The Audubon Maryland-DC IBA Program utilizes Bird Blitz surveys in an effort to identify areas throughout the state which are critical habitat for birds of conservation concern. Bird Blitz is a breeding season count of targeted at-risk bird species used to determine whether an area supports the minimum populations necessary to qualify it as an IBA in Maryland. These surveys are volunteer-based and involve counting and mapping at-risk bird species listed in the IBA criteria. Bird Blitz is vital to the identification of IBAs in Maryland.
Land Protection in Important Bird Areas on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore
Funded by generous support from the Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Town Creek Foundation, the Toyota/Audubon Together Green partnership, a State Wildlife Grant from Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and private donations, Audubon has been working to incorporate Important Bird Areas into the land use planning process in the 4 Counties of Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester.
Audubon Watershed Experience (AWE) is a statewide multi-part high school program that engages school students in hands-on recreational activities like fishing and bird watching to 'hook' them in to science and the Chesapeake Bay. In cooperation with NOAA, Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Waterfowl Festival, students from schools in Talbot County, Wicomico County and Baltimore City are learning what makes these recreational activites work-- where to find the fish, what birds that should see in certain habitats and what environmental health issues greatly impact whether or not they are seeing them.
Pickering Creek Audubon Center Honored with National Farm-City Award
Pickering Creek Audubon Center has been recognized by The National Farm-City Council for their outstanding work in accomplishing the Farm-City mission through their leadership of the Pickering Creek Harvest Hoedown. Pickering Creek has been putting on its fabulous Harvest Hoedown for the community for the past 18 years. The Harvest Hoedown, which is held on the second Sunday in October (this year on October 11), has great kids activities and musicians, bluegrass and blues for the adults, boat rides, hayrides, local artisans and good food in a fun family atmosphere.
Audubon Maryland-DC works for science-based policies protecting our forests, wetlands, rivers, coast and other important areas so that our natural heritage will be preserved for generations to come. Our approaches to this work emphasize collaborations with other conservation groups, land trusts, government, industry, and private citizens. As a state office of the National Audubon Society, we seek to connect our 7,000 grassroots members to larger state and national networks pursuing environmental protection.
Audubon Maryland-DC has a number of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Hardworking members of the community keep our centers running smoothly. From trail, pier and building maintenance to leading school groups, lending your skills to one of our centers or chapters will help a great deal in helping us connect people with nature.
