 ANNUAL REPORT MISSION & VISION Audubon made enormous progress in aligning its national programs corps of future conservation leaders. Audubon’s science and policy and priorities with the new Strategic Plan developed by David Yarnold team continues as a state-wide leader in the protection of priority The mission of Audubon Connecticut and the Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society. Our bird habitats both inland and along the coast. Our Audubon At is to further the protection of birds, organization-wide priorities are to 1) manage forests, farms and other Home and Bird-Friendly Community efforts reached new heights. other wildlife and their habitats through working lands to benefit birds; 2) engage beachgoers and coastal This report summarizes our successes in Connecticut of the past year. residents in sharing our shores with birds to improve the survival science, education, advocacy and Clearly, the central objectives of Audubon’s Strategic Plan are and breeding success of key species; 3) deploy strategies to ensure integral to our efforts. We are acting at a larger scale to improve the conservation, for the benefit of humanity the health and viability of critically important bird habitats through protection of birds and their habitats and engaging a greater number our IBA program; 4) develop climate adaptation strategies that and the earth’s biological diversity. of people in intelligent conservation actions to achieve those goals. reduce risks associated with sea level rise and an increased frequency Our vision is a Connecticut with a rich of major storms; and 5) create bird-friendly communities and cities. Our chapters, members, stewardship boards, donors, conservation partners and staff all helped make this happen.With your support, and diverse natural heritage, where there Thanks to you, Audubon Connecticut has accomplished much in we can do even more in the year to come for birds and other wildlife the past year. In 2012, our Centers in Greenwich, Sharon and is ample habitat for birds and other and for the world we share.Thank you for your ongoing love of Southbury served tens of thousands of children and adults, elevating wildlife, where a majority of its people birds and nature and for your support for all that Audubon does conservation and science literacy and growing a strong and informed appreciate and participate in the natural to make our world a better place. environment, and whose children are THOMAS R. BAPTIST educated and motivated to become the Executive Director conservation leaders of tomorrow. Connecticut River, the first National Blueway audubonct.org Merlin SAVING CONNECTICUT’S IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS

Important Bird Areas Spotlight: Once a historical nesting area for Roseate Terns, Menunketesuck Menunketesuck & Duck Island IBA Island (15.1 acres) is one of the most important nesting areas for American Oystercatchers in the state and supports a small colony LOCATION: ° ' W, ° ' N of Common Terns. Nearly connected to the mainland by muddy Duck and Menunketesuck Islands are two small, undeveloped flats during low tide, many Dunlin, Sanderling, Purple Sandpipers, islands off the coast of Westbrook. Coastal islands are a rare natural and Ruddy Turnstones feed in intertidal zone and roost on the resource in Connecticut. This IBA includes 200 acres of intertidal rocky shore in migration and winter. flats and shell/sandbars and is critical nesting habitat for priority The Duck Island Natural Area Preserve (5.6 acres) sits across from species and valuable forage areas for migratory birds traveling the the mouth of the Menunketesuck River and is the largest Egret Atlantic Flyway. rookery in eastern Connecticut. With small trees and more mature vegetation, 25+ pairs of Great Egret and 50-100 pairs of Snowy Spotted Sandpiper Egret share their roosts with nesting Glossy Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Little Blue Heron. In late winter, 10,000+ gulls and large flocks of Atlantic Brant, Green-winged Teal, and Greater Scaup are seen feeding in the waters around the islands.

Declared an IBA in 2002, this important resource is constantly challenged by recreational users, invasive species, and water pollution and exemplifies the National Audubon Society’s work to ‘share our shores’ with coastal birds in peril. Menunketesuck Island & Duck Island are rare, undeveloped To get involved with protecting unique IBAs like this one, contact refuges in Long Island Sound. Between the islands, acres of tidal Patrick Comins, Director of Bird Conservation, at 203-264-5098. flats team with shellfish and marine invertebrates that fuel hungry shorebirds as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. CREATING BIRD-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES

