|
BIRD HABITAT RECOGNITION
Time for Chapters to Enroll in the Program!
| | |
The Bird Habitat Recognition Program is ready to enroll chapters that are interested in participating in the program. This important step follows two extended webinars. The Council hosted a Bird Habitat Recognition webinar for leaders of our chapters and Bird Towns on April 9, 2025. The webinar provided important updates from the Bird Habitat Recognition Task Force as well as more details on how different aspects of program will be rolled out as part of the relaunch of the program under the sponsorship of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. The program generated a great deal of enthusiasm and expressions of support.
| | A follow up webinar was presented on May 28th. It focused on the role and responsibilities for chapter participation and addressed the procedures, including finances, and next steps for chapters to make a formal commitment to participate in the relaunch of the Bird Habitat Recognition Program. The webinar also featured a report from Zach Richard, President of the Appalachian Audubon Society. He shared a very positive response on behalf of his chapter and the Bird Towns with which they work. Nearly all chapters represented on the May 9th webinar gave a “thumbs-up” on the program and are ready to commit to the relaunch of the Bird Habitat Recognition Program. | | Now is the opportunity for chapters to officially commit to the Bird Habitat Recognition Program. The “Pennsylvania Audubon Council Bird Habitat Recognition Enrollment Form” is provided in the link below. The form outlines the role, responsibilities and assurances of the Council in underwriting the program. It also enumerates the expectations for chapters that make the commitment to participate in the program. The contact information for the chapter leader who makes the commitment on behalf of the chapter needs to be provided as well as the individual designated as the chapter liaison for the Bird Habitat Recognition Program. Any questions can be directed to Leigh Altadonna at paauduboncouncil@gmail.com. | | Keep the Conversation Going | | |
SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS BIRD SUMMIT:
Register Now!
By Dan Arida, Franklin & Marshall College
Franklin & Marshall College and the PA Audubon Council are hosting a summit on the state of birds in the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Area (Lancaster and York Counties, PA) on Friday, September 26, 2025, on the campus of Franklin & Marshall College. The summit will bring together state conservation and wildlife management professionals, academics, community members, conservation organizations, public officials, and other stakeholders in order to (1) identify the state of knowledge about avian conservation in the area, (2) increase awareness of key conservation challenges that impact avian biodiversity and conservation, (3) catalyze public-private partnerships and (4) develop priorities for action, including areas for capacity building. In addition, birding events in collaboration with the Lancaster Conservancy and the Lancaster Bird Club will be held on Saturday, September 27 in the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Area. The event is free of charge and will include light breakfast, lunch, and a closing reception. Registration information can be found here. All are encouraged to register; if space is a premium, priority will be given to those working actively on avian conservation and research. Contact Dan Ardia (dardia@fandm.edu) with any questions. If you are interested in participating in and/or helping organize birding events on September 27, please contact Dan Ardia.
| | |
SAVE THE DATE
"Lights Out: Protecting Wildlife and Ecosystems Through Smarter Lighting"
Noon to 1:00 PM, October 10, 2025
| Plan to join us for an upcoming webinar for the 2025–26 GreenGov Sustainability Webinar Series. The session is scheduled from noon to 1:00 PM on Friday, October 10th and will focus on the "Lights Out" initiative, exploring its significance from various perspectives—including dark skies, bird conservation, and terrestrial invertebrates. The program will feature an engaging panel discussion that will be moderated by Ali Bowling of DCNR. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Audubon Council, Appalachian Audubon Society, DarkSky International, and the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival will share insights on how artificial light disrupts migratory birds, nocturnal insects, and broader ecosystems. The session will also feature two compelling case studies, one demonstrating successful "Lights Out" programs in action and another the importance of dark skies from the world-renowned Cherry Springs State Park. Whether you're involved in policy, conservation, or urban planning, this webinar will illuminate how strategic lighting changes can lead to real environmental impact. | | |
THERE IS STILL TIME TO ACT ON THE STATE BUDGET
Let Your State Representatives Know You Value Our State Parks!
|
 | | A major focus for the Pennsylvania Audubon Council is to support the full funding in support of DCNR, DEP, and other environmental agencies. At our last quarterly conservation update, Andy Loza discussed the state budget situation and highlighted a multi-billion-dollar deficit. He noted the potential for budget approval to be delayed due to ongoing issues and will not likely be adopted by the June 30th “deadline.” This was confirmed by a state representative from a district in Montgomery County. He expects that the members of the General Assembly will recess for the July 4th holiday. He predicts that the budget will then be adopted by mid-summer. There is time to visit or call the district offices of the members of the General Assembly who represent you. Direct communication from you, a constituent, is among the most effective ways to communicate to let them know what you support! There is still time to invite your state legislators on a “Bird Walk and Talk” to encourage support for DCNR. If possible, plan to organize bird walks for your state representative in state parks to underscore the value of these special places for birds and people.
| | |
WELCOME TO OUR COUNCIL LEADERS
Pennsylvania Audubon Council Officers and Board for 2025/2026
The slate of officers and directors have been elected to serve a one-year term that begins July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Congratulations to our slate of officers that include President: Leigh Altadonna, Liberty Bird Alliance; Vice-President: Susan Murawski, Presque Isle Audubon Society; Secretary: John Carter, Conococheague Audubon Society; and Treasurer: Jim Bonner, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. Congratulations are also due to our Directors including Laura Jackson, Juniata Valley Audubon Society; Sally Jeffords, Former National Audubon Society Board Member; Jamie Miller, Presque Isle Audubon Society; Zach Richard, Appalachian Audubon Society; Peter Saenger, Lehigh Valley Audubon Society; Jeffrey Stratford, Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society; and Alice Thurau, Seneca Rocks Audubon Society. We also congratulate Paul Burroughs, Presque Isle Audubon Society designated as a Director Emeritus and Heidi Shiver, President of Bird Town Pennsylvania, as the Bird Town Liaison to the Council.
Special thanks to the members of this year’s Nominating Committee: Ali Bowling, Appalachian Audubon Society; Michael Celec, Bucks County Audubon Society; and Robin Minnick, Tiadaughton Audubon Society.
| | |
CHAPTER ELECTIONS
Alert Us to Your New Chapter Leaders
Many of our chapters are organized around a “fiscal year” that concludes by June 30th of each year. In many cases there are new board members and officers elected by your members. We request that chapters provide the names and email addresses to the Council so these individuals can be added to the distribution list of the DRUMMER. Special thanks to those chapters that have already provided these updates. Updates can be sent to paauduboncouncil@gmail.com
| | | |
DEPARTMENT OF STATE ALERT
An Important Notice for Chapters!
Each of our Pennsylvania Audubon Chapters are independently incorporated not-for-profit organizations as is the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. Please be advised that the Pennsylvania Department of State requires that we each need to file an “Annual Report” online at: file.dos.pa.gov. The deadline for filing this report is June 30, 2025. Please note that it is a very simple form to complete and file and there is no filing fee for our not-for-profit organizations. The Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organization indicates that: “Failure to file an Annual Report will result in the administrative dissolution, termination, or cancellation of the business registration and loss of name protection.” If you have not already done so, please act now. More information about the Annual Reports, including forms, fees, how to file online and contact information for the Bureau, can be found and referenced at: dos.pa.gov/AnnualReports.
| | | | |
