Sea & Sage Audubon Society

Sea & Sage Audubon Society's mission is to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, citizen science, research, and public policy advocacy.

Sea and Sage Audubon Society is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of native birds and their habitats. Since its foundation in 1958, Sea and Sage Audubon has been a well-trusted resource for science-based information about the county’s diverse bird populations. For over 60 years, we have provided many community services through our environmental education programs, scientific research projects, and environmental advocacy.

People can get close to nature through birding skills workshops, free monthly bird-watching trips, outdoor science programs for elementary school children, nature day camp programs, birding club for teens, summer bat walks, community tours, and more.

People can assist with annual winter and spring bird counts, monthly bird counts at local wildlife areas, and surveys of endangered shorebirds and nesting endangered birds.

People can help promote responsible management and/or development of Orange County’s remaining natural resources; review public documents and proposed development plans for biological impacts; and speak out on environmental issues.

Historical highlights include partnership with the Irvine Ranch Water District at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary since 1991; Christmas Bird Counts that provide long-term data on the county’s wintering bird populations; free public Birding Skills Workshops offered annually by the same dedicated scientific volunteer; five-year volunteer research project documenting nesting bird locations resulting in “The Breeding Bird Atlas” publication in 1997; and Outdoor Adventures science discovery program which has enabled over 65,000 elementary school children (mostly urban inner city youth) to understand and appreciate natural resources since 1992. Today, with 3,500 members, an annual budget of $436,000, 4 paid staff, and over 500 volunteers, we continue to foster programs for every age level and interest in our community.

Accomplishments for 2024
• In partnership with the Coastal Corridors Alliance, we completed baseline bird surveys and conducted public outreach nature walks for the newly established Frank and Joan Randall Preserve, Newport Beach/Costa Mesa.
• We co-founded the 'Reserve Watch Program' at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with Bolsa Chica's three non- governmental organizations. This new program places docents out on the trails to meet the public, interpret wildlife, explain relevant restrictions, and increase public awareness and enjoyment of the Reserve.
• Our Tackling Climate and Trash team guided and assisted our organization to eliminate 90% of waste previously going to the landfill from our annual BBQ and Pancake Breakfast.
• Our Education staff completely rewrote the Outdoor Adventures Naturalist training manual and gave a copy to each naturalist (40). (funding made possible by a generous private donor.)

Goals for 2025
• Increase conservation advocacy activity at the local level to build relationships with politicians that focus on common ground and develop opportunities to work together on shared interests. Institute pilot program to track select Federal bills affecting environmental laws.
• Establish a new Nature Discovery Kit team to evaluate and update our six kits and then publicize reopening for public loan (note: kit loan has been closed since Covid pandemic.)
• Use newly recruited volunteers to explore new education initiatives such as Grandparents Day, Neighborhood Walks, and Children’s Library.
• Increase educational displays in Audubon House (funding made possible by a generous private donor.)

Volunteers are needed to staff the Audubon House visitor’s center for a 4-hour shift at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. Volunteers greet visitors, answer questions, sell giftshop items, loan binoculars, and answer the phone; training provided.
Volunteer Naturalists, especially retired school teachers, are needed to share nature with school children participating in our environmental education programs at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine; training provided.
Conservation Advocates are needed to help influence governmental agencies and landowners to better manage the last remaining wild areas in Orange County. Attend our monthly Conservation Meetings for information.
Volunteers with excellent book-keeping skills are needed to assist our Treasurer and Finance Committee.
Donations are needed for our education program, especially to sponsor a school bus so Santa Ana children can attend Outdoor Adventures. See our website for other sponsorship opportunities.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable