The Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS) was founded in 1969 and is the Northwest California chapter of the National Audubon Society. This energetic community of conservation-minded people is active in many ways. Redwood Region Audubon is a volunteer, non-profit organization with approximately 550 members. The chapter relies on the energy and commitment of its members to keep Redwood Region Audubon Society a strong and effective local conservation organization.

Field Trips

RRAS leads birding and other natural history trips to virtually every corner of northwestern California. These trips are fun and educational. All members, school groups, and the general public are invited. The chapter also leads regularly scheduled walks at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge during the winter months. Check the calendar or The Sandpiper for dates and locations. In addition, RRAS is one of the sponsoring organizations for the annual Godwit Days in Arcata and Aleutian Goose Festival in Crescent City, both held in the spring and featuring field trips, workshops, and speakers.

Education

RRAS tries to foster an increased awareness and appreciation of the natural world through education. Working with the schools, RRAS leads local field trips and provides a program of activities for teachers and students called Audubon Adventures. Through our field trips and programs, RRAS offers learning opportunities in bird identification and other natural history topics. Each winter, this Chapter participates in local Christmas Bird Counts as part of a nationwide effort to monitor bird populations. The public joins with members in this endeavor to cover the fifteen mile-wide count circles centered near Ferndale, Arcata, Crescent City and Willow Creek.

Conservation Action

RRAS Chapter objectives also include  action to protect, restore and preserve our natural ecosystem and defend integrity of our national lands. RRAS vigourous conservation committee meets regularly (usually the third Thursday of the month at Golden Harvest Cafe) to evaluate projects on the North Coast that deserve a balanced consideration of all natural resources. RRAS is proud to be watchdogs for a strong land ethic. RRAS works closely with Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Six Rivers National Forest. The conservation committee efforts are closely coordinated with National Audubon Society's programs, with an emphasis on local issues.

Arcata Marsh Walks

Every weekend, RRAS provides a docent to help people discover the ever-changing Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. These restored wetlands on the edge of Humboldt Bay are important habitat for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. There are different leaders each week, knowledgeable about birds, botany, and the natural and cultural history of the area. Meet at the Arcata Marsh, foot of I Street, each Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine.

Programs

Evening programs are offered the second Friday of each month from September through May. Featured are slide shows, movies and talks by experienced naturalists and biologists who share their interest and expertise with members and the public on a variety of topics. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free.

Publications

RRAS publishes The Sandpiper, a monthly newsletter informing members of chapter events, bird sightings, and local environmental issues, and now published in its entirety on the RRAS web page. Monthly articles are published including a column by the president, the Bird of the Month, and other articles by local members. Membership also brings a subscription to the EcoNews, the newsletter of the Northcoast Environmental Center (NEC). The NEC, established in 1971, is a nonprofit environmental institute located at 879 9th Street, Arcata, CA 95521.

RRAS also publishes the Field Checklist of Northwest California Birds, compiled by Dr. Stanley Harris and updated regularly.

Community Involvement

RRAS members also contribute technical expertise and sightings to the RRAS Bird Box at (707) 822-5666. The newest sightings can also be retrieved from this number.

RRAS sponsors scholarship programs which fund wildlife research by Humboldt State University students and environmental projects in public school classrooms. RRAS also funds worthwhile conservation efforts affecting our region.

A major fundraising effort is the Fall Bird-a-Thon. This has traditionally been a fun event for birdwatchers of all levels of expertise.

Redwood Region Audubon Society
P.O. Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502
Last updated August 2007 by Linda Long