Media Release

Contact:
Sean Mahar
Audubon New York
200 Trillium Lane
Albany, NY 12203
518-869-9731
518-669-1768 (cell)

New York State Senate and Assembly Honor the National Audubon Society's 100th Anniversary
Assemblywoman Fields and Senator Marcellino Introduce Resolutions Commemorating Audubon's 100th anniversary

Albany, NY, Wednesday April 6, 2005 - In celebration of the National Audubon Society's Centennial, Assemblywoman Virginia Fields and Senator Carl Marcellino introduced resolutions yesterday commemorating Audubon's 100 years of conservation excellence in New York State. It was on January 5, 1905, that the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals, later shortened to the National Audubon Society, filed its incorporation papers with New York's Secretary of State. This act marked the beginning of a national bird conservation movement under the umbrella of Audubon.

"This was truly a great day for Audubon, and we could not have asked for a more thoughtful recognition by Assemblywoman Fields and Senator Marcellino," said David J. Miller, Executive Director for Audubon New York, the state program of the National Audubon Society. "Thanks to the leadership of representatives like Assemblywoman Fields and Senator Marcellino, we are proud to say that New York State has been at the forefront of bird conservation and protection throughout history. We look forward to carrying on this conservation legacy, started right here in New York, for the next 100 years."

Audubon New York's Board of Directors joined with the sponsors and past recipients of the William Hoyt Award, Audubon New York's annual conservation excellence award, yesterday in celebration of Audubon's Centennial and the century of conservation accomplishments that the nation's largest bird conservation organization has achieved in New York.

"It was a pleasure to introduce and praise Audubon New York on the 100th Anniversary of the National Audubon Society. It was particularly significant for me since I was a former member of the Executive Board of Directors of Audubon New York and also served on the grass roots level as President of Great South Bay Audubon Society," said Assemblywoman Fields. "Audubon has always been the preeminent conservation organization in, not only the nation, but especially in New York State. As a New York State Assemblywoman, I was proud to congratulate and honor Audubon New York for all the important work they have done regarding issues that affect our future and the future of generations to come and gratifying to present them with a Resolution on the floor of the New York State Assembly.

"I would like to congratulate the National Audubon Society on it's 100th anniversary. We have worked together in the past and achieved great results, and I look forward to continuing to build on our relationship. It is only right that the Audubon Society has been hailed for its hard work and commitment to educating all New Yorkers on the importance of our fragile ecosystems," said Senator Marcellino.

"What a wonderful birthday present for Audubon. Our partnership with the Legislature and the Governor has never been more productive," said Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Audubon New York. "It was an honor to be recognized yesterday in the Senate and the Assembly."

New York State has been a national leader in the bird conservation movement from the passage of the nation's first 'Audubon Plumage Law' in 1910 to the most recent passage of the nation's first Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Law in 1997, as well as numerous other laws enacted to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats, such as the banning of certain lead fishing sinkers and pesticides. The New York State Bird Conservation Area Program, was modeled after the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas (IBA) program, to safeguard and enhance bird populations and their habitats on State lands and waters. The BCA Program applies criteria developed under the IBA program to state-owned properties, and integrates bird conservation interests into agency planning on these lands. Audubon New York will soon be releasing its second edition of the Important Bird Areas of New York State book which identifies 135 critical bird habitats throughout the State.

Audubon will be celebrating its centennial throughout the year with events across the country. Audubon New York will have specific activities at our Audubon Centers and with our local Chapters across the State throughout the year. Click here to view the resolution. For more information, and to learn more about Audubon's history of conservation, please visit ny.audubon.org or contact Sean Mahar (518-869-9731).

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

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