People in cities and suburbs can play a critical role in helping foster • Audubon Connecticut’s centers have created new Audubon At Bird Count and hundreds more took part in the Christmas healthy wildlife populations and Audubon Connecticut is helping Home exhibits and outdoor information kiosks to share tips Bird Counts, the New Haven Breeding Bird Atlas, and people lead the way with an active Audubon At Home (AAH) with visitors how to create their own wildlife sanctuary at home migratory bird foraging and abundance surveys. program. or at the office. • School grounds and community gardens are ideal places for • In 2012, Audubon initiated the ‘Master Bird Conservationist • The AAH Habitat Recognition Program assessed 1,400 acres of students to study and for birds to forage and find homes. Program’ and graduated its first 30 participants. With training in private, municipal, and public lands, providing each land owner With funding from the National Fish and Wildlife ornithology, conservation biology, and field identification, the with a customized site assessment they can use to improve the Foundation, the Long Island Sound Study, and the Fairfield new recruits played a key role in the 2012 field season. Audubon backyard landscape for birds and other wildlife. County Community Foundation, Audubon has worked greatly appreciates their volunteer efforts and is excited for the with over 2,050 students from five schools in Stamford, • Citizen Science is the backbone of grassroots bird conservation. new recruits participating in the 2013 training and field season. Guilford, and New Haven to create new, wildlife-friendly This year, 512 volunteers collected data for the Great Backyard gardens that provide places for outdoor studies and enhance schoolyard habitat.

• With support from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, Audubon’s Urban Oases program has helped Cove Island Park in Stamford & East Shore Park in New Haven to create Urban Oases demonstration gardens to teach park users about native plants that attract and feed migrating songbirds.

To learn how to landscape for wildlife, get organic lawn care tips, or to enroll your company or school in the AAH Habitat Recognition Program, contact Taralynn Reynolds at 203-869-5272 x236. Students exploring schoolyard habitats at Rogers International School in Stamford PUTTING WORKING LANDS TO WORK FOR BIRDS & PEOPLE

Managing Land for Bird Habitat Pristine Forest Donated to Audubon Best management practices on farms and forests are key for the survival of more Audubon’s crowning land acquisition this year was the 162-acre than 82 threatened grassland, shrubland and forest bird species across the nation. Andrew Pasquariello Audubon Sanctuary in West Hartland, CT. By partnering with landowners, Audubon ensures a bright future for birds like Development of this property would have struck a blow in the heart Eastern Meadowlark, Prairie Warbler, and Wood Thrush that all depend on large of the Barkhamsted forest, one of the largest unfragmented forested tracts of properly managed habitat. landscapes in Connecticut.

Audubon’s forest, shrubland and grassland conservation work focuses on the most The pristine habitats support a diverse array of northern hardwood important habitat identified using by scientific tools to maximize impact. and conifer forest bird species including: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, and Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Innovative new projects from this past year include: Canada, and Blackburnian Warblers (cover photo). • Audubon hosted Forest Stewardship workshops on bird conservation Thanks to the generosity of Edith and Anna Pasquariello, this site is techniques with 255 landowners who own and manage over 10,000 acres now permanently protected by Audubon. Sadly, Anna Pasquariello of prime forest habitat. passed away on March 31, 2012 but she told her nephew that • Forest Habitat Assessments were conducted on 590 acres and Forest Management ensuring the permanent protection of her beloved property was one Plans were created for 1,700 acres. These personalized recommendations greatly of the happiest moments of her life. improve the owner’s ability to manage the landscapes for biodiversity and in the long run will improve Audubon’s bird conservation outcomes.

