Chapters & Centers

ACOW 2024: Building Conservation Communities

The Audubon Council of Washington (ACOW) was started by the chapter network in Washington to offer a unique opportunity for collaboration, networking, and shared learning

This year we are fortunate to have national, state, and tribal leaders presenting on issues affecting all of our chapters. Kicking off the event we are pleased to welcome poet Rena Priest, a member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation and former Washington State Poet Laureate who will share poems and reflections that will help us think differently about the intersection of birds and community building.

We will also hear from Lisette Martinez, Chief EDIB Officer at the National Audubon Society, who will share Audubon’s new strategy for building a community that is inclusive, supportive, equitable, and welcoming. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) is a critically important topic as it relates to how chapters here in Washington and across the country build inclusive conservation communities. This presentation will give chapter leaders new tools and ideas for implementing this work at the grassroots level.

We are also extremely excited to welcome Katie Warner and Jackson Wolfe, the student leaders who worked with the Vancouver Audubon Society to establish the first Young Birders Club in the state. Their work was featured in The Columbian newspaper, generating a lot of interest from other chapters about how to establish their own young birder programs and attract the next generation of conservation leaders.

This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what to expect at ACOW 2024. We have a full agenda planned and know you will leave the event with fresh knowledge, newfound inspiration for your chapter programs, and, of course, new friends and deeper connections within our wonderful Audubon community.

When: October 4-6, 2024

Where: South Puget Sound Community College, located in the picturesque city of Lacey, near Olympia. Lacey is known for its natural environment. Nearly 20 percent of the City has been set aside for parks, natural areas, and open space. We'll meet at the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus at 4220 6th Ave SE. We will be in Room 188 and there will be signs pointing you in the right direction!

Agenda: https://nationalaudubon.box.com/s/qo5f8i3en365wyqgtesi353ptphpsnnm

Register here! Registration covers the entire event including meals, all workshops, and field trips. There is also an option for reduced registration in case you can are only attend part of the meeting. https://act.audubon.org/a/acow-2024-registration-1

Field Trips: It's not ACOW without fabulous field trips! This year we are in for a treat with a field trip planned at the iconic Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. No signup is necessary. Black Hills Audubon Society is providing enough field trip leaders for all.

Lodging: We have an Audubon discount and a block of rooms reserved 0.3 miles from the venue at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lacey.

Follow the link here: Audubon Booking Link
Once the link is clicked and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites webpage is open: Click “View Prices”
Scroll down and enter the dates you wish to stay: Click “View Prices”
Leave “Rate Preference” as is and click "view prices" or "compare rooms" (orange or blue button right of dates)
Select room type
Complete booking as usual