Madison Audubon board of directors unanimously decided to seek a new name for the organization
Birds are the heart of our organization’s mission, and they always will be. Protecting and restoring habitats, reducing dangers to our feathered friends in urban areas, and creating spaces to share in the joy of nature together are essential. Conservation is a big project, bigger than any one person. We need all the support, from all the people who care, to build a better future for the birds we love.
Honestly, birds are really special—they bring joy to so many people and bring so many people into the conservation community. Whether it’s as simple as seeing a Northern Cardinal that reminds you of a loved one, or as grand as witnessing the incredible spectacle of Sandhill Crane migration through the Platte River, everyone has a bird story. If birds are such a natural entry point, how bird conservation organizations (like ours) conduct themselves—even what they call themselves—affects who in the community feels welcome to engage in this critical effort. It is vital that we both create pathways and eliminate barriers so that anyone who cares enough about birds to seek out and join our shared work feels like they belong.
We must make it absolutely clear that our organization welcomes everyone—those already involved in bird conservation, and those that could be. That’s why we’re making a crucial change.
This past week, our members received a letter in the mail with an important announcement. After rigorous deliberation and thorough discussion, Madison Audubon’s board of directors voted unanimously to drop the “Audubon” name and identify a process to seek a new name for the organization.
Ultimately, Audubon's racist history creates a painful legacy for many in our community and also severely limits our ability to carry out our mission inclusively, meaningfully, and sustainably. A name change simply allows more people to enjoy, participate in, and improve our work together to conserve birds and habitat.
Our mission remains the same: we will continue to focus on bird conservation, habitat protection, youth education, and community engagement. We look forward to having a name that truly celebrates that.
For more information, visit madisonaudubon.org/audubon-name.
Cover image: American White Pelicans in flight (photo by Mike Budd/USFWS Midwest).