150 acres of valuable • The Atlantic Flyway Forest Project team and Audubon Connecticut’s science Bobolink habitat was staff conducted a GIS analysis that identified 559,876 acres of high priority restored in Sharon, forest habitats. With this new information, Audubon can efficiently prioritize Connecticut. its preservation efforts and create new alliances with owners of critical habitats Black-throated Black-throated Blue Warbler Green Warbler Deep, unfragmented forests are the highlight of the and wildlife corridors. new Andrew Pasquariello Audubon Sanctuary. SHARING OUR SEAS AND SHORES Roseate Terns

coordinate 70 volunteer bird stewards who logged 1,800 hours Piping Plover adult and chick protecting 18 priority beach nesting sites in Connecticut. • Audubon staff and volunteers conducted 254 migratory shorebird surveys collecting data vital to determining population trends and identifying important stopover sites. Audubon greatly appreciates the volunteer’s efforts and is excited to train new recruits in 2013. • In 2013, Audubon will launch the ‘Audubon WildLife Guards: A Coastal Stewardship and Youth Conservation Training Program’ in partnership with Bridgeport and the Student Conservation Association. The program provides green job training, mentoring, and employment opportunities to high Long Island Sound’s shoreline attracts thousands of birds and people school students who will work alongside Audubon’s biologists throughout the year. But during the nesting season, it presents an as Wildlife Guards monitoring and raising public awareness issue for shorebirds who nest on busy beaches. To raise awareness about the birds that call Pleasure Beach home. This IBA is part about this bird conservation challenge, Audubon has trained new of the largest barrier beach in the state and along with Long volunteers in tried and true methods for protecting coastal birds. Beach is one of the most important nesting areas for Least Terns and Piping Plovers in the state. • In 2012, Audubon, with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund, To learn more about these initiatives & how to help our work in worked with the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Stewart the field, contact Audubon Connecticut’s Important Birds Areas B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and the Connecticut Coordinator, Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, at the Bent of the River office in Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to Southbury at 203-264-5098 x310 or visit www.audubonct.org. PROTECTING PRIORITY BIRDS AND THEIR HABITATS

Shaping Policy with Science & Vision Significant policy initiatives resulting in new funding and improved • Endorsement of $3.96 million for water quality and habitat Working with federal, state and municipal partners and fellow protections for birds and habitats include: stewardship programs through the EPA LIS Study and LIS Futures conservation organizations, Audubon played a lead role in key • Passage of Public Act 152, An Act Concerning the State’s Open Fund programs. conservation victories this year. In recognition of our efforts, we Space Plan, that will help step-up the State’s efforts to protect our • Support for $1.5 million from Land and Water Conservation Funds received two national awards: the Teaming with Wildlife Member living and working landscapes for wildlife and people. for additions to the Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Achievement Award; and a Coastal America Award for our • Backing for $478,000 in federal funds for State Wildlife Grants conservation teamwork at Long Beach West in Stratford. • Successful defense of Connecticut’s precedent-setting school pesticide law against roll back, a move that would have allowed for that support 60% of DEEP’s non-game wildlife programming. As leaders in the restoration and protection of Long Island greater use of pesticides at places where vulnerable young children We worked closely with lawmakers and the Natural Resources Sound (LIS), we joined Senator Lieberman, Senator Blumenthal, play and established IPM as a state standard. Conservation Service to establish the watershed-wide LIS Multi-State Governor Malloy, DEEP Commissioner Esty and others for a LIS • Commitment of $94 million in state bond funding for Clean Water Partnership that has already brought $400,000 in new funding to our Roundtable in August 2012 that explored new ways to meet our Fund projects, a record level of funding for this essential program. state for water quality improvement, habitat protection and stewardship collective goals. Audubon’s steadfast commitment to science-based of forests and other working lands. public policy and collaborative conservation is helping us achieve • Approval of $5 million in state bond fund and $3.7 million in our bird conservation mission by generating new opportunities and Community Investment Act revenue for Open Space Matching Audubon Connecticut also plays a lead role in the Friends of the Conte fostering cooperative conservation planning at many levels. Grants that are on track to protect nearly 2,730 acres statewide. National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and works with partners to secure funding for land acquisitions. This year alone, 49 acres were added to the Salmon River Division in CT; 32 acres of prime grasslands were American Oystercatcher Nelson’s Sparrow Long-billed Dowitcher added in the Fort River Division in MA to protect Bobolinks; and the 56-acre former estate of legendary ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson was preserved in Lyme, CT. By crafting innovative public policies, forging strong relationships and maintaining a visible presence at the Connecticut General Assembly and With the Salmon and Fort River additions, the Silvio O. Conte U.S. Congress, Audubon has become a valuable leader influencing how National Fish & Wildlife Refuge totals 35,493 acres, providing future generations will experience nature in New England. a natural legacy for generations to come. Audubon Center at the Bent of the River protects 660 acres that are CENTERS ALONG THE ATLANTIC FLYWAY well suited for nesting grassland and shrubland birds.

