Now more than ever it is important that we build a stronger Audubon presence in Virginia, and the Virginia Audubon Council (VAC) is the best way to do that.

VAC is a coalition of the 6 Audubon Chapters in Virginia.  Three times a year, in January, June and October, VAC meets at locations around the state.  Currently VAC’s focus is Virginia’s Important Bird Area Program and providing a platform for sharing of Chapter successes and best practices.

Under the leadership of new CEO David Yarnold, National Audubon is undergoing the process of strategic planning for Audubon.   Of great significance, David Yarnold has included Chapter leaders in the vision and planning process and truly understands the importance of Chapters and grassroots strength to Audubon. Your Chapter can help VAC consider how to best expand Audubon’s wingspan in Virginia.  (Note: the following link will provide more information on Audubon’s strategic planning process: http://chapterservices.audubon.org/news-announcements)

VAC will next meet on Saturday, October 22 at the VCU Rice Center. Mary Elfner, VA’s Important Bird Area Coordinator, will share with VAC Audubon’s vision and help us find ways to implement it here.

And if you haven’t been to the Rice Center, it is an amazing facility on the James River in the Lower James River Important Bird Area.  The building is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified at the Platinum Level – the highest rating.  The bird life is superb.  You can find out more about the Rice Center at http://www.vcu.edu/rice/.

Need more information? Talk to your Chapter VAC representative or contact VAC President John Coe, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more about the Council and the upcoming meeting and how you might get involved.

VAC Chapter Contacts:

• Audubon Society of Northern VA: Bill Brown, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Cape Henry Audubon Society: Candi Delnore; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• N. Neck Audubon S: Rick Skelton or Maggie Gerdts, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Northern Shenandoah Audubon Society: Diane Greco, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Richmond Audubon Society: Margaret O’Bryan, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• VA Beach Audubon: Steve Coari, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it