In 2010, New Hampshire Audubon announced it was honored to be chosen as the New Hampshire affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). These two organizations will be independent collaborators on conservation, education, and policy concerns that will strengthen New Hampshire’s unique natural resources.
“As a lifelong resident, fisherman and career U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public servant, I know that Granite State residents and our native wildlife will be the biggest winners in our affiliation with the National Wildlife Federation,” said Michael J. Bartlett, New Hampshire Audubon Past President. “Our organizations will share expertise and resources to ensure that New Hampshire’s wildlife and open spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“New Hampshire Audubon for almost 100 years has been a New Hampshire conservation leader. Our common efforts to restore and protect wildlife and its habitat, combat global warming and connect people with nature make this a natural affiliation,” said Larry Schweiger, National Wildlife Federation President and CEO.
“This is an important milestone for New Hampshire Audubon and will provide critical support and resources for the work NH Audubon does across the state,” wrote Gov. John H. Lynch in a letter commending this affiliation. “Part of what makes New Hampshire so special is its beautiful environment. I again commend New Hampshire Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation on this effort.”
NWF affiliates are independent organizations that choose to affiliate with NWF. This partnership does not change New Hampshire Audubon’s strong independent tradition dating back to its creation in 1914. Affiliates in each region work together and with partners to advance conservation and protect the region’s unique natural treasures. Affiliates also serve on NWF’s Board of Directors and create NWF’s policies. New Hampshire is part of NWF’s Northeast region, one of nine such regions throughout the United States. The Northeast region includes all of New England, New York, and New Jersey.
Not unlike NH Audubon, NWF is perhaps best known for its educational programs for children. Ranger Rick magazine is a staple in thousands of New Hampshire households — as is “Audubon camp.” Both NH Audubon and NWF recognize the critical importance of getting children outdoors where they can experience and learn about the natural world.
NWF is also known nationally for its advocacy on behalf of the environment, from addressing the causes and impacts of climate change to energy development impacts. NH Audubon’s research and monitoring programs that inform its policy positions will also help inform those espoused by NWF. “Expertise NWF brings to issues relevant to New Hampshire will benefit our environmental policy work,” Bartlett said.
“I am excited to get to work with NH Audubon to protect wildlife, save New Hampshire’s precious natural areas, and to bring children outdoors to connect to nature,” said Curtis Fisher, NWF Northeast regional executive director. “Combining the resources and expertise of NH Audubon and NWF will result in many tangible conservation benefits, and most importantly will also focus on encouraging our children to reduce the amount of time spent in front of TVs and electronic games by offering them fun opportunities to get outside and connect to nature.”
Among those attending the press conference at NH Audubon’s state headquarters in the McLane Center in Concord today were NH Audubon board of Trustees, regional representatives of the NWF, members, and friends. Following the announcement, NH Audubon led guests on a tour of its LEED certified headquarters, the expansion of which was completed in 2006. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. NH Audubon is a Gold level building, one of the highest levels of LEED certification.
Photo, top: Bald Eagle pair, by Jack Dorsey.
