Dear Friends & Travelers,Mass Audubon, like every other business and organization, has been suddenly confronted with the enormous public health and economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As you may expect, our Natural History Travel program has been hard hit. The financial loss has been unprecedented. In addition, the general instability in the travel industry, the future of the economy, the climate crisis, and the political upheavals around the world are of deep concern to all of us involved. Therefore after much thought and discussion, Mass Audubon has decided to end our international travel program as of May 15. Sanctuary-run tours in the US will not be impacted by this change. I fully support and agree with the decision, and my last day at Mass Audubon will be May 15. The Mass Audubon Natural History Travel program started in the early 1960's when Jim Baird, Chris Leahy, and Peter Alden created and led some of the very first international birding and nature tours. They pioneered many destinations, and those early days were wildly adventurous and deeply educational. During the nearly 60 years of the program, Mass Audubon staff and travelers have shared unique travel and birding experiences in the natural world. I have personally traveled with many of you, and those memories are precious. Thanks to you all for your incredible support and good humor over these many years. I am grateful for the joyous 20+ years I've been here. Managing the Nature History Travel program was a very rewarding job thanks to the interesting work, outstanding organization, incredible staff, and you—the intrepid, interesting travelers. Thank you for all your participation and support for Mass Audubon. Go outside, look up, and listen to the birds! Take care and be safe. —Karen O'Neill, Director of Natural History Travel
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