Dear friend,
After four years with Audubon New York, I am leaving as Executive Director at the end of May, confident that its outstanding staff, powerhouse Board of Directors, committed National Audubon partners, inspiring Audubon Chapters, and you, will continue to soar to great heights protecting birds and the places they need throughout New York and the Atlantic Flyway.
I am proud to have contributed significantly to our ambitious conservation goals. Together, we have made significant progress on our priorities, including expanding our work with public agencies, corporations, and local communities; working to secure Governor Cuomo’s commitment for an Empire Forest for the Future Initiative to protect private forestland; testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works regarding the importance of the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act; and helping to build coalitions to secure historic levels of funding in New York to protect our environment for birds and people. Our achievements are rooted in the communities we serve, our grassroots network, and our partners. Audubon is a stronger, more effective, and more efficient organization as result of our efforts and your support.
For over a hundred years, Audubon has led the way to protect birds and the places they need to survive and thrive, safeguarding our great natural heritage for future generations, preserving our shared quality of life, and fostering a healthier environment for us all. Audubon’s work continues and its mission is more urgent today than ever before. I am grateful to have led Audubon New York during this important time, and for your invaluable partnership and support. I wish you much success in the future.
Sincerely,
Erin M. Crotty
Executive Director
Coasts
Very good news for the Long Island Sound and the birds, people, and communities that it supports. This year the federal funding for the Long Island Sound will be doubled, thanks to our advocacy efforts and support from U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Chuck Schumer, Richard Blumenthal, and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Representatives Lee Zeldin, Tom Suozzi, and Rosa DeLauro. Read Erin Crotty’s US Senate Testimony on the issue here.
Working Lands
On April 29th we hosted a Young Forest Habitat Management Workshop for landowners from the St. Lawrence Valley. Presentations covered the basics of Golden-winged Warbler habitat, and ways to better manage habitat to benefit birds and wildlife. Our next workshop will take place on June 10th, and also will include a habitat site visit at demonstration sites. Click here for more information and to register.
Water
Great news this month for the Great Lakes. After facing significant threats, the 2017 federal budget includes a fully funded $300 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. We are grateful to our congressional champions for securing this funding. Click here for more information.
Climate
We are inviting individuals who want to do more to protect birds and other wildlife in a changing climate to join us by becoming an Audubon Ambassador. We have created meaningful and easy actions to help you protect birds. Training is required and we will be hosting our first session on Saturday, May 13th in Glens Falls in partnership with the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society. Click here to register!
Bird-Friendly Communities
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center will host goats this summer to help control invasive plants on the Sanctuary grounds, primarily English Ivy. The ivy is so thick on parts of the property that hand-pulling and traditional mechanical controls aren’t feasible, and goats have proven to be an effective means to eradicate invasive plants without the use of herbicides. Find out more about what YOU can do to help combat invasive species for more bird-friendly communities, here.
Audubon Chapters Highlights
On April 22nd, members of the Audubon Network participated in the March for Science nationwide. This is a cause especially relevant to our conservation work, which is founded on sound science. Throughout New York State, Audubon Chapters including Onondaga Audubon, Genesee Valley Audubon, New York City Audubon, North Fork Audubon Society, Southern Adirondack Audubon, and Delaware-Otsego Audubon participated in Science Marches and made their voices heard for the birds. More photos and information here.
