Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SoWBA), established in 1935 as the Madison Bird Club and formerly called Madison Audubon, brings birds into the lives of more than 3,000 members (and many others!) throughout south-central Wisconsin. And not just birds—we view them as ambassadors for the entire natural world in all its richness of plants and animals, butterflies, and bees.
“Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance works to protect and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife through land acquisition and management, education, and advocacy.”
SoWBA is a chapter of National Audubon Society that works throughout southern Wisconsin and beyond.
When our sanctuary teams restore habitat for grassland, wetland, and woodland birds, we bring back entire natural communities and landscapes for all to enjoy.
When our education team puts a pair of binoculars in the hands of a curious kid, a whole new world comes into view.
When we advocate on behalf of birds, we promote a healthier, more sustainable and more inclusive community.
Our organization’s core Values
Photo by Monica Hall
Everything we do is for birds and the people who love them. We acknowledge that everyone who loves birds wants to protect them for different reasons. To help advance our shared mission, we offer our organization’s core values:
Respect… for nature, for people, for differences
Community… natural community, birding community, social community
Curiosity… in nature, in each other, in new approaches
Accountability… to our community, to our mission, to nature
Our values document outlines our guiding principles, as well as how we weave a love of nature and a respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and access into all of our work. Learn what these values mean for us within our organization, as well as what they mean for you as a member, volunteer, supporter, and community member.
Land protection and habitat restoration
With the help of Madison Audubon Society, grassland birds like these tiny bobolinks can thrive. Photo by Carolyn Byers
So far, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has protected several thousand acres of critical habitat in Wisconsin. SoWBA is a nationally-accredited land trust and a leader in land stewardship, ranked third of over 450 Audubon chapters in total acreage managed for wildlife.
With a small but dedicated staff, enthusiastic interns, and passionate volunteers, SoWBA actively manages several sanctuary lands to maximize their habitat value. Additionally, the organization has a long and continuing history of assisting other organizations and private landowners with land management and restoration projects.
Nature EDUCATION for all
Madison Audubon's Conservation Academy program with Operation Fresh Start helps disconnected youth in Madison learn about amazing and diverse career opportunities available in conservation. These hands-on sessions with local experts in a variety of conservation fields aim to help these incredible youths explore career options they may have never otherwise been exposed to. Photo by Emily Meier
YOUTH EDUCATION
SoWBA’s nature-based education programs connect kids to the outdoors through partnerships with local schools and community centers. These hands-on learning experiences help kids from all backgrounds explore, enjoy, and discover the natural world in their own communities.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
SoWBA promotes community connections around a shared passion for nature. We have a full calendar of events open to community members: courses, volunteer opportunities, and numerous free field trips.
Advocacy for birds and land
Grassland birds like this female bobolink are especially threatened by habitat loss. Photo by Carolyn Byers
When we advocate on behalf of birds, we promote a healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive world for all.
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance is proud to work closely with a coalition of Wisconsin organizations on conservation issues related to birds and their habitats. SoWBA’s board and staff aim to educate and empower our communities through clear communication about ongoing advocacy issues.
Our community science programs and partnerships also seek to advance our understanding of the natural world and discover ways to better protect birds.
Governance
SoWBA’s bylaws are available to the public. For questions about organizational governance, send an email to info@swibirds.org, ATTN: Executive Director.
Header image by Phil Brown, Creative Commons. A fledgling American Kestrel perched on a branch and flapping their wings.
