Welcome to the “Desert Rivers Audubon
” website!
This wonderful website contains
information about Desert Rivers activities, news around the birding world, photos from
some local nature photographers, and links to other related sites.
I encourage you to check
out our regular field trips schedule under the “Events”
button, and join us for
birding trips with informative and interesting leaders to various birding “hotspots”
in the valley and afar. Become acquainted with our special programs – the “Wetlands Workshop” program held by Arizona Game & Fish Department, and our “Gilbert Family Birdwalks” held each month at the
Riparian Preserv, and
Audubon Arizona “River Connection” programs.
Desert Rivers Audubon is a group of like-minded folks who are interested in
using environmental education as a means of teaching conservation values and a nature
“ethic”. We believe that teaching families and kids now will impact our environment
in the future, and hopefully produce conservation voters and leaders who will value
and protect our remaining habitats. To do this, we have originated the unique programs mentioned above, and joined with other groups, to eventually
reach not hundreds, but literally, thousands of elementary school kids, and their
families, with opportunities to “connect people with nature”, to use National Audubon’s motto.
We have a new book available
specifically on this subject that can be ordered from Krys Hammers, our membership
director, titled Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv. I encourage
you to read this exciting, insightful book to learn more about children’s environmental
education. Contact Krys at
krys.hammers@cox.net for this book, and perhaps our own birding
guidebook- Guide to 101 Birding Sites, Phoenix as well.
Desert Rivers Audubon is the newest Audubon chapter in the
state, primarily serving the “east valley”, but we host events all over the valley.
We are incorporated, and have applied for 503© status with the IRS in order to begin raising
funds from corporations and foundations to greatly expand our outreach. We
will work closely with Audubon Arizona
, especially with the forthcoming Nina
Mason Pulliam Nature Center
to be built on the shores of the Salt River
off Central
Avenue. This Center will reach thousands of kids and adults with a
conservation message, and the opportunity
to experience the river through guided birdwalks, workshops,
and interactive activities. Our chapter will play a role along with other chapters
in assisting Audubon Arizona
to reach it’s ambitious goals.
Like any new organization,
we have needs in the areas of leadership, volunteers, and finances, and we invite
you to become a part of this exciting new “team” by sharing your expertise, or joining training classes to help you become comfortable with working with others. I know that once you start sharing your passion for birds and other wildlife, you’ll find
that you are rewarded as much as those you share with.
Our
monthly meetings
are posted on this site- we hope you’ll come and join with a friendly group of people who are making an impact on our local environment!
Michael Rupp