Make Your Summer Count

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Hillary T.
© Justin Miel

© Justin Miel

The flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and butterflies are fluttering—it’s a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors!

Get reacquainted with a favorite walking trail. Be dazzled by returning ruby-throated hummingbirds. Explore by canoe or kayak to enjoy a new perspective. Savor delicious produce from local farms. You’ll find all of these seasonal opportunities and more at Mass Audubon.

However you plan to enjoy the outdoors, you can make a difference by donating today. With your support we can do even more to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.

How You Can Help

Land – 35,000 acres of forests, fields, beaches, and meadows from the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands for you to enjoy. Your support will enable us to preserve more important land from development.

Wildlife – 150-plus endangered and threatened native species, such as the eastern box turtle and the bald eagle, call these lands home. You can help to protect them by making a gift today.

People – 225,000 children and adults connect with nature annually through our programs, camps, and special events. Your donation will help us grow our education programs and reach new audiences.

We would not be able to achieve so much without you. Thank you!

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!