Author Archives: Hillary T.

About Hillary T.

Where: Mass Audubon Headquarters, Lincoln Who: Massachusetts transplant by way of Florida and New York. Raising two young girls, who she hopes will be budding naturalists Favorite part of the job: Learning something new every day from some of the smartest and most enthusiastic groups of people

Make Every Day Earth Day

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Hillary T.

Earth Day may officially be on April 22, but here at Mass Audubon we believe that every day is a good day to be kind to the earth. Looking for a few ways to put a spring-in-your-earth-day-step? Check out this handy Spring Checklist and share your own ideas in the comments!

☐ One Step at a Time

Going for regular walks is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Mass Audubon has hundreds of miles of trails, great places to view birds and wildlife, and beautiful landscapes to explore. Come see your generous support at work!

☐ Bee Kind to Pollinators

We rely on bees, butterflies, and other pollinators for much of the food we eat, and even small outdoor spaces can provide quality habitat for them. A pollinator garden can range from a planter with native flowers on your porch, to larger flowerbeds in your yard or local community garden. Learn more about gardening.

☐ Raise Your Voice

Help defend the natural world you love—and that we all rely on—by learning how your elected officials stand on environmental issues, and showing your support or sharing your concerns. From defending endangered species to reducing climate change impacts, you can make a difference!

☐ Farm To Table

Stop by a nearby farm stand or farmers’ market for your fruits and vegetables, or get your fill each week by joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

☐ Go Green

Purchase locally sourced green energy through Mass Audubon’s Make the Switch program, and displace fossil fuels on your community’s power grid.

☐ Life Lessons

Take a yoga class or nature-inspired mindfulness program. Learn to identify the birds at your feeder, or go on a guided bird walk. Our sanctuaries offer programs and classes for all ages, day and overnight camps, even nature preschools for the littlest outdoor enthusiasts.

☐ Worth a Thousand Words

Pictures are a great way to connect people with the natural world, and inspire them to protect it. Participate in our annual Picture This photo contest, which starts on June 1, by entering your images that capture the beauty and diversity of nature in Massachusetts.

☐ Many (Many) Hands

Whether you can spare a few hours a week or one day a year, you’ll have a positive impact on the environment. We have dozens of volunteer opportunities around the state, including trail work, gardening, visitor services, and much more. Visit our website for a complete list of current opportunities.

☐ Support Mass Audubon

Thanks to our members and supporters, Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries are protected for you to enjoy—not just on Earth Day but every day. Make a gift today >

Wellfleet’s Not-so-Lame Ducks #mabirdathon

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Hillary T.

The Wellfleet Lame Ducks, part of the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Bird-a-thon team, are an accomplished fundraising force of beginner and intermediate birders. Hear from team leader, Peggy Sagan (pictured far right), about how the flock formed.

The idea for the Lame Ducks was hatched in 2011. At that time, there were several extraordinary women who were committed to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary but didn’t consider themselves “real” birders.

Wellfleet Bay’s special events coordinator thought “What if we offer these women the opportunity to become better birders? Would they commit to fundraising for Bird-a-thon?” The answer, she soon found out, was a resounding yes.

Since then, Sanctuary Director Bob Prescott and other sanctuary staff have led the “Lame Ducks” (as the team was named) on a series of birding outings each spring to increase their bird knowledge and identification skills.

In return, what began as a small, laid-back clutch of mixed-ability birders has fledged into a fundraising powerhouse, regularly contributing one-third to one-half of Wellfleet’s Bird-a-thon total. And along the way, the flock has become just as competitive about their birding ability and species counts as they are about their fundraising prowess.

Although the individual lame ducks have come and gone as families relocate and personal situations change, most of the original members are still birding and fundraising for Wellfleet’s Bird-a-thon team and we are so grateful for their participation.

The 2017 Lame Ducks include: Ann Allan*, Josie Anderson, Marie Broudy, Janet Drohan*, Janet Golan, Mary O’Neil, Patty Shannon, Christine Shreves, Janet Sisterson*, & Lynn Southey (*original member)

Get Involved

Want to get more involved in Bird-a-thon? Join a team to create a fundraising page and/or contact a team captain to join a birding roster. Can’t participate in Bird-a-thon this year? Consider donating to a sanctuary or program team.

Thank You to our Bird-a-thon Sponsors

Lead Sponsor: Standard Auto
Support Sponsor: AmeriPride Services
Community Sponsor: MetLife