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 Friends and Members,
This summer, I was honored to mark my six-year anniversary as Executive Director of SBAS. Summer provided time for introspection and planning of upcoming programs, reminding me of the powers of our community. Working as a community to protect area birdlife and habitat and connect people with birds through education, conservation, and science is at the heart of everything SBAS does.
In July, the SBAS Board, staff, and Eyes in the Sky (EITS) volunteers celebrated Hannah Atkinson for her work as EITS Director. I worked with Hannah through sig nificant growth of our outreach programs. I am grateful for her dedication and excited for her next adventure at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
SBAS welcomes Mary Zolkoski as our new EITS Direc tor. With her veterinary background as a 26-year surgical nurse technician, hands-on training as Aviary Assistant, and volunteer experience at EITS and Ojai Raptor Center, Mary is a natural match to lead EITS.
Mary’s interest in wildlife began at age three or so. Her father, a renowned falconer, was avid about ornithology and worked with raptor recovery, including rehabilitation in their garage. She keeps his bells on her gloves at EITS. Asked about her new role as EITS Director, Mary said, “The focus on our being an education-first program is at the heart and center of my interest: sharing our birds, their importance to conservation in a world that is only seeming to get smaller is of great value to me.” Mary commends EITS volunteers’ commitments and is honored to continue the program’s legacy. Mary’s passions include bird watching and bird walks, especially the Friday Audubon Bird Walks.
Moving into fall, I’m excited to reconnect with our broader community, embracing renewal and a fresh start for the upcoming year. SBAS offers many ways to connect with birds and birdy friends. We invite you to join us for Bird Walks, Field Trips, and Evening Programs; at Trivia Night, zoo, retirement community, and library events; and as a volunteer with our Conservation/Science Committee or Eyes in the Sky education program. To connect, please see our website for program details or contact me or Janice Levasheff.
Thank you for your support. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to Renew Your Membership today.
Katherine Emery, PhD
Executive Director
Santa Barbara Audubon Society
