Dear members,

As we approach summer, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the mission and values of the Audubon Society of Omaha. Our organization is committed to the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats, as well as promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of nature. We believe that all people have a role to play in this effort, and we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.

With this in mind, I would like to bring to your attention to a matter that has been under discussion by our Board of Directors in recent months. Specifically, we have been considering the possibility of changing the name of our local Audubon Society, due to the negative history surrounding John J. Audubon, the 19th-century naturalist and artist for whom our organization is named.

While Audubon is widely recognized as a pioneer of American ornithology, and his art continues to inspire and educate people around the world, it is also true that he held deeply troubling views on race and ethnicity. As we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society, we believe that it is important to acknowledge and address these historical realities, and to ensure that our organization’s name reflects our commitment to these values.

We recognize that this is a complex and sensitive issue, and we want to hear from our members before making any decisions. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on this matter by emailing us at audubonomaha@gmail.com no later than August 31, 2023. Your feedback will help inform our discussions and guide our decision-making process.

In the meantime, I want to emphasize that our commitment to the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats remains unchanged. We will continue to work tirelessly toward these goals, and we look forward to doing so with your support and participation.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our mission, and for your contributions to our Audubon Society of Omaha community.