Protecting biodiversity (the variety of life on our planet including all plants, animals, fungi, bacteria) is essential for maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems (and life as we know it). Our own survival depends on the health and preservation of biodiversity & wilderness. Without such preservation we 1) risk the loss of nutrient-rich soils, clean water, pollination, 2) we’re at a higher risk of disease outbreaks, 3) warming greenhouse gases are free to build up in our atmosphere, 4) we lose the richness and cultural vitality that other species and lifeforms bring into our lives… to name a few ramifications.
Though one might more readily think of rainforests and faraway places when it comes to protecting biodiversity, it’s also highly important for us to do our best to preserve species in our local, urban environments. This month’s environmental non-profit feature is the Patterson Park Audubon Center, a group working hard to protect birds and the habitats they rely upon. Read on and learn more about the Audubon Center!
What is your mission?
To protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
How long have you been around / are you connected to other organizations?
Patterson Park Audubon Center has been active in Baltimore communities since 2002. We are part of National Audubon Society but act more like a small, local non-profit, working closely with communities. We also must raise all funds ourselves to support our programs and projects in Baltimore.
What have you accomplished in Baltimore that we should know about?
Patterson Park Audubon Center is a proud Baltimore leader in environmental education, bird conservation, and community revitalization. City parks are our “classrooms” for exploring nature. Our approach is collaborative, listening first to community needs rather than leading with our objectives. We seek the intersections between neighborhood goals and our mission, often finding them in opportunities to clean and green Baltimore City. These beautification projects meet our environmental mission, reducing trash headed into our waterways and planting flowering gardens that feed birds and butterflies. We also work with other non-profits, and some of our strongest partners don’t have environmental missions; these collaborations allow for diverse strengths and perspectives in partnership with Baltimore residents.
We use creativity and innovation to address issues to solve problems. A great example is Audubon’s Bird Ambassadors program, which was designed around the connection that migratory birds and Latin Americans share, through their shared travel routes along the Americas. This has been inspirational for many of Baltimore’s Latinx residents to help improve life for birds through community greening, which also enhances neighborhoods for people. Bird Ambassadors explore natural areas, take action to improve our communities, and share their passion with their families and neighbors.
What do you wish everyone in Baltimore knew about the field you work in?
You don’t have to leave the city to experience nature! Join Audubon for birdwatching and other activities in Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, and more! Keep an eye on patterson.audubon.org for upcoming events. We are adding just a few at a time as we keep an eye on public health and safety.
What would make your work easier?
More resources to achieve our goals…
How can people get involved / what are typical volunteering opportunities?
We often need helping hands to tend bird-friendly gardens we have created in Patterson Park, Library Square, and other shared spaces. Though we are offering limited in-person programs during the pandemic and don’t need volunteers for those, we do need volunteers who can share their expertise from home. Skills needed include marketing, communications, and graphic design. Contact baltimore@audubon.org for more info.
How does climate change and sustainability play a role in your work? What can the general public learn from this, and carry out in their own lives?
Climate change is the greatest threat to birds. The consequences of a warming planet affect countless habitats and food sources for birds. Audubon’s Green Leaders youth participants learn about climate science and grow their leadership skills so they can advocate for Baltimore’s birds and communities. They are preparing a video message, which we will share soon! Learn more at https://patterson.audubon.org/conservation/climate-change.
One important initiative from Patterson Park Audubon Center is gardening for birds. choosing beneficial plants and cultivating your garden without chemicals are important steps. For bird-friendly plant lists, garden maintenance tips, and many more resources we developed for Maryland gardeners, plus the link to apply for Audubon-approved garden recognition, visit us at https://patterson.audubon.org/programs/bird-friendly-communities.
Any events or announcements we can help promote?
Audubon is offering virtual school programs for public, private, and home schools. Join our experts for engaging lessons in fall, winter, and spring! More info can be found at https://patterson.audubon.org/programs/virtual-school-programs. Please spread the word to teachers and families!
Through the pandemic, we are offering a mix of online and in-person community programs. Keep abreast on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Web: https://patterson.audubon.org/
FB: www.facebook.com/PattersonParkAudubonCenter
IG: Audubon_PattersonPark
What are a few facts about your work that will inspire and fascinate people?
1) In Audubon’s national network, we are the only Center without a center! This means that we don’t have a nature center experience with exhibits, etc. We leave our offices that overlook the park to visit neighborhoods and take our programming to libraries and community centers. We also built our school programs around Patterson Park. Students and teachers from schools in walking distance, arrive on-foot for Audubon programs. Partner schools commit every kid in elementary grades to visit with Audubon 3x/year, through real world, outdoor experiences! Then we build on those concepts and grow with students through each year of elementary school.
2) Audubon offers programs in Spanish! Our multilingual team offers learning opportunities to children and adults, in collaboration with Baltimore’s Latinx community. Together, we improve Baltimore for birds and people.
3) Patterson Park Audubon Center is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we have been working actively for about 3 years to improve how we serve Baltimore communities through adjustments in external partnerships as well as internal workplace culture. We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and have an antiracist statement that can be read on our website: https://patterson.audubon.org/about/equity-diversity-and-inclusion.
