As the vibrant colors of summer begin to give way to the rich hues of fall, and the Red-winged Blackbirds, Sandhill Cranes, and Yellow-rumped Warblers begin to head South, the change of seasons is upon us. Change brings growth and opportunity. I am delighted to share some exciting updates and accomplishments from Audubon Great Plains.

We are thrilled to announce the installation of a MOTUS tower at Spring Creek Prairie. This significant addition will enhance our ability to track bird migration patterns and contribute valuable data to the global understanding of migration. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a collaborative research network that uses coordinated automated radio telemetry to study the movements of small animals, and our new tower is a testament to our commitment to innovative conservation efforts. We have already tracked Black Terns flying through Spring Creek Prairie and multiple species at Rowe Sanctuary.

Our outreach initiatives continue to thrive as well. This year, we proudly hosted the second Women in Conservation event in North Dakota at the Edward Brigham Sanctuary. The event brought together women from diverse backgrounds to share their passion for conservation and to empower one another in efforts to nurture our lands. The connections and ideas that emerged from this gathering will undoubtedly drive meaningful conservation actions in the years to come.

As we transition into fall, we are excited to welcome nine new staff members to our team. In addition, Juli Bosmoe and Lizzy Gilbert have been promoted to new positions; we are very proud and grateful for their incredible achievements. Our team is once again at full staff and is moving full steam ahead!

These accomplishments and new beginnings are made possible by the unwavering support of our community. Your dedication to Audubon Great Plains enables us to advance our mission and make a lasting impact on the environment. Together, we are making strides toward a future where birds and people thrive.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the coming months.

Warm regards,

Kristal Stoner