The annual Keesee Awards Luncheon is held in support of Audubon New York’s mission to protect birds and the places they need.

Registration for the 2023 Keesee Awards Luncheon is now open! Register here.

Thomas W. Keesee, Jr., the event's namesake, was a longtime member of the National Audubon Society’s Board of Directors, and served as its Chairman from 1979 to 1983. He was a proponent of Audubon’s grassroots legacy, having served as Vice President of Bedford Audubon, and a strong advocate for Audubon’s efforts to decentralize.

As Chairman of National Audubon, he fostered ground-breaking initiatives in field work, such as the Save the Condor Program in California and the Puffin Project in Maine. 

At the event, two awards are traditionally given: the Thomas W. Keesee, Jr.,  Conservation Award and the Audubon New York Award for Environmental Writing.

2023 Event Details

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Metropolitan Club
One East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022

12 p.m. — Cocktail Reception*
1:00 p.m. — Lunch and Program featuring panel discussion

*Jackets and ties are required at the Metropolitan Club.

Thomas W. Keesee, Jr., Conservation Award
NYC Plover Project
Massachusettes Audubon
The Bahamas National Trust

Celebrating their steadfast efforts to protect Piping Plovers throughout their lifecycles.

Audubon New York Award for Environmental Writing
David Sibley

In honor of his life's work, sharing the wonder and joy of birds with people of all ages.

PREVIOUS HONOREES: THOMAS W. KEESEE, JR., CONSERVATION AWARD

The Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award has been presented annually by Audubon New York to honor the individual or individuals who have shown remarkable leadership and commitment, particularly in New York State, to Audubon’s mission.

2022 - Save NYS Wetlands Coalition
2021 - (No award given as the event celebrated its 20th year with a program which included Scott Weidensaul and the Audubon Mural Project)
2019 - Gregory Long
2018 - Laura O'Donohue
2017 - Sheila Brady and Susan & Coleman Burke
            with Special Recognition of Patricia H. Keesee
2016 - Christopher (Kim) Elliman
2015 - Honeywell
2014 - Alexander E. Zagoreos
2013 - Allison Whipple Rockefeller
2012 - Virginia Stowe and Margot Ernst
2011- Carol Browner and Toyota
2010 - John Flicker
2009 - Audubon New York's Founding Chairman Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff
2008 - George E. Pataki and Peter Berle*
2007 - New York State and City Parks Commissioners Carol Ash and Adrian Benepe
2006 - Wendy Paulson
2004 - Marian S. Heiskell
2003 - Samuel F. Pryor
2002 - John Bierwirth
2001 - Donal C. O'Brien*

*In Memoriam

PREVIOUS HONOREES: AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING

Created in 2015, the Audubon New York Award for Environmental Writing recognizes writers who use the power of the pen to influence positive change in the world of environmental conservation in support of Audubon’s mission. This award recognizes the individual and their body of work.

2022 - Jennifer Ackerman
2021 - (No award given as the event celebrated its 20th year with a program which included Scott Weidensaul and the Audubon Mural Project)
2019 - David Quammen
2018 - John McPhee
2017 - Terry Tempest Williams
2016 - Dr. Edward O. Wilson
2015 - Scott Weidensaul