The Springfield chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society began in 1932 as the Springfield Nature League and was active in providing nature hikes, lectures, classes, and educational tours. The group began sponsoring wildlife films in 1943. In 1960, the Nature League voted to affiliate with the National Audubon Society and changed its name to the Springfield Audubon Society. The group continued to sponsor field trips and nature films, participated in Christmas and spring bird counts, and began cooperative ventures with the Illinois Audubon Society. In 1979, the Springfield Audubon Society adopted new by-laws and voted to seek chapter status in the Illinois Audubon Society.
Today, Springfield Audubon Society members continue to enjoy birding activities while working to provide wildlife and habitat protection, educational experiences for the local community, and bird species information for nationally significant research efforts. Volunteer opportunities that members are currently involved in include:
- Providing stewardship of the habitats, trails, and native gardens at the Illinois Audubon Society’s Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
- “Tuesdays & Thursdays with the Stewards” 9-11 a.m. weekly
- Creating and conducting educational programs about birding and the environment for local students
- Gathering information about the sanctuary’s bird species for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s FeederWatch program
- Sponsoring monthly programs and events for our members and the local community
- Participating in the Chapter Big Day and Christmas Bird Counts
To learn more about volunteer opportunities please Email Mike Holinga at mjholinga@icloud.com
Leadership
SAS Officers
Mike Holinga, President
Grace Norris, Vice President
Rhetta Jack, Secretary
Mary Grundel, Treasurer
SAS Board Members
Mike Bowers
Debbie Bruce
Joe Gardner
Jeanne Handy
Vernon Kleen
Rick Lanham
Marilyn Robins
Matt Hayes Ex Officio