The East Ozarks Audubon Society will mark a major milestone this month as it celebrates 45 years of birding, conservation, and environmental education with a special public program titled “Keep on Birding!”
The celebration will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Farmington Public Library, 101 N. A St., with social time and refreshments beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Founded in 1980, the East Ozarks Audubon Society serves six rural counties in southeast Missouri and is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society. Over the past four and a half decades, the group has focused on strengthening conservation of the East Ozarks region through education, advocacy and hands-on habitat stewardship that benefits birds and other wildlife.
“For a small, volunteer- driven group to reach 45 years is really something special,” said Sue Hagan, a longtime member of the organization. “We’ve always believed that if people understand birds and the habitats they depend on, they’ll care more deeply about protecting them.”
Since its founding, the chapter has hosted six public meetings each year and led countless birding trips across southeast Missouri. Members have also organized workshops for birders of all ages and experience levels and have taken part in environmental advocacy, particularly on local conservation issues.
One of the group’s most visible achievements is the nature sanctuary it established in Farmington, which features a bird blind, nature trail, butterfly garden, and a native plant pollinator meadow that is currently under construction.
At the January meeting, the program will look back at the people and events that have shaped the society over its 45-year history. The evening will also include a bird identification challenge designed for advanced birders, while still keeping beginners in mind.
“We want people who are just starting out to feel welcome and encouraged,” Hagan said. “Birding is one of those hobbies you can enjoy for a lifetime, and it’s even better when you’re learning alongside others who love it too.”
The society hopes the anniversary program will not only honor the past, but also inspire a new generation of bird lovers to keep on birding for years to come.
