using, science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.
Contact: Sean Cooley, Audubon Florida Communications Manager, (850) 999-1030, scooley@audubon.org.
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