Connecting People to Nature The Atlantic Flyway Audubon centers in Sharon, Southbury, and Greenwich are active In the eastern United States, millions of birds follow the Atlantic hubs for conservation. Through schools groups, weekend programs Flyway braving storms, oceans, mountains, predators, habitat and special events, staff greet and visit thousands of people in their fragmentation, all while traversing the most populated region communities. These numbers include over 400 people in shorebird of the Americas. To our and forest workshops and over 10,000 people visiting Audubon’s Blue-winged delight, many birds find wildlife festivals. Warbler respite in our sanctuaries Public Programs 19,584 throughout the state where School Students 10,943 Audubon can study their Special Events 4,642 populations and take Day Campers 665 conservation measures to Self-Guided Visitors 17,547 Total Visitors 53,381 ensure their survival.

Raptor Migration Research Witnessing the wonders The Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch at Audubon Greenwich conducted of nature when young can become lessons its 26th year of full-time hawk counting. The dedicated hawk that last a lifetime. watchers led by Luke Tiller counted a record breaking 25,745 raptors from 18 different species heading southward on their migration. This effort is assisted by dozens of volunteers, seven days a week, and the carefully collected data is contributed to the Raptor Population Index and other scientific studies.

To sign up for updates on Audubon events at a center near you, contact Audubon’s Communications Manager at 203-869-5272 x239. CELEBRATING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS FUNDING CONSERVATION IN CONNECTICUT

