In 2019, researchers published the news that North America lost 2.9 billion (30%) breeding birds in the last 50 years. While devastating, this decline was unsurprising to Illinois birders and conservationists; we live in a state that is both at the heart of the Mississippi flyway, and has lost 90% of its wetlands and 99% of its tallgrass prairie. We also know that to protect our birds, collective action is needed.
That is why the Board of Directors of both the Illinois Ornithological Society (IOS) and Illinois Audubon Society (IAS) have agreed to combine our organizations to maximize our community reach and impact, and to emerge as a new, premier birding and conservation organization in Illinois. This exciting change takes place immediately.
Through this organizational combination, we will be aligning our existing programs, projects, events, publications, and membership benefits – all of which have been carefully and thoroughly assessed.
IOS and IAS have a long history together and, in recent years, have partnered on a variety of programming and projects. Now, by combining our efforts, current IOS members can look forward to membership in an organization that will provide more benefits to Illinois’ birds and birders, alike.
Transitioning to this new partnership will include merging information from both organizations into one membership system and IOS members will begin receiving quarterly issues of Illinois Audubon magazine. For those of you who currently hold dual membership with both organizations, only one annual payment (when due) will be necessary. Payments and renewal notices will continue to be processed through IAS.
We firmly believe that by coming together, we are entering a new chapter for Illinois birds and birdwatchers. There will be more opportunities than ever before for our joint community to support birds, scientific research, and the habitats they love and need. Our combined membership base and unified voice will be a unique and powerful force for birds across the state.
For more information, please consult this FAQ document. Please do not hesitate to reach out to either of us if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Andrea Tolzman, President, Illinois Ornithological Society
Kevin Richards, President, Illinois Audubon Society
Northern Cardinal photo by Bryan Hix
Birds residing and passing through Illinois will benefit from this wise move. Congratulations to both IAS and IOS during this critical time for birds in North America.