About us
Vashon Audubon is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization founded in 1989. Read a history of the chapter’s first 20 years »
Vashon Audubon is currently focused on two priority areas: climate change and native plants.
Climate change is the biggest threat to birds because it is altering their habitats. In North America, 314 bird species face steep population declines—or extinction—because of rising temperatures. In Washington, 189 species are at risk, including many that visit or live year-round on Vashon-Maury Island.
Vashon Audubon is advocating for legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and is educating our local community about actions we can take to counter climate change.
Native plants provide food and shelter for birds. They create a sanctuary for nesting and overwintering birds, as well as a place for migrating birds to recharge during their long journeys. Our chapter is promoting the use of native plants to create an environment that’s good for birds and people.
We also conduct a number of ongoing activities:
Christmas Bird Count – citizen science that helps us track the status of local bird populations
Monthly birding field trips – held on second Saturday mornings. Meet at the Ober Park Park-and-Ride and carpool to Island birding hot spots, 9-11 a.m. fall and winter, 8-10 a.m. spring and summer
Free public presentations featuring expert speakers
Chautauqua fourth grade birding program – cultivating the next generation of birders for more than 25 years
Vashon High School scholarship – helping launch promising students
Board members
Julie Burman, President
Adria Magrath, Vice President
Fran O’Reilly, Secretary
Julia Montagnet, Treasurer
Sarah Driggs, Communications Chair
Randy Smith, Conservation Chair
Sylvia Soholt, Education Chair
Carol Eggen, Membership Chair
Jim Evans, At-Large
Dana Schuerholz, At-Large
Cheryl Richmond, At-Large
If you’d like to contact the board, send an email to board@vashonaudubon.org
Other positions
Scott Anderson, Citizen Science and Education Projects
Ezra Parker, Field Trips, Christmas Bird Count
Harsi Parker, 4th-grade Bird Program
Jody Pritchard, Volunteers
Michael Sperazza, Programs
We welcome new members and volunteers – join us!
