Author Archives: Mass Audubon

Action Alert: Migratory Birds at Risk

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Mass Audubon
Osprey via USFWS

Osprey via USFWS

One of the oldest environmental laws in the U.S., the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is the primary piece of legislation established to protect over 1,000 species of migratory birds and makes it illegal to harm them except under very specific circumstances. Now this crucial law is coming under attack.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an amendment in the FY2016 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that would bar the Department of Justice from enforcing the MBTA, and a similar amendment could be brought up in the Senate. Halting enforcement would leave migratory birds vulnerable to all kinds of harm, from industrial activity to deliberate killing. If this amendment becomes law, it could set the cause of bird and wildlife conservation back decades.

Mass Audubon will be reaching out to U.S. Senators Warren and Markey, and we encourage you to do the same! Please urge our Senators to vote NO on any amendments threatening migratory birds that may come up when this bill is called to the floor.

You can take action easily through our friends at the American Bird Conservancy, or you can call directly using the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Thank you for your advocacy!

Lend a Helping Hand

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Mass Audubon

Enjoy the arrival of spring by participating in Mass Audubon’s Work for Wildlife Statewide Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 25. Join with other volunteers, family, and friends at 16 wildlife sanctuaries across the state from 9 am to noon.

We have a variety of projects for people of all ages and interests–all guaranteed to put you in touch with nature and provide a sense of accomplishment! Projects include (but are not limited to):

  • Painting the wildlife blind at Canoe Meadows in Pittsfield
  • Preparing butterfly and hummingbird gardens at Felix Neck on Martha’s Vineyard
  • Plum Island Beach Cleanup in Newburyport with Joppa Flats
  • Constructing an outdoor classroom at Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary in Wenham
  • Removing invasive species of plants such as the kiwi and bittersweet vines from many of Mass Audubon’s trails

During last year’s Statewide Volunteer Day, 450 volunteers cleared acres of beaches, spread mulch and woodchips, restored turtle nesting areas, and created new trails. With last year’s turnout, many sanctuaries were able to accomplish weeks of tasks in a single morning.

To show their appreciation, sanctuaries will provide a variety of food and afternoon activities, including BBQs at Wellfleet Bay and Felix Neck, pizza in Pittsfield, a nature walk along Laughing Brook in Hampden, and a live animal presentation at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton. Find a list of projects and register for one today!

Guest post by Nathan Yeo