Al Miller, Inspirational Audubon Volunteer Dies

Al Miller

Al Miller, a leading member of the core group that energized his generation of activists at Portland Audubon in the mid 1970's, and paved the way for its emergence as one of the country's largest Audubon organizations, died at age 64 on February 5th. 

Al held a bedrock belief that volunteers are the fabric of organizations like Audubon, and that volunteering is what gets us together to care about each other and put into action our ideals. As a volunteer himself, he was involved in countless Audubon efforts, among them were the hiring of Portland Audubon's first Executive Director, Mike Uhtoff, and the acquisition of the 36 acre sanctuary that now bears Uhtoff's name.

One of Al's most significant contributions was his recognition of the value of what was to become Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.  His insistence on its preservation led to the creation of the city's first official urban wildlife refuge and one of the first such refuges in America.

A party and un-paper potluck (bring your own plates and utensils please!) for Al will be held at the Audubon Society's Heron Hall on Saturday, March 7th.  The event will begin with socializing at 4pm and continue with the potluck dinner at 5pm.  Following the potluck there will be a program at 5:45. Since parking is at a premium, any carpooling that can be arranged would be a benefit for all.