Black River Audubon Society
Welcome to the Black River Audubon Society!
Established in 1958, members of Black River Audubon Society (BRAS) are committed to protecting birds and other wildlife while preserving their ecosystems and natural environment in our community. We are a membership organization dedicated to protecting our environment through conservation, education and advocacy. We have monthly speakers from September to May, as well as monthly field trips to birding hotspots across the state. We engage in conservation through our bird programs, such as our bluebirds and kestrels, and through the preservation of local natural habitats. We advocate for laws and policies that are favorable to our mission.
Please consider getting involved and joining our organization!
Education
Educational programs include monthly speakers, field trips, scholarships and programs for children.
Conservation
Conservation efforts include our bluebird and kestrel programs, creating natural habitats and working in the community.
September Program:
Matt Valencic
"Wetland Birds of the Eastern US"
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Carlisle Visitor Center- Black River Room
12882 Diagonal Rd
Lagrange, OH 44050
Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support aquatic AND terrestrial plants and animals. They provide nesting habitat for many species in the summer and resting/feeding habitat for migrating waterfowl and passerines in spring and fall. This presentation showcases iconic wetland species like Egrets, Herons, Ibis and Rails along with raptors, waterfowl, warblers and more. There is even a bonus section presenting insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that make their homes in wetlands.
Advocacy
There are many ways to get involved and work with us to protect nature. We offer memberships and need volunteers.
Calendar
About Matt
Matt Valencic has been interested in birds and other wildlife most of his life but did not start photographing them until 2006. He retired in 2015and shortly thereafter met some members of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland. He felt an immediate bond with them and their mission of education and land stewardship. His catalog of bird pictures soon became the content of several presentations about the birds of NE Ohio and their habitats.