On April 26, 2012, Audubon Connecticut honored Jayni Chase Jayni Chase was presented the Environmental Leadership Award Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2012 Hooded Warbler and Kathryn D. Wriston at the annual Environmental Leadership for her outstanding work engaging thousands of children and (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012) Awards Dinner in Greenwich. families in environmental education. Among other achievements, she founded the Center for Environmental Education in 1988 to Thanks to donors like you, Audubon Connecticut has maintained and enhanced its conservation, help K-12 teachers and students with resources needed to build education, and policy programs. The successes fueling our growth are only possible because of effective environmental education programs. your generosity. Individuals, corporations, foundations and partner organizations contributed Kathryn Wriston was given the Lifetime Achievement Award $1,698,025 and Audubon’s sustaining endowments from legacy gifts & bequests yielded more for her deep involvement with land conservation in western than $1.2 million in operating revenue for fiscal year 2012. The board and staff of Audubon Connecticut and eastern New York. She and her late husband, Connecticut are grateful to donors for their leadership and far-sighted gifts of support. Walter B. Wriston, worked for more than 45 years to preserve over 650 acres of pristine forest in Connecticut which will be managed REVENUE % EXPENSES % by Audubon as a permanent sanctuary. INVESTMENT INCOME CENTERS & SANCTUARIES ,, % ,, % After guests enjoyed comments from the Master of Ceremonies % % %  Chevy Chase, the event was stolen by the honorees whose % INDIVIDUALS DEVELOPMENT % , , acceptance speeches each described why environmental education % % % is a critical component in young people’s development, and how FOUNDATIONS % NAS SUPPORT SERVICES , , Audubon is an essential partner in these efforts. % % % The event is the largest fundraiser of the year and its 300 generous EARNED INCOME SCIENCE % , % guests raised $602,500 for Audubon’s land preservation, scientific, , and education initiatives statewide. % % GOVERNMENT & POLICY Chevy and Jayni Chase with Kathryn D. Wriston at the 2012 CORPORATE GRANTS , Environmental Leadership Awards Dinner. TOTAL: ,, , TOTAL: ,, The Darrell Harvey Family Joel Oppenheimer, Inc. Northern Catskills Audubon Diane & Bruce Terry Meline Dickson Mulé Family Foundation WINGS OF SUPPORT American Kestrel fledgling with new bands Foundation, Inc. Ellis & Stephen Johnson Society Marion & Jay Twyman The Dobson Foundation Inc. Dorothy Obre Delamar Hotel Julia & Marc Johnson Keith & Bonnie Novek U.S. Chemicals, LLC Todd Eagle Nancy F. Perkins Audubon Connecticut is very grateful for the generous support and Margaret W. DeMarrais & Laura E. Kaehler & John Motay Laura & Kevin O’Donohue U.S. Trust Carlos & Rosemary Ferrer Positive Energy Electricity Charlie Paley commitment given by following individuals, organizations, and John & Jacqueline Keeshan Mairead E. O’Sullivan & Union Savings Bank Bruce P. Fogwell, Jr. Supply, LLC Ann & Michael deV. Flinn Arthur E. Landi Robert & Jane Keiter Gloria B. Van Norden Eleanor R. Forrow Melanie Boissevain Pray corporations in 2011-2012. Karen A. Dixon Benjamin Olewine, IV James & Susan Kemp Roxanne & Hugh B. Sheila Frantz Cynthia W. Priest Thomas & Maureen Dore Ellen & William Oppenheim Marie-France & René Kern Vanderbilt, Jr. The Garrett and Mary Moran Mark Racanelli Julia & Tom Dunn Gary & Jane Palmer $100,000 + $10,000 - $24,999 $5,000 - $9,999 James & Amy King Joan M. Warburg Family Foundation Dennis Riordan Jodie & John Eastman Shonu & Vinay Pande Gerrish H. Milliken Foundation The 1830 Family Foundation Jebb Allen Agnew John & Page Knox Lyn Westsmith J. Suzanne Geiss Robbins Amy & Matthew Rogell, M.D. The Finn Family Foundation, Inc. Pepsi Beverages Company Sonia & Paul Tudor Jones, II Ashforth Properties, Inc. John & R. Ellen Avellino Katja & Stefan Knupfer Claire & Thomas Whelan Goldman, Sachs & Co. Lucinda & Brian Ross Sabrina