As we enter our second year of board organization since merging, our collaboration demonstrates the wisdom of having combined. Despite sharing the same flyway and similar bird habitats, we find that the people in each of our three states, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, have perfected unique strategies to benefit not only the birds and the habitats they use, but also the landowners who are stewards of the land and their respective communities. These differences in strategy inform us more broadly about new ways to benefit the Great Plains and make us stronger and more nimble.

Staff and volunteers are efficiently prioritizing diverse bird habitats across the Great Plains, including wetlands, riparian areas, and grasslands. Outreach to ranchers, farmers, and private and public landowners has permitted new ways to collaborate for the benefit of the birds, wildlife, and our communities.

After filling key vacancies and adapting to available resources, our education efforts on birds, habitat conservation, and natural resources have gained renewed momentum, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world’s importance for future generations. Our newly updated and renovated facilities, made possible through generous contributions, have greatly enriched the experience for both our visitors and our team.

We remain awestruck by the energetic work that is being accomplished by the Great Plains staff, the Audubon Great Plains board, stewardship boards, and other volunteers. Great synergies have resulted from our combined efforts. We urge you to witness it for yourself and join us in contributing your time, talent and treasure to Audubon of the Great Plains.