Our message is simple: birds matter. Amid habitat loss, climate change, and environmentally hostile policies, birds need people to care. We at Audubon Rockies connect people to birds, advocate for bird-friendly policy, and ground this all in science. Through our staff, volunteers, advocates, and donors, we have become a trusted and unifying voice for birds and nature in our region.
The year 2019 was challenging amid new climate projections and continuing degradation of policies that protect the birds and the places they depend on. In the face of it all, we helped conserve more than 500,000 acres of rangelands, worked with the town of Erie, Colorado, to pen a native landscaping proclamation, held the federal government accountable in court to their management of sage-grouse, inspired river advocates on a float down the Colorado River, and engaged more than 100 people of all ages and state partnerships in our annual Wyoming BioBlitz. And, we grew to three states, six core programs, a staff of 12.
Last October, a new Audubon report, Survival by Degrees, announced that half of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah’s bird species are at risk of extinction due to climate change. In response, we are doubling down on our efforts to combat climate change. All of our core programs address this pressing issue in some form, from working to ensure that water remains in our rivers to keeping carbon sequestered on conservation ranches.
This year also concluded our previous strategic plan’s timeframe. A look back revealed strong growth in our membership, capacity, and outcomes; a greater emphasis on inclusivity; and successful partnerships with other organizations and agencies. In our new strategic plan, completed this year, we continue our commitment to a science-based approach to conservation and advocacy, increase our outreach throughout the three states we now serve, and bolster our focus on climate change.
A new year is coming right up, but before we launch into
it, please join me in a look at our successes in the last year,
and celebrate. It’s been a trying year for birds, but they’re a lot better off than they would be without passionate people like you. Whether you’ve volunteered, advocated, or donated to Audubon Rockies in the last year, thank you. And if you’re new to Audubon, I hope you’ll take a look at the amazing work that we are doing and join us in our efforts to protect birds and the places they need.
