By Jennifer Benner, Audubon Connecticut Contributor

On September 11, 2016, the President and CEO of the National Audubon Society, David Yarnold, joined Audubon Connecticut staff, board, and state Chapter leaders for an unprecedented day of information sharing and networking at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Connecticut. While participants had opportunities to meet and mingle, formal presentations providing an overview and highlights of Audubon Connecticut State, Center, and Chapter programs took place throughout the afternoon. Many in attendance agreed the gathering was an exciting way to learn from others’ conservation and outreach successes, explore ways to pull together resources, and strengthen communication and collaboration across our Audubon family.

Among the highlights of the day, David Yarnold shared his perspective on the organization’s vision to build upon the good work being done at every level of Audubon and how best to strengthen our vibrant, expansive network. Yarnold began his role with Audubon in 2010 when he admits the avian world was new to him. But his fresh eye brought a new perspective to Audubon, helping the group to reposition itself by going back to its roots (birds) and using the structure of Flyways as a new path for organizational growth and effectiveness.

Yarnold’s infectious enthusiasm for building a stronger network flowed through the room at the Connecticut gathering as he revealed the commitment of the National office to the effort—more national-level network staff, chapter development initiatives, and new tools to enhance the connectedness of the greater Audubon community. The overall message-of-the-day, however, was simple and clear when Yarnold acknowledged the good work being done in Connecticut and declared: “The most important thing I have to say today is Thank You. Thank you for holding Audubon close to your heart. It means the world to us.”

During the afternoon presentations, several people were honored for their contributions to Audubon. Jane-Kerin Moffat, Audubon Connecticut board member emeritus, was given a framed print of Piping Plovers (by talented photographer Melissa Groo) for her dedication to Audubon’s mission and conservation for more than 30 years. Terry Shaw, a board member of the Menunkatuck Audubon Society (MAS), was presented with an engraved crystal plaque award for his outstanding work with the MAS Osprey Platform program, which builds, installs, and repairs platforms in and near Guilford.

Jamiya Williams, a student studying biology at Central Connecticut State University, was also awarded a certificate of achievement for her dedicated volunteer work with the Bridgeport WildLife Guards—an Audubon-supported student team committed to the conservation of shoreline habitat and birds. Upon receiving her award, Jamiya noted: “My experience with Audubon has changed my life. I never liked the outdoors, but now I can’t get enough. I love birds.”

The event finale was a river cruise to the Important Bird Area at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Participants had a special opportunity to take in the beauty of the precious habitat and observe the abundant bird activity of the area. Mother Nature did not disappoint with a front row view of an amazing sunset and the half a million swallows that come to roost at this location at dusk in the late summer each year. The event ended with much excitement for building upon the networking momentum of the day.