Last month, from July 17-20, Lindsay Vacek, CBA Field Trips Chair, and I got the incredible opportunity to attend Audubon’s 2025 Leadership Conference, ‘Soaring Together', held in Montreal, Quebec. It was a memorable four days of learning, networking, and birding.
The idea of community was emphasized throughout the event, and meeting others passionate about birds and the environment was a definite highlight of the trip. There were over 450 attendees with 11 countries represented. Student leaders from 22 colleges and universities also came, who either represent an existing Audubon campus chapter or are starting one. It is heartening to see the next generation so committed to conservation.
Invaluable for me was hearing about initiatives and operations of the other chapters and discussing potential projects for the future. During two sessions, I had the chance to meet with a few other Midwest groups and share some CBA accomplishments, such as the rat contraceptive pilot launching in August (CBA Leads Trial of Rat Contraceptive — Chicago Bird Alliance).
Group photo after the second session; both sessions were led by DJ Langefels
Many of the participants in these two meetings came from Great Lake states, meaning that their chapters are part of Audubon Great Lakes (AGL). This is an organization that Chicago Bird Alliance is fortunate to be a part of as well.
Photo of an AGL social event, provided by Izabela Grobelna from Audubon Great Lakes
Moreover, Chicago Bird Alliance was invited to join the AGL Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Community of Practice, which launched during ‘Soaring Together’. During this kickoff, there was an in-depth team exercise to identify how to increase accountability and cultivate new networks. Ideas included trying new things, being more empathetic, and showing up prepared. Subsequent meetings to foster connections per the EDIB conservation principles, such as humility, timeliness, and respect, will continue over the next couple years.
The agenda was also packed with sessions ranging from a focus on research to diplomacy to branding to funding and more. On the science front, I learned about acoustic recording units and gained insights on migratory bird research and useful tools to dive deep into the topic, such as Climate Watch and Motus Towers. There were also discussions on managing relationships through diplomacy, explaining how to take an open approach to achieve conservation goals and lasting change. A key takeaway for me was to never make easy assumptions.
It was also fascinating to hear about Audubon’s current re-brand, showcasing how pivotal birds are in a new way. In the near future, individual chapters can utilize the work already created. One of my last sessions was on grant writing, where we learned about funding resources and worked in small teams of two or three to put together hypothetical grants.
Additionally, I got the opportunity to attend two birding trips, one in Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation and the other in Parc-nature du Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard.
Photo of Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation sign
Birds spotted at the nature park
Birds seen and heard included Canada Geese, Red-winged Blackbirds, Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, Mallards, a Green Heron, a Barn Swallow, Yellow Warblers, and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Although these may be familiar birds to Chicagoans, it was still an absolute treat to walk around these two parks and see the beautiful natural habitats and inhabitants.
Photo of Parc-nature du Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard sign
Barn Swallow nest
Adult Barn Swallow
Last but certainly not least, the work of Chicago Bird Alliance has not gone unnoticed! People from other chapters shared how impressed they were with the substantial drop in bird collisions at McCormick Place and thanked CBA members for their role in making this happen. The good news has spread far outside of Chicago.
This was such a memorable trip, and I’m truly grateful that I was able to attend ‘Soaring Together’ and celebrate Audubon’s 120th anniversary. Audubon is determined to “bend the bird curve,” and reverse avian population decline by working to expand bird habitat, tackling adverse effects of climate change, and increasing the number of people inspired to help birds. It’s such a meaningful mission, and CBA will do its part by continuing to advocate for bird-friendly buildings, making birding more accessible, and communicating the joy and benefits birds can bring.
Poster of Audubon’s history