Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis

The program year for the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis is September through May. (No program in January.) All programs are free and open to the public. Programs start at 7 p.m. and end by 9 p.m.

Program meetings are held at Beth El Synagogue, 5224 W. 26th Street, St. Louis Park. For directions to Beth El, please click here.

The April 3 program will be held at Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center. For information about the Brookdale Library, including directions, click here.

We are always looking for program ideas. If you have any suggestions, please contact Marji Miller at Programs.

Upcoming programs for 2011 -2012 will be at Beth El unless noted:

Tuesday, September 6, 2011:  Carrol Henderson, Director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program. Mr. Henderson has been involved in restoring populations of river otter, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, eastern bluebirds and trumpeter swans. He is the author of many books including: Landscaping for Wildlife, Woodworking for Wildlife, Birds in Flight: the Art and Science of How Birds Fly. Mr. Henderson and his wife, Ethel, have led 44 birding trips to 14 countries. Their trip destinations have included countries from Belize to Chile, Kenya and 25 trips to Costa Rica.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011:  Don Arnosti, Audubon Minnesota Policy Director; “America’s River: the Mississippi River Flyway.” Mr. Arnosti will focus his remarks on Mississippi River conservation issues, including the Asian carp invasion. He’ll have ideas for what people can do to support the conservation of this great American river. He will discuss
issues from the headwaters in Minnesota to the delta in the Gulf of Mexico and from the river bottom to the sky above the water.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011: Stan Tekiela, naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer. “Uncommon Facts about Common Birds”
Mr. Tekiela gives a fun and entertaining talk presenting fascinating facts and tidbits about some of the birds that people love to hate. Stan will challenge your preconceived ideas about some common birds such as the European Starling, the American Crow and much, much more. You will never look at these birds the same way ever again. This talk wraps up with a strong environmental message of conservation and understanding

Tuesday, December 6, 2011: Nature writer Val Cunningham decided several years ago that every plant in her yard had to provide food or shelter for birds. Ms Cunningham will speak on “birdscaping” and show you how to create a bird friendly property using native plants in your yard and garden. Ms Cunningham writes for the Star Tribune’s weekly “On the Wing” page and other local, regional and national publications. In the spring and fall she leads bird walks for the St. Paul Audubon Society. Her book, “The Gardener’s Hummingbird Book,” was published in 2004.

No ACM January program.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012: Adele Porter, natural history author & educator, “Children and Birding, A Natural Fit”

In her program, natural history author Adele Porter draws from the common threads and life lessons of current and past champions of conservation to form a blueprint for involving children and grandchildren in birding and natural resource stewardship. She also has a new challenge for birders – if you’re a “lister,” bring your list along!

Adele Porter is a science educator and author with a career that combines her curiosity and passion for science and dedication to children. Her “Wild About” series of children and young adult books, including “Wild About Minnesota Birds,” was inspired by the students of all ages that Ms Porter has worked with during 20 years as an educator. When not presenting author programs, teaching, or working on a book, Ms Porter writes educational materials for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the US Forest
Service, and various publications. Her latest book, “Birds in Our Backyard,” a Minnesota Book Award 2012 Nominee, is published by Minnesota Historical Society Press. Ms Porter’s books will be on hand for purchase following the program. For more information about Ms Porter, her books, and author programs, visit www.adeleporter.com and www.birdsforkids.com.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012: Mike Link & Kate Crowley, “A Walk Around Lake Superior.”

Tuesday, April 3, 2012: Note meeting location: Brookdale Library; Laura Erickson, author, “Twelve Owls.”

Tuesday, May 1, 2012: Carrol Henderson, Director of MN DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, “Birds of Kuwait.”