The North Cascades Audubon Society (NCAS) is a 501(c)(3) organization established in the early 1970’s. NCAS is an all volunteer organization; it is run by and financially supported by its members and volunteers. The Board of Directors and its officers manage and oversee the programs, functions, priorities and finances of NCAS. Standing and ad-hoc committees plan and implement education, outreach, field trips, community science and conservation activities. NCAS works with community partners and organizations to achieve its mission and annual goals. NCAS is a National Audubon and Washington State Audubon chapter, and Whatcom County is its primary service area.
NCAS Mission Statement
The purpose of this society is to promote the study and conservation of birds and other wildlife, their habitat, and the environment; to increase public appreciation of the values of wildlife, plants, and the natural environment; and to stimulate action to protect and preserve them for the future.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We respect the individuality of each member of our community, and we are committed to an organization free of any kind of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, national or ethnic origin, politics, or veteran status.
Education and Outreach
Education and outreach is associated with virtually every aspect of NCAS activities. A primary focus of NCAS is to provide opportunities for its members and community members of all ages to learn about birds and other wildlife and the natural environment on which they depend. NCAS provides education on the critical issues that threaten birds and wildlife and the ways in which we can alleviate those negative impacts.
Monthly Program Meetings:
Monthly membership meetings are open to the public and feature guest speakers on topics related to natural history, environmental issues, natural resource management, birds and other wildlife, scientific research, and conservation.
Field Trips:
NCAS conducts birding field trips throughout the year. Field trips are open to the public and as participants birdwatch with an expert leader, they will learn about the birds they see as well as the natural habitats important to birds. Birdwatching field trips are open to any level of experience and take place in premier local bird watching areas.
Community Presence:
NCAS volunteers and members can be found tabling at many community events, such as bird festivals, native plant sales, and the Bellingham Farmers Market.
Educational Programs:
NCAS presents educational programs to community groups and the general public throughout Whatcom County. Some of the topics include: Native Plants and Birds, Climate Change and Effect on Birds, All About the Hummingbird, Introduction to Birding, Eagles Here and Around the Globe, Marine Birds of the Salish Sea, and Bird Smarts: Surviving Winter in Whatcom County.
Community Science and Research
NCAS supports local community science and scientific research in order to add to the body of information about local birds, wildlife and the environment.
In partnership with Western Washington University and ReSources, NCAS volunteers conduct 9 bird surveys per year in the Cherry Point area as an ongoing and longitudinal measure of seabird populations using the MESA protocol.
NCAS coordinates and compiles the annual Whatcom County Christmas Bird Count, which has been occuring in Whatcom County for more than 50 years.
In partnership with the Whatcom Land Trust, NCAS conducts bird surveys 3 times per year on 12 properties which are owned and managed by the Whatcom Land Trust.
Since 1980, NCAS has provided scholarship grants to college students in partnership with Western Washington University Biology and Environmental Studies Department. Each year NCAS awards one to four students with scholarships to assist in their research projects on topics consistent with our mission statement.
Conservation and Advocacy
NCAS is a strong advocate on matters concerning birds, wildlife and the environment, including natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship. NCAS actively reviews and comments or takes actions on local, state and national issues as needed to protect birds, wildlife and the environment. NCAS has been and continues to be an advocate for local and state shoreline protection, including the Cherry Point marine ecosystem in Whatcom County.
Publications
The Avalanche, published 8 times per year, is the newsletter of NCAS. Each issue contains articles and information about birds, conservation and environmental topics. The Avalanche features a calendar of events, including field trips and educational presentations, and information on how members and citizens can be involved in conservation, advocacy or volunteer activities. The Avalanche is distributed to members as well as interested persons.