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Welcome to the Grand Rapids Audubon Club website
October GRAC Membership Meeting Canceled
Due to uncertainty with the COVID-19 coronavirus, we don’t know when we will be able to resume normal meetings or field trips. We are in limbo. But when the time is right, when it’s safe—we will have regular meetings and we will have field trips. Life will get back to normal. Please continue checking back for any developments.
Remembering Dr Mary Jane Dockeray
Our club, along with the community, mourns the loss of long-time GRAC Honorary Member Dr Mary Jane Dockeray. She passed away peacefully at age 93. The founder of Blandford Nature Center was an environmental icon and a treasure to the community and to every organization of which she was a part. Click here for the tribute to Mary Jane on Blandford's website or click here for an obituary. A full article will be published in the September Caller.
Weekly Millennium Park Walks Resume
Hike Millennium Park to see what’s hanging
around. Many birds have been reported from this varied habitat near the
river. There are ponds, swampy ponds, lowland forest and various
secondary growth. Details on field trip page.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, until further notice, masks will be required.
Limited to a group of six. If more than six show up, groups will be
split and have staggered starting times or walk in different directions.
GRAC Field Trip Update
Due to uncertainty with the COVID-19 coronavirus normal field trips are in limbo. When the time is right, and when it’s safe, we will resume field trips. Please continue checking back for any developments.
Muskegon Wastewater Awarded 2020 Species Projects Award
The Wildlife Habitat Council awarded Muskegon County Wastewater the 2020 Avian Project Award in recognition of the installation and maintenance of their bluebird boxes. Muskegon Wastewater was chosen from among a group of three finalists and was announced at the WHC’s annual conference. GRAC members have been actively involved on the bluebird project at wastewater for a number of years. Click here to view a short video on the presentation.
eBird Reports are available for July, August and September
While we may be staying at home, birds are not. You may be interested in reports of sightings the area the last three months. eBird summaries for July 2020, August 2020 and September 2020 are now available.
I Saw A Bird: Audubon’s Migration Show
Each month, Audubon’s social media producer Christine Lin and chief network officer David Ringer welcome celebrities and guests to offer a fresh look at the world of birds and birdwatching. You can tune in to live webinars at 7:00 pm ET the last Wednesday of each month and/or you can view previous monthly programs by clicking here.
Help Lead the Grand Rapids Audubon Club
There are new opportunities to help lead GRAC forward. We still need volunteers for a few positions that are important to the club. Click here for details.
GRAC makes a real difference right here in West Michigan through environmental and nature education and advocacy. This is your chance to help. If you want to volunteer or have questions, contact Scott Hutchings at president@graud.org.
Rules for Access to Caledonia Sewage Ponds
After lengthy meetings with Caledonia village officials and the management of the Caledonia Sewage Ponds, Caleb Putnam informs us we now have partial access to the ponds, but by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Click here to read the new guidelines.
2020 Michigan Audubon Events
With concern of the covid-19 coronavirus, Michigan Audubon is continuing to
evaluate the safety of holding scheduled events. Check the
Michigan Audubon calendar for an updated
list of events.
Additional Michigan Audubon covid-19 information can be
found here.
New Fund Raising Opportunity
Do you buy from Amazon? If so, signup for AmazonSmile, a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Click here for details on how to signup.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Delists Kirtland’s Warbler
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has delisted the Kirtland’s Warbler, meaning this species no longer warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Learn more in this article from Michigan Audubon.
US and Canada have lost 2.9 billion birds since 1970
Bird populations in the United States and Canada have dropped by 29% since 1970, signifying 2.9 billion birds lost in almost 50 years, according to a new study. Click here for article.
CCL and Audubon collaborate for climate action
The Citizens’ Climate Lobby and 15 of Audubon’s nationwide chapters have endorsed the Energy Innovation Act. They’re not alone—this policy has garnered over 1,000 endorsements from an array of other nonprofits, businesses, and outdoors groups. Click here to learn more about this collaborative arrangement.
GRAC Media Pages Include Photographs and Videos
Between the bird photo, nature photo and Macaulay Library page we have well over 400 photographs available on the website. Don't forget to check the video page.
