In Your Words: Gwen Shipley

A lifelong sanctuary visitor turned advocate. 

During my 20+ years involved with Mass Audubon, I have found myself wearing many hats. Growing up visiting Drumlin Farm led me to banding songbirds at the sanctuary during graduate school. From there I joined the Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Committee, volunteered to monitor nestboxes, and became one of Mass Audubon’s Council Co-Leads. My love of nature runs deep, and unable to sit idle I began looking for my next project. 

In 2024, I learned about Mass Audubon’s Rescue Raptors campaign to eliminate the use of anticoagulant rodent poison. I was inspired to dig even deeper and try something I hadn’t before: working on the legislative level. 

I realized that, if we’re going to make a large-scale difference, it really needs to start with policy. And to be able to do that in my own town sounded like a rewarding, impactful mission. 

One day at a local playground, I struck up a conversation with Meaghan Sinclair, a fellow birder who was finishing up Mass Audubon’s Field Naturalist Certificate Program. We quickly decided to join forces to start a Rescue Raptors campaign in our town of Concord, Save Concord Wildlife, with the guidance and support from Mass Audubon’s Climate and Nature Champions program. After months of organizing, in June 2025, our article passed at Town Meeting that will hopefully lead to the eventual ban of anticoagulant rodent poisons in all of Concord.  

When Mass Audubon announced the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition to secure annual funding for nature, I knew I could make a difference, one signature at a time. Talking to registered voters outside grocery stores, at my daughter’s bake sale, at the Fall-o-ween festival at Drumlin Farm, and beyond, everyone agreed—having a consistent source of funding for nature just makes sense. Before I knew it, my signature sheets were filled with support. 

As a high school teacher, my favorite part of being involved in Mass Audubon’s advocacy campaigns is that now I get to show my students how we can work together and approach governmental issues. We need to show the next generation that we haven't given up, we can make change, and we can make a difference.   

Feeling Inspired?

Gwen found her "why", now it's your turn. Join Gwen by advocating for nature in your community and beyond.

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