For over 50 years, the Jayhawk Audubon Society has brought awareness to birding and conservation of the local environment.   

The local chapter is part of the national Audubon Society, which was originally founded in the late 1800s to protect American birds from destruction related to the millinery trade. This has since been expanded to bring awareness to the conservation of birds, other wildlife and healthy ecosystems.  

Kelly Barth, the chapter’s president, has been in her role for just under a year and a member for a little over 20 years. Barth said the activity is very accessible. 

“All you need is a pair of binoculars to go birding,” Barth said.  

Barth said the chapter has just under 500 members and is very active. Barth saw an uptick in birding during COVID-19, as people were outside more. It’s an activity that can be done with others, or people can do it alone. 

“Joining is a free, fabulous way to be outside with like-minded people,” Barth said. 

Roger Boyd is a former professor of biology at Baker University and the field trip coordinator for the Jayhawk Audubon Society.  

Boyd has been part of the Audubon Society since 1976. His passion for birding began right after college in Fort Collins, Colorado, and continued when he moved to the local area.  

Boyd and the chapter have an event with local chapters each summer, and he coordinates and plans two field trips each month.  =

During these field trips, people can experience birding. The local chapter also holds an educational event the last Monday of each month. People can join virtually or in person at the Carnegie Building in Lawrence.  

The field trip events are Saturdays. The Baker University Wetlands is a popular destination because of its diverse bird populations.   

Every year, most chapters hold a Christmas bird count. This event was started by ornithologist Frank Chapman in response to seeing women with elaborate bird feather hats. Chapman’s goal was to change the tradition and to preserve, not hunt, those birds.  

Upcoming events include a field trip from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Baker University Wetlands, and a native plant sale from 10 to 2 p.m. Saturday at One Heart Farm and Nursery in Lawrence.

Reach reporter Nate Clark at [email protected]