In December 1974, a passionate group of local conservation activists assembled by Rick and Judy Davis of Longview met with the legendary environmental activist Hazel Wolf to form the Willapa Hills Audubon Society (WHAS) with a shared mission: to support ecologically responsible ways of life, help maintain biologically diverse habitats, and promote environmental understanding and enjoyment of nature. Unique in that its coverage area covers parts of both Washington and Oregon (specifically Cowlitz County, Wahkiakum County, and all parts south of South Bend in Pacific County in Southwest Washington, as well as parts of Columbia County in Northwest Oregon), WHAS has connected people, nature, and place through the wonder of birds. 

Now, 50 years later, WHAS marks an extraordinary milestone: half a century of community birding, environmental education, local stewardship, and collaborative conservation action. 

Over the decades, WHAS has been involved in campaigns aimed at protecting birds and their habitats. As the only local conservation group in the area for much of its history, Steve Puddicombe, WHAS chapter president, said the group has been a vital force in supporting habitats where birds and wildlife live, helping preserve ecological diversity across counties and watersheds, and ensuring birds have safe passage and thriving environments. 

Specifically, Steve highlighted a few of the chapter’s top accomplishments: 

• Leadership in establishing the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in 1982 for research, recreation, and education. 

• Efforts to keep the lower Columbia River estuary an environmentally productive place by opposing a proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in the early 2000s. The plan was effectively shuttered in 2010. 

• Ongoing contributions to Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) program to identify sites that are critical to birds across their life cycle and focus stewardship efforts on protecting these areas. 

• Engaging the public in Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). WHAS sponsors three CBC circles each year: the Willapa Bay Circle, the Wahkiakum Circle, and the Cowlitz Circle. 

“Our chapter is the product of the pioneering conservationists before us and is sustained today by people who really care about the bird world and are committed to advancing our mission,” said Steve. “It’s been a wonderful experience leading and being involved with people at the chapter, state, and national levels. We may face challenges, but our goal is to keep going so we can continue protecting places of importance to birds and people. Audubon is truly a great organization and I’m proud to be a part of it.” 

The 50th anniversary is not just a look back; it's a launching point. It reaffirms WHAS’s dedication to inspiring stewardship in the next generation, to advancing nature-centered learning, and to deepening community ties. Whether through field events or strategic conservation campaigns, WHAS remains steadfast in empowering bird lovers, habitat defenders, and curious minds of all ages. 

Conservation is slow, persistent work, with victories rarely making headlines. This is why we’ll always need dedicated people like Steve, the members of the Willapa Hills Audubon Society, and the next generation of conservation leaders to protect the places birds and people need for survival. 

You are invited to gather on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Skamokawa Grange Hall to celebrate WHAS's 50th Anniversary. Experience an afternoon and evening of birding at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for Columbian White-tailed Deer, hear a special talk by poet, writer, naturalist, and longtime WHAS member Robert Michael Pyle, and enjoy food, drinks, and local entertainment. 

Want to get involved in protecting Willapa Bay and the surrounding areas? WHAC is always seeking new members and volunteers who are interested in birding and engaging in local conservation projects. Please visit the Willapa Hills Audubon Society website or contact Steve Puddicome to learn more.