Atlanta Audubon Conservation Issues

The following issues constitute the major focus of Atlanta Audubon's current conservation efforts. To find out more about how you can be involved or to suggest other conservation efforts, email our Conservation Director, Dave Butler.

Hemlock Initiative

The Atlanta Audubon Society launches a new conservation project focused on saving Hemlocks. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) is an insect that was introduced from Japan. It attaches to the underside of Hemlock twigs where it will eventually kill the tree. On the eastern coast, it is attacking the Eastern Hemlock and the Carolina Hemlock. We will be working with Clemson University and the US Forest Service on a biological control method using a small lady beetle from Japan. This beetle is a specialist and feeds only on the HWA. We will help release beetles in control sites and follow up to do photo monitoring on regular intervals.

Freedom Park Bird & Butterfly Garden

The Freedom Pack Bird and Butterfly Garden has been established as a joint project of Atlanta Audubon Society and the DeKalb Master Gardener Association. Its goal is to develop a small area of native wildlife habitat in a public space which might, in a small way, restore our vanishing wildlife habitat. Another goal is to provide information to the surrounding community about such habitats as well as involve that community in the development of the garden. The Garden is an all volunteer project.

Important Bird Areas Program

Part of a worldwide Audubon Society program, the aim of the Georgia IBA Program is to identify and conserve key breeding and feeding sites for birds.

Shade-Grown Coffee Campaign

An effort to increase public awareness of the connection between migratory birds and the habitat of traditional coffee farms.

Armchair Activist

Join with others to receive emails that report on local and national issues of concern and include details on how you can help, without even having to get out of your chair! Atlanta Audubon Pledges $1,000 to Whooping Crane Reward Fund

Wildlife Sanctuary Program

A certification process for both large properties (nature preserves, natural communities, school grounds) and small properties (backyards). Participants receive a sign to post on the property certifying it's a Wildlife Sanctuary registered with Atlanta Audubon.

Greater Atlanta Greenspace Initiative

Atlanta Audubon is attempting to partner with as many local efforts as possible that are in the process of protecting and maintaining valuable greenspaces in our overdeveloped areas. We are able to offer advice on bird-friendly habitat, perform site inventories, lead field trips, certify a property as a wildlife sanctuary, and encourage our members to attend clean-up efforts.

Forest Issues

Atlanta Audubon is concerned about our forests, both in Georgia and nationwide. Find out more about the roadless-forest initiative, the trauma to forest-dwelling wildlife and plants from fragmentation, and actions to counteract the ongoing damage to our vital forests.

Birds Matter! See how you can make a difference for the Birds!