Published October 26, 2023
Executive Director Address | 127th Annual Meeting
RePower Audubon
At the 127th Audubon Annual Meeting on October 20, 2024, Executive Director Jeff Hall launched RePower Audubon – an initiative that will drive the organization to meet sustainability goals and take on a leadership role in Rhode Island climate resilience.
Dear Audubon Society of Rhode Island Membership,
It’s an honor to stand before you today as we reflect on another impactful year for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Thank you for being here and for your continued support of our mission.
I’d like to recognize the individuals honored today for their dedication to protecting Rhode Island—Senator DiPalma, Representative Cotter, Lindsay, Dulude, and Pam Goulet. Your support and leadership is invaluable.
I also want to thank the board of directors, President Dave Caldwell, and others for their guidance, as well as, our Council of Advisors. And, of course, a special thanks to our Audubon staff, who come to work every day with commitment, passion, and joy to make Rhode Island a better and greener place.
Growing up in Middletown, I remember walking through Sachuest Point and 3rd Beach every August, watching swallows gather along the coast. The birds filled the sky and packed phone lines, waiting in advance of their annual migration. It was a sight to behold. Only later did I realize when the swallows started to migrate the sign summer was ending, and so was summer vacation. The truly sad part of this story is that I was at Sachuest Point this past Autumn, and the gathering of swallows was just a fraction of what I saw 30 years ago.
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That’s why we, along with others concerned about declining bird populations, work so hard to protect them. Audubon exists to protect birds and the habitats they depend on, but our mission goes beyond that As we strive to educate and inspire people to become advocates for the natural world. And work with us to protect it.
In the past year, we’ve made significant progress. As you’ve heard, 2023 was monumental for wildlife habitat protection. Audubon acquired its fourth-largest property, Congdon Wood in North Kingstown, permanently protecting over 330 acres. We also added 5 acres in Coventry and 67 acres in South Kingstown, ensuring crucial contiguous open spaces for wildlife.
These are just a few reasons why we need to vote Yes on Bond 4. Without state matching dollars, open space protection as we know it, will come to an end.
Our work also focuses on reducing pesticide impacts. Audubon has always been a leader in fighting harmful chemicals, from DDT in the 60s to neonicotinoids today. In partnership with URI, we’ve created what we believe to be the first lab in the nation to test for neonicotinoids in the environment. These chemicals are 10,000 times worse than DDT, and we will begin testing this fall to build our research to advocate for their removal from our environment.
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We’re also working to protect raptors from second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, or SGARs. These poisons bio-accumulate in hawks, owls, and other predators when they eat poisoned rodents, and we’re advocating for safer alternatives.
Our Stormwater Innovation Center continues to bring critical solutions using green infrastructure to combat pollution intensified by climate change.
Now, let’s talk about climate change—the biggest issue of our time. While our mission focuses on protecting habitats, we’re also committed to addressing climate change directly. We need to reduce our carbon footprint and shift to renewable energy. We seek to build an understanding of the interconnectedness of energy choices, climate change, and ecosystem health.
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That’s why I’m excited to announce our new initiative: RePower Audubon.
RePower Audubon aims to replace our aging heating and cooling systems in all 14 of our facilities, including this building, with electric, high-efficiency heat pumps, adding solar panels on our roofs, and over our parking lots here at the Nature Center and headquarters in Smithfield. We also will introduce all-electric trucks, tractors, and grounds equipment. This summer, we received a $97,000 grant for an electric tractor, helping us move toward 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Our ultimate goal is to reach "true-zero" emissions by 2040, using advanced battery storage for solar energy and use this 24/7 to power all of Audubon.
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This initiative will not only reduce emissions, serve as a platform for education and leadership in environmental sustainability, and save Audubon over $100,000 each year in utility costs.
We invite you to support our $4.25 million RePower Audubon campaign. Your contribution will help us achieve net-zero emissions, inspiring others to take bold action against climate change.
RePower Audubon isn’t just about renewable energy—it’s about repowering ourselves.
That’s why we’re making a small but significant change to our tagline: “Connecting People with Nature.” We believe access to nature is not a privilege but a right, and we have and will continue to commit to breaking down barriers that prevent everyone from getting out in nature. That is why, as of today, Audubon will be “Connecting All People with Nature.”
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As we move forward, I remain hopeful and inspired by what we can achieve together. Thank you for your support and for standing with us to protect nature for future generations and all people.
Rachel Carson once said, "In nature, nothing exists alone." Through our work and your support, we can ensure that Rhode Island remains a haven for both people and wildlife.
Thank you.Jeffrey C Hall
Executive Director -
