Audubon New York staff and chapter members gathered for the most recent Audubon Council of New York State Fall Meeting, held October 28th – 30th in Long Island.  Over 55 people, including leaders representing 20 of New York’s 27 Chapters, were in attendance.  Attendees participated in presentations, workshops, and field trips including a visits to the Sagamore Hill National Historic site, Sunken Meadow State Park, and Jones Beach State Park.

The three-day program focused on Coastal Conservation, and participants heard about wind energy issues from Audubon staff and several chapters involved in the issue, both on land and offshore, and were treated to a panel about Plum Island – critical habitat that we’re working across the network to protect from sale and development. On Sunday, chapter leaders participated in a workshop focused on capacity building and the legal and fiduciary duties of nonprofit boards, which offered some practical strategies for more effective board meetings, and updated leaders on recent changes to the state nonprofit laws. Long Island based chapters held a brainstorming session focusing on shorebird conservation and how Audubon can strengthen our partnerships in an effort to advance our conservatoin goals on Long Island’s beaches.

In the evenings, attendees heard keynote speeches about the Jamaica Bay Ecosystem by Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Guardian for the American Littoral Society and member of the New York City Audubon Advisory Board, as well as a presentation exploring the natural history of Long Island through the seasons by John Turner, Conservation Policy Advocate at Seatuck Environmental Association and author of "Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island."

It was a productive and invigorating weekend for all Audubon conservationists in attendance. Follow more news about our chapter network here.