A Season to Celebrate
Winter is a time when the natural world tends to slow down. Many species of wildlife hibernate and even some people may retreat indoors. But here at Mass Audubon, there are no signs of slowing down—in fact it's just the opposite as our Action Agenda is propelling us forward at groundbreaking speed.
One area where our work has really ramped up is around our efforts to support and fund nature-based climate solutions. Right now, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to effect real change in the climate fight, thanks to unprecedented, multi-billion-dollar government funding programs. Mass Audubon's work to drive $1 Billion for Nature & Climate is taking advantage of this opportunity.
Responding to climate change is also one of the Action Agenda's top three priorities, along with advancing Inclusive and Equitable Access to Nature and a commitment to protecting Resilient Landscapes. This issue of Explore focuses on all three.
In Your Words introduces Nia Keith, Mass Audubon’s first vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice—promoted to this inaugural position after more than a decade as a science educator, including most recently as Mass Audubon's climate change education manager.
"Sweet Dreams are Made of Trees" connects the dots between the annual rite of maple sugaring and how we can make forests more resilient for vulnerable forest bird species.
Be sure to read "How to Dress for Winter Adventures" so you will be ready to enjoy one of my favorite excursions—"Winter Birding on Plum Island". Our work on coastal resilience will directly benefit the birds you may see along this coastal sand barrier, which has been eroded by rising seas and stronger storms.
Don't let cold, shorter days keep you from getting outside and taking action. Celebrating nature means experiencing it year-round and taking care of it—and we can't do it without you.
Many thanks,
David J. O'Neill