Lane County Audubon Society changes name as part of a larger trend within the birding community

The Lane County Audubon Society is changing its name as part of a nationwide effort to reevaluate the legacy of John James Audubon.

Audubon, a founding father of American birding, was a French-American naturalist who tried to create a complete pictorial record of all the birds in North America in the early 19th century. He also held anti-abolitionist views and participated in the American slave trade.

The conservation organization will now be called “Coast to Cascades Bird Alliance.” The new name was picked following conversations between members, volunteers, and partners about what was important to the organization. According to the Alliance, their new name honors the landscapes and birds who inspire their advocacy work.

Debbie Schlenoff, a Conservation Chair at the Coast to Casc