The mission of Eastside Audubon is to protect, preserve and enhance natural ecosystems and our communities for the benefit of birds, other wildlife and people.

Eastside Audubon is the National Audubon Society chapter serving east King County communities from Bothell south to I-90 and from the eastern shore of Lake Washington to the Cascade Foothills. We are a community of people who are passionate about birds. Welcome!


The History of Eastside Audubon Society

Eastside Audubon formed in 1980 as the East Lake Washington Audubon Society (ELWAS) and received its official charter as a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1982. Our members share a common interest in birds, the protection of their habitat, and the environment in which we all live.

Belted Kingfisher, by Mick Thompson

Belted Kingfisher, by Mick Thompson

In 1980 a small group of like-minded people got together and formed the East Lake Washington Audubon Society (ELWAS). The east side was growing, and they believed there were enough people to make another viable Audubon chapter in Washington State.

The 37 charter members envisioned a chapter dedicated to the appreciation, study, and conservation of birds and their habitats. The first meetings were held in the Clise Mansion at Marymoor Park, and in 1982 we received our charter as a chapter of the National Audubon Society.

Since the chapter formed, east King County has grown and changed. So has the chapter, and in 2008 the membership voted to change the name to Eastside Audubon.

Since we started, we have been an important voice for the protection of birds and their habitat on the east side. Dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in preserving many areas for the birds: Lake Hills Greenbelt, Juanita Bay Park, Hazel Wolf Wetlands, and Marymoor Park. Throughout the years, volunteers also have conducted scientific surveys in parks and other areas throughout the east side in order to monitor bird population changes.

In 1984, because of the lobbying efforts of our members, then-Governor John Spellman declared May 24 to be Washington's Annual Bird Day.

Our members come together to enjoy bird watching, bird photography, conservation projects and activism, plant sales, classes, and field trips and nature walks. Our monthly publication, The Corvid Crier, has been published continuously since 1979. These activities are a source of learning and fellowship for those who participate.


Chapter Leaders and Contact Information

Eastside Audubon is run largely on volunteers, and we thank everyone who is and has been involved in our organization. If you are interested in volunteering please check out our open opportunities here.

Staff

Amanda León
Executive Director

 

Executive Officers

Jeremy Lucas
President

John Spilker
Vice President

 

Emily Kistler
Secretary

 
 

Board Members

Amanda Buse
Birding Chair

Josh Crans
Volunteer Coordination Chair

Eliza Kronenberger
EDIB Chair

Trillium Magus
Youth Member

Claire Waltman
Conservation Chair

Jeannine Sielinski
Outreach Chair

Morgan Sidoine
At-Large

Penelope Kipps
Communications Chair

Lori Danielson
Ex Officio

Alice Xing
At-Large

Committee Chairs

Mick Thompson
Chapter Bird Photographer

Andy McCormick
Christmas Bird Count

John Spilker
Photo Group

Penelope Kipps
Corvid Crier, Online

Penelope Kipps
Website

Amanda Buse
Field Trip Coordinator