About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon: Protecting Wildlife and Preserving Nature in Massachusetts
Mass Audubon is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to protecting wildlife and preserving nature in Massachusetts for over 100 years. With more than 135,000 members and supporters, Mass Audubon is the largest conservation organization in New England. The organization's mission is to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife alike.
Mass Audubon was founded in 1896 by Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall, two Boston socialites who were concerned about the widespread killing of birds for their feathers. They organized a group of women to boycott feathered hats and instead wear simple bands of ribbon as a symbol of their support for bird protection. This movement eventually led to the founding of Mass Audubon.
Today, Mass Audubon protects over 40,000 acres of land throughout Massachusetts, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, beaches, and other habitats that are home to hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. The organization manages more than 30 wildlife sanctuaries across the state where visitors can explore nature trails, observe wildlife up close at bird feeders or on guided tours with naturalists.
One such sanctuary is Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary located in Lincoln which offers visitors an opportunity to experience farm life while learning about local agriculture practices as well as observing native animals like owls or foxes up close.
Another popular sanctuary is Joppa Flats Education Center located on Plum Island which provides educational programs on marine life along with opportunities for bird watching from its observation deck overlooking salt marshes teeming with migratory shorebirds during spring migration season.
In addition to managing these sanctuaries across the state Mass Audubon also works closely with local communities businesses government agencies schools farmers landowners volunteers scientists researchers policymakers advocates donors foundations corporations media partners etc., all working together towards common goals such as protecting endangered species restoring degraded habitats reducing carbon emissions promoting sustainable development etc..
The organization also conducts research on various aspects related to conservation science including climate change impacts habitat restoration invasive species management biodiversity monitoring citizen science education outreach advocacy policy development fundraising communications marketing branding etc..
Mass Audubon's work has been recognized nationally by organizations like National Geographic Society American Bird Conservancy Environmental Defense Fund Natural Resources Defense Council Sierra Club World Wildlife Fund etc.. It has also received numerous awards from local organizations such as Boston Globe Foundation Boston Society Of Landscape Architects Conservation Law Foundation Environmental Business Council Of New England Green Building Council Of Greater Boston Harvard Forest Land Trust Alliance League Of Women Voters MA Association For Community Living MA Association Of Conservation Commissions MA Department Of Agricultural Resources MA Department Of Conservation And Recreation MA Executive Office Of Energy And Environmental Affairs MA Historical Commission Metropolitan Area Planning Council Mystic River Watershed Association Trustees Of Reservations US Fish And Wildlife Service US Green Building Council Urban Ecology Institute Worcester Tree Initiative Etc..
If you're interested in supporting Mass Audubon's mission you can become a member donate volunteer attend events participate in citizen science projects or simply visit one of its many sanctuaries across Massachusetts. By doing so you'll be helping protect our natural heritage while enjoying some amazing outdoor experiences!