Audubon Mid-Atlantic invites you to join us on Saturday, February 7th for this year's I Bird I Vote Conservation Summit at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland. This day of conservation and conversation will provide you with opportunities to learn how to advocate for Maryland’s birds and the habitats they rely on. Scientists, advocates, and officials will come together to highlight Audubon’s policy priorities, focusing on the impacts of climate change and habitat loss, and on the actions we can all take to protect birds.  
 
We are pleased to welcome Comptroller Brooke Lierman to talk about the impacts of climate change and environmental conservation to Maryland's economy as well as Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, who will speak on behalf of the Moore-Miller administration. Gabriel J. Foley, Director of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, will offer the keynote address, “Outcomes from the Maryland & DC Breeding Bird Atlas 3," and will share key findings and offer insights on his work on Important Bird Areas. 

A schedule of events can be found below:

8:30 am - Coffee, Light Breakfast Pastries and Birding opportunities!

9:30 am - Welcome to I Bird I Vote - Audubon Mid-Atlantic

10:00 am - Impacts of Climate Change on Maryland’s Economy - Brooke Lierman, Maryland Comptroller

10:20 am - Remarks on behalf of the Moore Administration - Josh Kurtz, Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources

10:40 am - Maryland Bird Atlas, Bird  Conservation Opportunities in Maryland - Gabriel Foley, Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership

11:30 am - Audubon Federal Policy and Climate Advocacy - National Audubon Government Affairs Staff

12:00 pm - Lunch and Advocacy Postcard Writing

1:00 pm - Maryland Audubon Chapter Share-out

1:30 pm - Notes from the Field: Roots for Resiliency and Marshes for Tomorrow - Bri Panos, Dave Curson, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Jackie Specht, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

2:30 pm - Maryland Audubon Policy Priorities - Matt Stegman, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Rebecca Rehr, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Mark Southerland, Safe Skies Maryland, Sierra Club and more! 

Registration is $30, which includes all sessions, lunch, coffee, and snacks. This year, we will be offering an optional Friday afternoon bird outing to explore vernal pool habitat and winter birds. More details to be announced soon.

Please reserve your spot in advance by using this link on our website.