About Audubon New Mexico

Audubon had its beginnings in 1886 when George Bird Grinnell, editor of Forest and Stream announced the formation of “an association for the protection of wild birds and their eggs… Its membership is to be free to every one who is willing to lend a helping hand in forwarding the objects for which it is formed. These objects shall be to prevent, so far as possible (1) the killing of any wild birds not used for food; (2) the destructions of nests or eggs of any wild bird, and (3) the wearing of feathers as ornaments or trimming for dress…” The movement to protect wild birds from market hunting and the millinery trade evolved into a collection of independent “Audubon Societies” in many places. Some were state-based, others were smaller. In 1905, many of these local organizations joined together as the “National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals.”

This was a very loose confederation of independent entities, something which is important to our history. As time went by, the need for greater organization became clear, and in 1940 became simply the National Audubon Society. Several state Audubon societies remained independent. Audubon is supported by over 500,000 members with state offices, programs and chapters across the country.

Audubon New Mexico’s offices are located at the Randall Davey Audubon Center, a nature sanctuary, education center, and historic site with public trails located at the end of Upper Canyon Road in Santa Fe. (Contact Information for Audubon New Mexico Staff)

Across New Mexico, there are four local chapters of the National Audubon Society—Mesilla Valley Audubon Society, Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society, Central New Mexico Audubon Society, and Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society. These chapter representatives comprise the New Mexico Audubon Council, which advises the state office on policy issues. Additionally, New Mexico has several other birding groups, including the Lincoln County Bird Club, the Farmington Bird Club, Friends of the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Chihuahuan Desert Conservation Alliance, and others.

Staff Awards

Audubon New Mexico State Director Accepts Governor’s Appointment

Executive Director Karyn Stockdale recently accepted Governor Richardson’s appointment to the Natural Lands Protection Committee.  Karyn is one of three public members appointed to the committee which oversees the Natural Lands Protection Act (New Mexico Statute 75, Article 5).  “Karyn Stockdale is well respected for her knowledge on conservation issues and wildlife habitat protection efforts in New Mexico,” stated Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “I am confident she will be an excellent addition to the Natural Lands Protection Committee.”

Passed by the Legislature in 1987, the purpose of the Natural Lands Protection Act is the acquisition and protection of unique and ecologically significant New Mexico lands.  Nominations of appropriate lands are made, usually by a conservation organization like the Nature Conservancy or a land trust, then are evaluated and prioritized by the Committee.  The State of New Mexico and not-for-profit corporations, based on the Committee’s decisions, then proceed with jointly purchasing the properties based on available funding.  The Natural Lands Protection Committee also determines if donations of conservation easements meet state conservation purposes and are eligible for a state tax credit.

Audubon New Mexico Education Manager Receives Outstanding Service Award

Environmental Education Manager Dana Vackar Strang was recently awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the Environmental Education Association of New Mexico (EEANM). Fellow environmental educators on the EEANM board nominated and recognized Dana for her ability and commitment to environmental education.

“Dana has worked tirelessly for EEANM for the past seven years and is a true asset to the field of Environmental Education,” said current EEANM board president Christy Tafoya. Dana has served as a vital leader for the EEANM board while it provided grants to teachers and outdoor classroom providers, increased teacher training programs, increased special events and luncheons, coordinated high-quality environmental education conferences, and hired a full-time staff member for EEANM.