From the desk of
Katherine Emery, Executive Director
Through our Education and Conservation/Science committees, Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) is actively working on several initiatives. This update provides an overview of selected current projects, goals, and opportunities for member engagement.
Dear SBAS Members and Supporters,
With gratitude, I write this update. Thank you to our legacy partner, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, who champions SBAS and supports our work to protect birds. Collaborating with the Museum broadens our reach, and through Program Chair Roman Baratiak’s orchestry, SBAS is creating more partnerships, such as with Friends of California Condors Wild and Free, to enhance public awareness to protect endangered bird species.
Thank you to the SBAS Board and staff who work tirelessly to further SBAS’ mission. At our September Board retreat, we shared ideas about passions and goals of our non-profit bird education and conservation organization. Three focuses are:
- Connecting people to birds by teaching about birdlife.
- Being a community where people can unite and be part of a birding conservation family.
- Protecting birds and their habitats.
Take home message. Please join us on a free bird walk this winter. Going in the field to learn about birds is invaluable. On a recent visit to the BayWa wind farm, I found it surreal and eye opening to see turbines poking through the fog. Local walks are also enlightening. One can study birds first-hand and reconnect with old friends or make a new one. Learning and working together, we can protect birds and our beautiful Santa Barbara open spaces, riparian zones, and coastal habitats.
Thank you, All, for your support.
P.S. SBAS welcomes chapter members to volunteer for an hour or two at our outreach events. If you are interested, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required. (This email address is new and needs to be checked.)
Katherine Emery, PhD
Executive Director
Santa Barbara Audubon Society
