Mission, Vision & History of the Black River Audubon Society
Mission
The mission of the Black River Audubon Society is to promote conservation and restoration of ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife, through advocacy, education, stewardship, field trips and programs for the benefit of all people today and tomorrow.
Vision
A Lorain County and surrounding area that values and engages in the protection and conservation of local ecosystems from Lake Erie and the Black River watershed to urban and rural areas which enables birds and other wildlife to thrive in their natural habitat.
“Birding since 1958”
History
Black River Audubon Society Commemoration 1958 – 2008
Address by Jack Smith
October 16, 2008
On July 10, 1958 Harlie Stevick, Executive Director of the Elyria YMCA, sent a check for $118, a signed Branch Agreement, and a proposed roster of thirty-two members to the National Audubon Society. On July 15, 1958 he received the cosigned agreement from National Audubon granting branch status to the Elyria Audubon Society.
Many of the original members had served as guides for spring bird walks sponsored by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. In addition to Harlie, they included Jim Akers, Perry Johnson, Dale Kellogg, Frank Phelps, Jack Smith, and Elizabeth Yoder. Harlie and Perry Johnson, who at that time was Boy’s Director and Naturalist for the YMCA, had become very interested in bird watching, and they became convinced that having a local Audubon branch would be a valuable asset to the community.
Through their leadership, the original 32 members were obtained, and at the first meeting officers were elected: President: Harlie Stevick, Vice President: Elizabeth Yoder, Secretary: Elaine Dirrim, and Treasurer: Jack Smith. Committee Chairs were: Education: Perry Johnson, Field trips: Pierre Smith, Membership: Bob Morse, Program: Mrs. W. A. Sayles, Social: Mr. and Mrs. J. Mockler.
Black River Audubon Society Historical Records
Black River Audubon Leadership
Scholarship Recipients
