Chapter History
Eastside Audubon [originally named East Lake Washington Audubon Society (ELWA)] was formed in 1980, and received it’s official charter as a Chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1982. In 2008 East Lake Washington Audubon changed its name to Eastside Audubon. Our members Eastside Audubon share a common interest in birds, the protection of their habitat, and the environment in which we all live.
In 1980, a small group of like-minded people got together and formed our Chapter. The Eastside was growing, and they believed there were enough people to make another Audubon chapter in Washington State viable. That small group of 37 individuals has now grown to over 1,000, and in 2007 we celebrated our 25th anniversary as a chapter of National Audubon .
The charter members envisioned a chapter dedicated to the appreciation, study and conservation of birds and their habitats. The first meetings were held in the Clise Mansion at Marymoor Park, and in 1982, we received our charter as a Chapter of the National Audubon Society.
Since the Chapter was first formed, east King County has grown and changed. So has the Chapter, and in 2008 the membership voted to change it's name to "Eastside Audubon".
We have always been an important voice for the protection of birds and their habitat on the Eastside. Dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in preserving many areas for the birds: Lake Hills Greenbelt , Juanita Bay Park , Hazel Wolf Wetlands, and Marymoor Park . Throughout the years, volunteers have also conducted scientific surveys in parks and other areas throughout the Eastside, in order to monitor bird population changes.
In 1984, because of the lobbying efforts of our members, Governor Spellman declared May 24 as Washington's Annual Bird Day.
Our members come together to enjoy bird watching , bird photography , conservation/environmental projects and activism , plant sales, classes and field trips and nature walks . We believe that those who care about birds will also want to protect their environment, so offer classroom presentations . Our monthly publication, The Corvid Crier , has been published continuously since 1979, and is available to all of our members. These activities are a source of education and fellowship to those who participate.