Forsythe Alexandra & Frederick Peters Mrs. Henry A. Ashforth, Jr. Annie & David Bingham, M.D. Betsy & Douglas Korn Cynthia & Christopher Willis Amy & Sidney Goodfriend Toni Lynn Ross $50,000 - $99,999 Suzanne & Ramsey Frank Eda & Jeffrey Peterson Nanny & Marty Cannon Jude Braunstein Lamando Family Foundation Wolstencroft Family Foundation Granata Sign Company Rotary Club of Larchmont Michelle Frankel Leslie & Michael Petrick East Coast Home + Design Carolyn Foundation Frank & Susan Carroll Edward & Annie Lamont Kirk B. Wortman Greenwich Woman’s Club Leah & Bob Rukeyser Magazine L. Scott & Icy Frantz Lydia & Barrett Petty Gardeners Community Foundation Carole & Andrew Clarkson Jewett Langdon MacLise Wendy & Peter Wright Jennifer Ryan The Jeniam Foundation Gerald M. Freedman & Clare M. Pierson & Christopher L. Hartwell for Greater New Haven ~ The Coughlin Group Nora & Rob Leary George Zepko Deb & Chris Sawch The M.L.E. Foundation, Inc. Quinnipiac River Fund Kristin King Peter J. Humphrey Suzanne & Richard Hogan Andrea de Cholnoky & Audrey & Henry Levin Georgene M. Schmidt Joseph & Barbara Ellis Lynn Elise Friend Kirsten & Andrew Pitts $500-$999 Meg Kilgore Scott Wilson D. Roger & Florence Liddell Radhika Sehgal $25,000 - $49,999 Gager, Emerson, Rickart, Wes & Lexie Poole Fairfield County Community Peter Aaron Don & Mimi Kirk Georgia Shafer & Steven Suriani Andrew & Connan Ashforth Deutsche Bank Bower & Scalzo, LLP Lindmor Foundation Foundation, Inc. Sarah K. de Coizart Article Pam Bent John & Glenda Burkhart Matthew & Maria Popp Janet Allison & Gary M. Lovett Robert B. Kirkpatrick Kathy & John Edwards Diana & Thomas Maguire Paul & Catherine Shaffer Eunice & Robert Burnett Elaine & Lou Hecht 10th Trust Alexandra & Seth Bergstein Tiffany Burnette & Giuliano & Richardson, LLC Lolly H. Prince Anonymous Klingenstein Fund Sharon Hospital The Carl and Marsha Hewitt Debby & William Ethridge Richard & Barbara Scalo Don Casturo Gloria M. & Benjamin Joseph & Gail Mahoney Helen & Ritter Shumway Berkshire Taconic Community R. T. Vanderbilt Trust Henry & Francie Ashforth Joyce P. Leiz Foundation, Inc. Kathleen & Howard Fuhr Olewine, III, Charitable Jeffrey & Jean Shaw Foundation Edmund Schwesinger, Jr. Foundation ~ Dr. Mary Alice Linda & Mark Camel, M.D. Donald Mayland The Rita and Alex Hillman Lead Annuity Trust Thomas A. Ashforth Lindemann Abend Foundation Sandy Elson Slemmer & Community Foundation Linherr & Dana GE Volunteers Foundation Jeffrey & Cathy Siegal White Environmental Fund Leigh & Ben Carpenter Jennifer & James McCarroll Foundation for Greater New Haven ~ Green Mountain Digital Robert & Karen Askins Litchfield Bancorp Dave Slemmer Hollingsworth Lile & John Gibbons The Susan Finkelstein Berkshire Taconic Community Virginia & Richard Case Tracy & Joseph Merrill River Wildlife Studio Naomi Law Terrell Foundation ~ Oppenheimer Berkshire Taconic Community Neil Lubarsky & Howard Sobel & Ileene Smith The John L. and Sue Ann Darcy & John Hadjipateras Charitable Trust Michael Chambers David B. Gropper, M.D. Steven & Nevine Michaan Foundation Fund Environmental Fund Aileen Rosen Foundation ~ Fleming Fund Stephanie Ohl Lubarsky Weinberg Foundation Lauren & Gray W. Theodore Cross Family The Hallingby Family John & Marina Stern Dalio Family Foundation The Chapman/Perelman Microsoft Matching Gift Royce Family Fund Inc. Hampton, III Charitable Foundation Judith L. Biggs Foundation Robert H. Blumberg John D. Lynch Susan & Warren Stern Eaddo & Peter Kiernan Foundation Program Jan Schaefer & Francois de Visscher Michelle & John Binnie Hecht and Company Jeanne R. Boynton Annesley R. MacFarlane Kristina & Frank Loverro Holbrook Travel Tools for Life, Inc. Jayni & Chevy Chase Magdalena & Lisandro Miguens Roy Abramowitz William N. Vaughan Deupree Family Foundation Allison & Frederic A. Philanthropic Fund Bert Boyson & Ruth N. Holt Richard & Linda Mackool Katie & Donal O'Brien The Johnson-Stillman Family The William & Mary Greve Jonathan & Priscilla Clark Jane-Kerin Moffat Science Education Center Taylor B. Wagenseil Disney Worldwide Foundation Foundation