Founded in 1896 by two extraordinary women, Mass Audubon has always been at the forefront of bird protection, land conservation, environmental education, and advocacy. Today, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of establishing our first wildlife sanctuary, the impacts of our work are felt throughout the state, from the protection and management of more than 36,000 acres of land to the 225,000 kids and adults we get outdoors every year.
But we are not finished. We must continue to evolve as we have for the last 120 years. The aspects that make Massachusetts an exciting and dynamic place to live and work will continue to attract new people of all ages and backgrounds. For us, welcoming newcomers as well as longtime residents to Mass Audubon is both an opportunity and an imperative: the future of Massachusetts’ nature depends on our ability to enlist all residents in its protection.
To engage a broader constituency, we will reach out in ways that are relevant and compelling. Presently, we directly connect people with nature at our wildlife sanctuaries and by way of varied and extensive programs, forging bonds that instill a lifetime of environmental stewardship. But to inspire people to get involved, we must show, rather than simply tell, what we do.
This brings me to our member newsletter. You will notice several changes to this publication. The new name, Explore, invites physical discovery of nature. It also encourages exploration of the mind and continuous learning about our environment. The new design is intended to evoke strong connections to the inspirational landscapes, wildlife, and people that are central to our mission. And the content of our redesigned newsletter is more focused on you, our members and supporters, and how you can get involved.
I welcome you to dig into Explore! I look forward to engaging existing members and new constituents more meaningfully in our wonderful and critical work.
Enjoy!
Gary Clayton
President