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For over 35 years, the North Cascades Audubon Society has represented the
interests and importance of wildlife, habitat and the environment in Whatcom
County. Through scientific research, environmental education, stewardship and
advocacy, NCAS provides a variety of services and opportunities for members
and the public to engage with the natural world. To join NCAS please see our membership page. |
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Scientific Research
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Recent NCAS Scholarship Recipients:
2006: Carly Gelarden, Predicting Riparian Songbird Responses to Dam Removals on the Elwha River ($500)
2007: Jessica Farrer, Seasonal variation in the abundance of harbor seals in Bellingham, Washington ($212.07) and Andy Nelson, Survey of Flora Species and Diversity on Mount Baker, Washington ($230)
2008: Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Changes in haul-out patterns of Pacific Harbor seals in Bellingham Bay, WA. ($367.70), and Lauren Grant, Diet of river otters in the San Juan Island Archipelago, Washington ($300)
2009: Matthew Fisher, The Impacts Of Timber Management On Biodiversity In Forests Of Northwestern Washington ($400).
For Information on our Scholarships: scholarship@northcascadesaudubon.org.
- NCAS supports local scientific research in order to add to the
body of information about local wildlife and the environment.
- Since 1980, the NCAS Scholarship Program has provided grants for over 30 college
students who have completed work on 31 different research projects in the
fields of natural history and ecology. In partnership with the Western
Washington University Biology and Environmental Science departments, student projects have included
species-specific research, assessing impacts to local wildlife populations
and habitat from human activities, water resources, and mapping projects.
- NCAS served as Whatcom County Coordinator for a 5 year, state-wide study of
seabird mortality. NCAS implemented protocol for the study locally, including
training of volunteers, establishment of survey sectors, scheduling and
overseeing surveys and reporting of data.
- NCAS provides access for ecological research at its two natural areas,
Scudder Pond Wetland Preserve and Plover Island.
- NCAS plays an active role in field monitoring the health of local wildlife
populations and natural systems.
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Environmental Education |
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Environmental education is associated with virtually every aspect of chapter
activities. A principle focus of the chapter is to provide opportunities for
members and the public to better understand and appreciate wildlife and
natural systems.
- NCAS Feature Programs. Each month, chapter membership meetings feature a
public program or lecture, often slide-illustrated. Presentations focus on
natural history topics and environmental issues, particularly those which
have a bearing locally ( e.g. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Birds and
Birdwatching in NW Washington, Lake Whatcom Watershed Protection, Nest Box
Building Seminar).
- Field Trips. NCAS conducts 15-20 field trips annually for birdwatching and
nature appreciation. All trips are led by knowledgeable guides and are free
and open to the public. Birdwatching trips are tailored for every age and
level of experience. Many outings take place at some of the regions premier
natural areas.
Publications.
- The Avalanche, published 8 times p/year, is the newsletter of the local
chapter. Each issue contains articles and information about natural history
and environmental topics, often locally oriented. The Avalanche features a
wildlife sightings column, a calendar of upcoming natural history and
environmental events and information of how members and citizens can become
involved in conservation or advocacy efforts.
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Conservation and Stewardship |
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NCAS is involved in numerous activities and projects which promote natural
resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
- Scudder Pond Natural Area and Plover Island
NCAS owns two natural areas in Whatcom County, which are maintained in
order to protect wildlife and habitat. At Scudder Pond, a 2.8 acre, urban
wetland preserve, efforts are currently underway to develop and enhance the
site to raise public awareness of its value. Habitat enhancement efforts and
an educational campaign are ongoing. NCAS maintains a Scudder Pond
Stewardship Program in which volunteers regularly monitor the health of the
site and impacts from human visitation and use.
- Deming Homestead Eagle Park
NCAS volunteers have helped maintain and monitor Whatcom County's
official Bald Eagle viewing park.
- City of Blaine, Marine Park
NCAS contributed signs designating critical avian habitat for
waterfowl, shorebird and seabirds at Marine Park.
- Conservation Committee
NCAS maintains an active conservation committee with sub committees
addressing wildlife and forestry issues.
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Activism/Representation |
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NCAS maintains a strong voice on matters concerning wildlife and the
environment. NCAS has been an effective advocate - locally and nationally -
for increasing protection for our diminishing wildlife and deteriorating
environment.
Participation in Public Involvement Opportunities
- NCAS actively reviews and comments on activities related to wildlife and
the environment. Through conservation committee action, membership
participation and board resoltution NCAS maintains a strong voice for these
interests in local, state, regional and national decision making processes.
- NCAS has been a strong advocate for local and state shoreline protection,
including the Cherry Point marine ecosystem in Whatcom County. NCAS has played a
significant role in the develpment and implementation of state Growth
Management laws in Whatcom County.
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