Inc. Bourke, III Kathleen Hefferle Joann Chandler Leslie J. Maclise-Kane Matthew & Melissa Watson Conservation Fund The Oaklawn Foundation Lee & Barbara Collins William & Mary Sue Morrill Diana G. Serrell Joni & Kevin Kimberlin Jessica & Basil Zirinis Mary Breasted Smyth & Ginger & Donald Heller Seung Wha Chang Neil & Elizabeth McCarthy Webster Bank, N.A. McKelvy Family Foundation, Inc. Martha & Krishen Sud Ted Smyth Wylie & Jennifer Collins William & Susan Morris Susan & Eugene Shanks Stephen & Susan Mandel Scott E. Heth & Coastal Point Construction, LLC Steve & Ingrid McMenamin Robert Wilson Holt Thrasher & Russell & Frederica Connecticut Community James & Vickie Munsell Dee Dee & Rob Sherman MJPM Foundation Paul Markovits $1,000 - $4,999 Laurie M. Fortin The Connaught Group, Ltd. Millbrook Garden Club Inc. Juliet Bakker Thrasher Brenneman Foundation Frank & Margaret Nash Carter & Talbott Simonds Sandra W. Wilson Kit & Robert Rohn Jeanne M. Mininall & Anonymous Alex & Grace Hillman Bea & Woolsey Conover Church & Cara Moore Amber L. Turner Edie Brickell & Paul Simon John & Kimberly Conte Nautilus Foundation, Inc. John Winthrop, Jr. Stewart Foundation Bank of America Charitable Catherine & Blake Holden Barrie & Nick Somers Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D. Arthur Bass Lisa D'Urso John H. Moorhead Foundation Brown Penny Fund Langdon & Lyn Cook Arnold & Hilda Neis George & Keiko Sorenson Laurie Thomson & Kristen & David Oddi Housatonic Audubon Society Barbara O. David Morgan Stanley Wheels in the Woods Elaine Buckberg & Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Mr. & Mrs. Don H. Nelson Audubon Connecticut also Andy Chisholm Overhills Foundation Thomas & Valentina Baptist IBM Matching Grants Program Lisa & Christopher Stout Foundation Timothy J. Helwick Foundation Inc Lucy & Nathaniel Day Linda & Edwin Morgens thanks the 1,421 other generous Kathryn D. Wriston Philip & Susan Bartels Christine & William Nichols Calhoun R. Sumrall The Wolverine Foundation Jill & Geoffrey Raker Lucy & Frederick Danziger James G. Rogers Architects Annemarie Deluca Keith Mueller donors who gave up to $500. H. Gilman & Ellen Nichols Swordspoint Foundation Audubon Connecticut Audubon Center Board of Directors Board of Directors Connan Ashforth, New Canaan Greenwich Sharon Bent of the River Robert Askins, Ph. D., Ledyard Allison Bourke, Greenwich Margaret DeMarrais, Sharon, Treasurer Jerry Bonvisuto, Oxford David Bingham, M.D., Salem John Conte, Greenwich Gerald Freedman, Sharon, Chair Kathy S. Bower, Southbury Russell L. Brenneman, Westport Denice Crettol, Bedford, NY James Levy, West Cornwall Bert Boyson, Southbury Eunice Burnett, Greenwich Debby Ethridge, Old Greenwich Donald Mayland, Lakeville, Vice Chair David Gropper, Danbury, Chair Marty Cannon, Greenwich, Chair Ann Flinn, Greenwich William McKelvy, Lakeville Hilda Henriques, Southbury Michael Chambers, Stamford, Treasurer Lauren Hampton, Greenwich, Chair Lynn Meehan, Salisbury James J. King, Southbury Carole Clarkson, New Canaan Carl Hewitt, Greenwich, Vice Chair Sandy Slemmer, Winsted, Secretary John J. Pittari, Jr., Woodbury Andrea de Cholnoky, Greenwich John Knox, Greenwich, Treasurer Fred Plescia, Southbury Kathy Edwards, New Canaan Jennifer McCarroll, Mt. Kisco, NY Jeff Shamas, Monroe Gerald Freedman, Sharon Jane-Kerin Moffat, Greenwich* David Gropper, M.D., Danbury Gary Palmer, Cos Cob* Matthew Kolk, Fairfield Eda Peterson, Greenwich Frank Loverro, Greenwich Lolly Prince, Greenwich, Vice Chair Jeanne Mininall, Greenwich Jeff Siegal, Riverside Jane-Kerin Moffat, Greenwich George Sorenson, Old Greenwich Emily A. B. Nissley, New Canaan Roxanne Vanderbilt, Greenwich Katie O’Brien, New Canaan * Honorary Board Members Ben Olewine, Redding Dennis Riordan, New Haven Richard Scalo, Easton, Vice Chair Martha Sud, Greenwich Amber Turner, Greenwich During their spring journey north to nest, Mourning Retired in 2012: Warblers are one of the many songbirds that forage John Avellino & David Leff in Connecticut’s natural places. Audubon Connecticut Staff Members SUPPORT ~ SPEAK OUT ~ ENGAGE

