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Sanctuary magazine
President's Message
A Personal Thank You to Our Members
by Laura Johnson
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 Long before I became the president of Mass Audubon, I was a loyal member who appreciated the organization’s impressive history of conservation. So, in 1999, I was proud and humbled to be named the seventh president of Mass Audubon. And now, thirteen action-packed years later, I have decided to step down by the end of 2012.
Deciding to leave Mass Audubon was a hard choice, but after much thought I concluded that both organizations and people need occasional repotting, and that this is a time for Mass
Audubon and me to undergo that transition. Leading Mass Audubon has been an extraordinary privilege, and I have learned so much here. Now I look forward to applying that knowledge and experience to new endeavors, and I believe that Mass Audubon will benefit from the energy and ideas of a new leader. Rest assured that Mass Audubon is on solid ground as it moves forward in its search for a new president.
As I reflect on the many accomplishments during my tenure, what stands out for me are the people I have been privileged to work with—members, staff, volunteers, partners, and colleagues. Together we have achieved great things, and we have moved toward an even more impressive record of success. Most gratifying are themes spelled out in our strategic plan.
Connecting people and nature. Long a hallmark of Mass Audubon, our programs and sanctuaries provide fun, safe, and educational—indeed transformative—opportunities
for everyone to enjoy and understand nature. We have placed significant emphasis and effort on reaching new audiences, launching urban nature centers and programs, and seeking new partnerships.
Protecting and stewarding habitats. Our outstanding sanctuary system helps safeguard the rich biodiversity of the state, and we have protected more than 6,000 additional acres during my time as president. We continue to aspire to the highest standard of land stewardship, including invasive species management and ecological restoration on our sanctuaries. Our bird conservation work, ranging from the Coastal Waterbird Program to our recently published State of the Birds, has had an enormous impact.
Responding to climate change. This past decade, we have been forced to grapple with this looming threat and decide what Mass Audubon can and should do. We have responded by reducing our own carbon footprint by more than 40 percent, seeking to educate ourselves and others about climate change, and advocating for a renewable and clean energy future.
It will be many months before I officially step down, and when I do I will remain a proud member. In the meantime, I promise that we will continue to move ahead together with our ambitious agenda of conservation, education, and advocacy. Please accept my personal thanks to each of you for your generous support through the years.
Laura Johnson, President
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