Much like the migrating warblers, swifts, and kinglets chittering from the tree tops this time of year, Audubon members from across the state flocked to Durham to celebrate birds and share inspiration at the 2024 Audubon North Carolina Summit Oct. 4-6.
Many of our members were unable to join, however, due to the ongoing crisis brought by Hurricane Helene just a week before the summit. Members from Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter, High Country Audubon Society, and Highlands Plateau Audubon were hit hard by the storm and are just beginning to grasp the full scope of the damage. Moving forward, Audubon staff, chapters, and members are ready and eager to help our colleagues and friends in western North Carolina.
“I’ve seen first-hand the destruction our mountain chapters, and my own family in Boone, are faced with after this catastrophic storm,” said executive director Curtis Smalling during Saturday's banquet. “But I know our Audubon family with come together for people, the same as we do for our birds.”
For the Summit, hosts New Hope Bird Alliance welcomed 100 members of our flock to learn about urban forestry, advocacy campaigns, bird-friendly yard plantings, Motus towers, and more during four in-depth workshops on Friday. Students representing campuses from Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Charlotte also joined to hone their bird advocacy skills and network throughout the weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, attendees got to explore the birdiest places around the Bull City, from Eno River State Park to Falls Lake, and the migratory birds didn’t disappoint. Among some of the more popular sightings were Philadelphia Vireos, a variety of warblers, and good looks at Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles.
At the banquet on Saturday evening, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson delivered remarks, giving attendees an update on the current state of the park system in western North Carolina and upcoming conservation work. “Our mountain communities are facing a historic tragedy, one that will be remembered for decades to come,” said Wilson. “But the recovery effort is underway and with the help of organizations like Audubon, we can begin to heal our environment.”
Wilson also thanked chapters for their hard work on native plants—highlighting their importance for birds but also communities who benefit from their ability to serve as a natural climate solution.
We also announced the winner of volunteer and partner awards, recognizing the distinct contributions they have made for birds and the places they need.
The Winners
Volunteer of the Year Award, for outstanding effort in support of the state office, staff, local chapters and our shared conservation goals:
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Barbara Driscoll, New Hope Bird Alliance committee chairperson and past president.
Bird-Lore Conservation Education Award, for exceptional efforts to educate the public about birds, their habitats, and to inspire conservation of the special landscapes we share with all wildlife:
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First Lady Kristin Cooper, native plant activist and long-time conservationist.
Honorary Warden Award, for exemplary service in protection of our state’s most important bird habitats and sanctuaries:
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Bill Holman, Senior Advisor to the Conservation Fund in North Carolina
Outstanding Advocacy Award, for outstanding commitment to advocacy for birds and inclusive leadership of advocates in partnership with the state office:
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T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society
