Iowa Audubon Is.....

Iowa Audubon is an organization of Audubon members and other people, corporations and other organizations, including National Audubon Society chapters, all interested in improving bird habitat in Iowa.

Iowa Audubon is now accepting memberships.

Iowa Audubon is a non-profit member organization, with a mission to protect, restore and enjoy Iowa’s natural ecosystems with a focus on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. Our focus on bird conservation fills a unique niche in Iowa. There is a great opportunity to conserve and improve the habitats most essential to birds across the state.

Iowa Audubon has set the following strategic objectives:

Strategic Objectives and Near-term Action Plan for Iowa Audubon

Important Bird Areas - Science and Bird Conservation

Build the Important Bird Areas program into a statewide force for bird conservation and habitat protection, management and restoration. Employ advocacy, education and communication to form community-based constituencies for the monitoring and stewardship of essential bird habitats.

• Scientific identification of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) by the IBA Technical Committee: In progress throughout Iowa with the assistance of local volunteers
• Develop grassroots financial support for individual Important Bird Areas statewide
• Partner with individual landowners, corporations, conservation groups, and government agencies to achieve on-site bird conservation
• Expand public awareness of IBAs, and educate Iowans about their unique birds and natural ecosystems
• Establish local IBA Stewardship Teams to monitor bird populations, lead bird conservation activities, and advocate for local Important Bird Areas and habitats

Saylorville Pelican Festival, Other Festivals and Education Events

Educate Iowans about the wonders of bird migration, the importance of clean water and natural habitats, and the uniqueness of Iowa's native birds, plants and animals.

• Partner with the Army Corps of Engineers, Polk County Conservation, Des Moines Audubon Society and other groups to help Iowans enjoy the fall American White Pelican migration.
• Reach out to inform Iowans of Audubon activities and Audubon importance around the state
• Partner with Audubon chapters and other organizations to strengthen festivals across Iowa

Conservation Action

Identify issues of concern to birds, habitats, the environment, and to the quality of life in Iowa.

• Educate citizens in their understanding of key conservation issues and policies
• Build a conservation ethic and pride in Iowa’s birds, natural ecosystems and other wildlife
• Represent Iowa Audubon at meetings of concern for birds and habitat throughout Iowa

Fundraising

Host fundraisers across Iowa, building the financial capacity to support bird and habitat conservation

• Pelican Gala: Annual fundraising banquet provides financial backing for Iowa Audubon.
• Held each September on the shores of Saylorville Reservoir, with pelican viewing, nationally renowned speakers and bird/nature related silent auction items.

Your help is essential. Join today, and please consider making an additional contribution to our "Take Flight" Leadership Circle. Our goal is 1000 new members by 2006.