The
chapter helps to formulate the policies of the parent
organization and exchanges timely information of political
developments affecting the environment.
Founded in 1952 by an adult education students in Port
Washington High School, upon having been inspired by its
principal, named Lyman Langdon, the small bird group quickly
joined the National Audubon Society and continued to attract
new members. Until 2000, it was called the Lyman Langdon
Audubon Society. Its present membership is approximately
1000.
The area served by this chapter reaches along the north
shore of Long Island, east from Great Neck to Lattingtown,
and south to New Hyde Park and Westbury.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held on Tuesday
evenings at 7 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library or
at the Garvies Point Museum in Glen Cove. The subjects
range from bats to birds to travel experiences, details
being announced in advance in our publication
Normally held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, the
date should always be confirmed by looking at our publication.
No meetings are held in February, June, July and August
Publications
The North Shore Audubon Society publishes a bimonthly
newsletter.
It informs the membership of important legislative developments,
significant local environmental problems and action plans,
and it carries notices of all meetings and field trips.
It is issued in January, March, May, Summer, September,
October and November.
The entire schedule of half-day and all-day field trips,
and some of the anticipated speakers and subjects for
future membership meetings is publishes in the September
or October issue by means of a "yellow sheet"
insert, that also lists the active committees and personnel
of the organization.
Protecting our environment
The chapter monitors local media to detect environmental
matters on which action is needed and takes appropriate
initiatives.
Such events and the chapter's recommended action are publicized
in our monthly publication.
Broader national issues relating to the environment are
also covered regularly in our publication. The chapter
relies on the media, rapid means of communication from
the National Audubon Society and from other environmental
organizations for its sources of information.
The chapter participates annually in Beach Cleanup Day
during which beach debris is collected, classified and
weighed, as well as Earth Day, during which presentations
are made to students countywide.
Several organizations other than National Audubon can
provide valuable information. To learn more about the
Greenhouse Effect, Ozone Depletion, Acid Rain, and many
other crucial issues, view the Environmental Defense site.
Or find information on Congressional action and monitoring
of compliance at the Natural Resources Defense Council
site.
For grass-root activities, contact the Sierra Club.
Education
This chapter is an active participant in the Audubon Adventures
program which supplies educational materials to classroom
teachers. Individuals in the chapter and the chapter by
means of subsidies have provided funds for this program.
Local schools have benefited substantially, with up to
40 classrooms being served every year.
Scholarships are made available annually for interested
students or teachers to attend the National Audubon summer
camps. These are awarded in the spring. To apply, write
to our address.
A substantial part of the chapter's educational efforts
is focused on the successful operation of the Theodore
Roosevelt Sanctuary. North Shore Audubon Society is represented
by three members on the Advisory Board of the Sanctuary.
These and other volunteers contribute their services so
that the Sanctuary will continue to be able to provide
excellent environmental education to the students of the
community.
Field Trips
A variety of field trips are offered. They range from
half-day local walks to all-day trips, and an occasional
weekend away. The club also conducts an annual Christmas
Count, jointly with the Huntington Audubon Society.
Half-day trips.
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., walks
take place that are announced in advance in our publication.
These walks are conducted from April to June, and from
late August until October, except that Saturday trips
usually do not take place when an all-day trip is scheduled.
All-day trips.
Either the third or fourth Saturday of each month is reserved
for an all-day trip. These trips start as early as 6:30
a.m. Local trips end in mid-afternoon but longer trips
often include a stop for dinner before returning home.
These trips are conducted throughout the entire year.
The Christmas Count substitutes for the December trip.
They often range well outside of Long Island and feature
some excellent birding and are often combined with those
of the Queens County Bird Club.
The entire schedule of field trips is published in the
September or October issue of the chapter's publication.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Why did you change your name? Over the
years, we have had many inquiries as to where our chapter
was located because the old name, Lyman Langdon Audubon
Society, failed to reveal the chapter's location. The
new title is more descriptive.
Who was Lyman Langdon? He was the principal
of a Port Washington High School. In 1951 he conducted
an adult education bird watching course, consisting mostly
of local bird trips. The 13 participants became the nucleus
for the chapter's foundation. He led bird walks and inspired
several of his students to form a bird club which, eventually,
became this organization.
How can I join the North Shore Audubon Society? By becoming
a member of this chapter, depending upon the fee submitted,
you either become a member only of this chapter or you
will automatically be enrolled with the National Audubon
Society and will receive the "Audubon" magazine.
Can I subscribe only to your newsletter?
Yes, by submitting $20 per year ($35 for two years). You
will become a member of our chapter, receive our newsletter
but you will not receive Audubon magazine.
Do you charge for attending meetings or field
trips? There is no charge for being a guest at
meetings or on field trips. However, to find out about
future meetings and trips, you need to become a member.
If I happen to come to Long Island for a few days
and wish to contact someone about birding locations,
is there someone to contact? Yes. Your best source is
the American Birding Association who publishes such information.
Else, if you can find out who the chapter's Field Trip
Chairman is, contact him or her. Else, write to our chapter
address or send a message.
If I am a beginning birder, will I be
welcome? Of course, you will. Our trips involve a mix
of experienced and beginning birders where all will learn
much.
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