State Office Audubon Sharon Audubon Connecticut is grateful to these photographers Who to Call Thomas R. Baptist, Executive Director Scott Heth, Center Director for donating their beautiful images for the report: To Support An Initiative or Center: Alexandra Breslin, Director of Governmental Affairs Mike Dudek, Land Manager Front Cover: Melissa Groo (Blackburnian Warbler) Page 2: Melissa Groo (MERL) John Hannan, Director of Development Patrick Comins, Director of Bird Conservation Wendy Miller, Education Program Manager Page 3: Patrick Comins (SPSA) 203-869-5272 x234 | [email protected] Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, IBA Program Coordinator Erin O’Connell, Wildlife Rehabilitation & Page 4: Melissa Groo (SPSA) Michelle Frankel, Deputy Director of Development Outreach Coordinator Page 5: Patrick Comins For Advocacy and Public Policy Matters: John Hannan, Director of Development Mel Paskell, Building Manager Page 6: Scott Heth, Kate Plague, Jim Murtagh Sandy Breslin, Director of Governmental Affairs Page 7: Kate Plague Liz Newman, Finance Manager David Paton, Caretaker Page 8: A.J. Hand (BOBO) 203-264-5098 x302 | [email protected] Taralynn Reynolds, Audubon At Home Coordinator Page 9: Melissa Groo (BTBW & BTNW), For Audubon At Home (AAH) Inquiries: Tiffany Witmer, Development Officer Audubon at the Bent of the River Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe Leslie Kane, Center Director Page 10: Mark Szantyr (PIPL) Taralynn Reynolds, AAH Coordinator Page 11: Melissa Groo (ROST) Audubon Greenwich Jim Drennan, Land Manager 203-869-5272 x236 | [email protected] Page 12: Mark Szantyr (NESP), Karen Dixon, Center Director Ken Elkins, Education Program Manager Melissa Groo (AMOY & LBDO) For Center News (Southbury, Sharon, or Greenwich): Andy Chapin, Land Steward Page 13: Patrick Comins Jeff Cordulack, Events & Communications Manager Piping Plover eggs at Griswold Point Page 14: Scott Heth, Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe (BWWA) Jeff Cordulack, Events & Communications Manager Page 15: Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe 203-869-5272 x239 | [email protected] John Fairty, Facilities Manager Page 16: Elaine Ubiña James Flynn, Education Specialist Page 17: Al Erickson (HOWA) Edward (Ted) Gilman, Education Specialist Page 18: Scott Heth (AMKE) Participants in Audubon Connecticut’s Master Bird Conservationist Program Page 20: Ken Elkins Gigi Lombardi, Program Registrar & Store Clerk learn about coastal birds on a field trip to Stratford Point. Page 21: Melissa Groo (MOWA) Page 23: Patrick Comins (PIPL) Back Cover: Melissa Groo (Green Heron) Report Editor: Jeff Cordulack Milford Point/Wheeler Marsh WMA/Mouth of the Housatonic River Graphic Design: Seaside Design LLC This Annual Report is proudly printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Audubon Center at Bent of the River Audubon Greenwich Audubon Sharon 185 East Flat Hill Road 613 Riversville Road 325 Cornwall Bridge Road Southbury, CT 06488 Greenwich, CT 06831 Sharon, CT 06069 bentoftheriver.audubon.org greenwich.audubon.org sharon.audubon.org AUDUBONCT.ORG | 203-869-5272 203-264-5098 203-869-5272 860-364-0520