Coastal marten

A Step in the Right Direction to Protect Oregon’s Western State Forests

On March 7 the Board of Forestry made a landmark decision to better protect Oregon’s western state forests by adopting the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that was years in the making. The HCP is an important step in stopping overharvest and addressing habitat needs of endangered species. It also better protects water for over 500,000 Oregonians and will lead to more sustainable forestry practices supporting a healthy coastal economy.

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Snowly Plover sitting in the sand at sunset.

It’s Courtship Season for the Snowy Plover

Avian courtship is a fascinating ritual that varies wildly by species and can involve elaborate dancing, wing displays, construction projects, and all sorts of vocalizations. Early spring is courtship season for the Western Snowy Plover on Oregon’s sandy beaches.

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Potter's Swamp Road (outside of Burns, OR), photo by Bruce MacGregor

In the Land of Fire and Ice, Water Determines Everything

For the estimated one billion birds that traverse the Pacific Flyway each year, the Malheur and Klamath National Wildlife Refuges are the most important refuges in Oregon. They provide space for birds to rest and refuel while headed north or south, and for myriad bird, aquatic, and mammalian species to reproduce, survive, and thrive. But these refuges and their wetland habitats are at risk.

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baby brush rabbit

Spring Is Coming (AKA Baby Animal Season!)

I bet that title sounded really cheerful, but I meant for you to read it with a Game of Thrones “winter is coming” energy. As spring rolls around the corner, we wildlife rehabilitators are bracing for our busiest season! Very soon, our hospital will be bustling for 12+ hours a day, run by a small but feisty team of staff members, and a huge dedicated pool of people volunteering their time to our mission.

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Portland Oregon downtown aerial shot

Historic Climate Investments Underway by the Portland Clean Energy Fund Program

Portland’s Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) is busy launching its inaugural 5-year Climate Investment Plan, which invests $750 million into climate justice projects in Portland communities. Read more about how this transformative program continues to center climate justice, evolves as additional revenue from billion dollar corporations provides more opportunities, and how you can weigh in to ensure the program does not get weakened.

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Cape Perpetua, photo by Oregon Marine Reserves

2024 Legislative Recap

The 2024 short legislative session concluded on March 7 after a month of frantic politicking. We want to thank all of you who weighed in with your legislators on behalf of nature. It takes sustained effort to move the needle in the legislature, and we couldn’t do it without you. Your advocacy and engagement is what makes Bird Alliance of Oregon so effective.

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Greg Baker in his garden

Bird Alliance of Oregon Highlight: Greg Baker

For over three decades, Greg Baker has been an integral part of the Bird Alliance of Oregon “flock”. Greg’s expertise in birding and mentorship has inspired hundreds of people to care for and appreciate birds over the many years of his involvement. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to share his expertise with others have made him a vibrant member of our Bird Alliance of Oregon community.

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Mamie Campbell with a parrot on her shoulder

Our 2024 Mamie Campbell Award Winners

Established in 1985, the Mamie Campbell Award is given to our most dedicated volunteers.  Mamie Campbell award winners have demonstrated a sustained and long-term volunteer commitment.  We also look for volunteers who are active in several different programs, and who are leaders and role models in our volunteer community.  

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Ruth Morton and Hal Busch in the forest birding

Building a Lasting Legacy Together for Nature

Our journey towards conservation and environmental stewardship has been deeply fulfilling, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of nature. Through our partnership with Bird Alliance of Oregon and our planned gift, we aim to leave behind a world where future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of the natural world.

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Tufted Puffin in flight with fish

A Species in Rapid Decline: New Efforts to Recover the Tufted Puffin

Just 553. That is the estimated number of individual Tufted Puffins remaining in Oregon, based on the 2021 coastwide survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It’s a staggering decline from the nearly 5,000 puffins counted back in 2008 and other surveys in the 1990s. It’s a number that demands action, and action is exactly what we plan to take.

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