Inside Audubon’s Fight to Reverse a 3-Billion-Bird Decline

If you’ve ever been dive-bombed by a protective mother bird while innocently strolling through a park, you already know that birds mean business. So does the National Audubon Society. What started as a crusade against feathered hats (seriously!) has grown into a 120-year legacy of bird-saving, habitat-protecting, science-driven conservation work. We caught up with Allison Vogt, Chief Strategy Integration Officer at Audubon, to talk about how the organization’s work goes far beyond birdwatching, and why “what’s good for birds is good for the planet.”

Humble, Hat-filled Beginnings

The National Audubon Society traces its origins back 120 years to a grassroots movement sparked by two Boston environmentalists (and cousins), Harriet Hemenway and Minna B. Hall. Outraged by the widespread killing of waterbirds for the sake of fashionable feathered hats, they ignited a conservation campaign that eventually led to the formation of a national association in 1905. “The efforts of these women spread across the country until a national association was formed in 1905. The society helped pass laws, establish sanctuaries, conduct research, and promote education about bird conservation,” says Allison.

Today, in Allison’s words, Audubon is a “hemispheric conservation organization powered by birds.” With over 800 staff members and 1.9 million supporters, Audubon’s work spans across borders. You know, because birds don’t exactly respect national boundaries.

Bird Victories (And Some Hard-Fought Battles)

Audubon’s history is packed with conservation wins. “In 1918, NAS was instrumental in helping pass the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which remains the bedrock law protecting migratory birds across the country,” Allison explains. Fast-forward to 1972, and you’ll find Audubon playing a major role in the banning of DDT, a pesticide that nearly wiped out bald eagles and other raptors.

There’s also Project Puffin, which sounds adorable (because it is). “In 1973, Audubon launched Project Puffin to bring Atlantic Puffins back to the Maine coast. Audubon scientists are responsible for restoring these populations, and continue to monitor them today,” Allison says.

More recently, the Bird Migration Explorer, launched in 2022, allows bird lovers and conservationists to visualize the migration paths of over 450 species.

But Audubon isn’t resting on its laurels. In 2025, they co-founded the Americas Flyways Initiative to tackle climate and biodiversity crises across the hemisphere. “We are attempting to ‘bend the bird curve,’ meaning that we are working to halt, and ultimately reverse, the decline of birds across the Americas,” Allison emphasizes.

These milestones are more than just feathers in Audubon’s cap. They’re part of a long-term, science-driven strategy to protect ecosystems that birds, wildlife, and people all depend on. As environmental challenges grow more complex, Audubon continues to evolve, expanding its reach and impact while staying true to its original mission: Protect birds, protect the planet.

Birds: The Ultimate Environmental Overachievers

So why focus on birds? Because, as Allison puts it, they’re “symbols and sentinels” of the planet’s health. “We work to protect birds because we know that the things birds rely on — healthy habitats, clean air, abundant fresh water, resilient coastlines — are the same things that people and other wildlife need to thrive.”

And the National Audubon Society’s work spans a wide variety of ecosystems and communities. “With over 800 staff working in 11 countries, a typical day could look very different from case to case!” Allison tells us. “It could be a scientist working in the Arctic to monitor bird populations, or analyzing data to determine the best place to site a new solar energy project. It could be a policy expert meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, or an education manager at one of our centers leading a school group through the woods.”

Given that birds are notorious globe-trotters, collaboration is key. “Almost everything we accomplish is in collaboration with our many partners,” Allison says. She points to Conserva Aves, a massive partnership that will establish more than 80 new protected areas across Latin America.

There’s also the Audubon Conservation Ranching program, which partners with farmers and ranchers to create bird-friendly lands. “Nationwide, more than 100 ranches and nearly three million acres have earned status as Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Land,” she notes.

The Big Bird Problem (And We’re Not Talking Sesame Street)

Here’s a stat that’ll stop you in your tracks: North America has lost 3 billion birds since 1970. It’s a loud and clear alarm bell, signaling that we’re at a critical point — not just for birds, but for ourselves.

Audubon is tackling this crisis head-on by going after the biggest culprits behind ecosystem decline: habitat loss and climate change. Their approach blends rigorous science with a bipartisan strategy, working across political lines and borders to make real, lasting change. While some efforts happen on the national stage, like pushing for conservation legislation, Audubon also champions grassroots actions. Even something as simple as planting native flowers in your backyard can create safe havens for birds and give struggling populations a much-needed boost.

What’s Next for Audubon? (Hint: It Involves You)

One thing Allison is particularly excited about is the opportunity to grow Audubon’s “flock.” “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are 96 million birdwatchers in the United States. That represents a huge opportunity to grow our movement and engage more people in conservation!” she shares.

So, how can you get involved? Allison has a few ideas: “Anyone can get involved by letting their elected leaders know that they care about conserving important bird habitat,” she says. “You can also participate in community science by counting birds in your area. Planting native plants is a great way to help provide food and shelter for birds in your area while preserving your local ecosystem.”

And if you want to roll up your sleeves, Audubon has 18 state programs, 41 centers and sanctuaries, and over 500 chapters, so you can easily find one near you.

So whether you’re a seasoned birder with a bucket list or someone who simply appreciates a good birdsong over morning coffee, there’s a way to get involved. Conservation isn’t about doing everything … it’s about doing something. And as Allison makes clear, every native plant, every bird count, and every raised voice adds up. Because when it comes to protecting birds (and the planet they call home), the more hands — and perhaps binoculars — on deck, the better!

For more ways to join the flock, visit: audubon.org/get-involved.

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