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Protecting Birds, Other Wildlife, and Their Habitats
– Our Mission –
The mission of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society is to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats, through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
- July 1, 2024
An Intro to Shorebirds, Their Migration and Identification - August 5, 2024
Annual Picnic at Boyd Woods Sanctuary
- June 25, 2024
Paddling at Mohawk Pond - June 30, 2024
Birding and Picnic at Shepaug Dam - July 2, 2024
Paddling at Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Area - July 30, 2024
Paddling at Wood Creek Pond
- EDUCATION -
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society aims to provide environmental experiences to people of all ages, particularly in the Litchfield County and surrounding areas. LHAS offers free monthly programs, bird walks and environmental events that are open to the public. We also support and offer National Audubon’s Audubon Adventures tailored for elementary school children.
- CONSERVATION -
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society manages and maintains a total of 157 acres at three separate sanctuaries. LHAS is involved in a 10 year Forest Management Project through the NRCS, improving the forest health at Boyd Woods and Wigwam Brook Sanctuaries. Our sanctuaries provide vital habitat for woodland, shrubland and grassland birds and wildlife.
- RESEARCH -
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society continues to work with the National Resources and Conservation Services involved in a 10 year forest management project to improve the forest health at our Boyd Woods and Wigwam Brook Sanctuaries. LHAS also supports and is involved in the Blue-bird Nesting Program and the American Chestnut Restoration Project.
Top Stories
Legislation Supporting Migratory Birds Across the Hemisphere Signed into law
The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act renews and enhances a critical conservation program.
WASHINGTON (April 25, 2024) – President Biden yesterday signed a bipartisan bill reauthorizing and enhancing a program that provides funding throughout the Americas for partnerships to benefit migratory birds and their habitats. The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act reauthorizes critical funding for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) program and increases its accessibility for partners.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Mary Peltola (D-AK). A Senate version was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and John Boozman (R-Ark).
“As migratory birds face unprecedented threats from habitat loss and a changing climate, it is all the more imperative that programs like this are able to meet the challenges of the moment,” said Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society. “This legislation recognizes that conservation knows no boundaries, and reversing troubling declines in bird populations means investing in habitats and communities throughout the hemisphere. We thank the sponsors for their leadership, and urge full funding of this critical program going forward.”
To read the complete article, published by the National Audubon Society, click here: < Migratory Birds >
Birding Backpacks at a Library Near You
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society donates birding backpacks to area libraries to promote and teach birding.
Backpacks have been donated to five area libraries by Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, an attempt to inspire children and families to enjoy the hobby of birdwatching.
Litchfield County has an abundance of nature preserves and natural habitats for wildlife, many with well-marked trails. LHAS hopes to encourage more families to get outdoors and learn about birds by offering them an opportunity to try a new hobby without the upfront costs.
Backpacks at Morris Public Library and public libraries in Thomaston, Torrington, Terryville and New Milford can be checked out using library cards. Stocked in the backpacks are binoculars, illustrated guides identifying birds, information on nature activities and recommended locations for birdwatching.
Donations from Ace Hardware of Litchfield, Litchfield Bancorp, Torrington Savings Bank, Wild Bird Unlimited of Brookfield and Litchfield Hills Audubon Society’s education committee covered the cost of the backpacks and their contents.
Join Us at a Meeting
Unless otherwise indicated, General Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road (Rt. 202), Litchfield, CT. When the first Monday of the month falls on a holiday, the meeting is held on the second Monday. Refreshments are served at 6:45 p.m. The business meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and the program follows. The June meeting is the Annual Meeting and Dinner held at a local restaurant; it begins at 6 p.m. Our August meeting is the annual Picnic at Boyd Woods Sanctuary; it begins at 6 p.m. Board of Directors Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. at LHAS’ office at 28 Russell St. Litchfield, CT.