“Birds, People, and Urban Forests: A new direction for Audubon North Carolina” with Curtis Smalling.
“Everyone in the Piedmont sees it daily - tracts of forest lost to development, transportation, and other infrastructure. What impact does this have on birds and the people who share these spaces? We will look at what the science says about birds, ecosystem services, and ways to protect, manage, and restore our urbanized landscape across NC and some of the tools we are using to help us make decisions about where and what to do for birds and people for an equitable future.”
It is always a treat to have Curtis speak to us about how Audubon is working to protect birds and the habitats they need to thrive. This initiative, like previous Bird Friendly Communities efforts from ANC, will involve partnering with chapters. Please come to see how TGPAS can be involved.
This program is a joint Pearson Audubon—Piedmont Bird Club event. Come a bit early to chat with fellow Auduboners and PBC folks. Bring a friend.
About Curtis: Curtis is a 1985 magna cum laude graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and in 1996 received a Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies A life-long bird watcher, Curtis began watching birds with his grandfather, who was very interested in Purple Martins.
His current position with Audubon is that of Director of Conservation and also serving as Interim Executive Director of Audubon NC. He is currently responsible for the Working Lands, Coastal Sanctuaries, and Bird Friendly Communities programs for Audubon North Carolina.
He is a member of several conservation committees including the International Golden-winged Warbler working group (including working on this species and others on their wintering grounds in Nicaragua), chair of the NC State Scientific Council Bird Committee, and a member of the steering committee for the Bird Atlas effort in NC among others.
He is a contributing author or editor for several books, publications, and peer reviewed papers. He resides in Garner, NC with his wife of 41 years, Mary, and has three children and five grandchildren.