Equity and the Environment |
Equity and the Environment |

Statement on National Audubon’s Decision to Keep the Name Audubon

This morning National Audubon announced that they decided to keep the name Audubon, despite John James Audubon’s history as a slaveholder and person who stole skulls from the graves of Native Americans. This decision is disappointing and damaging, showing disregard to the communities of color and allies, including National Audubon’s own union staff, who have openly expressed that the name is harmful and a barrier to our important work. 

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News |
Great Blue Heron landing
News |

FAQs About Portland Audubon Decision to Change the Name Audubon

In order to best achieve our mission as an organization committed to racial equity and the environment, we cannot continue to condone bearing a name that celebrates a slaveholder who embraced white supremacist systems. Here are some FAQs to further explain how and why this decision was made.

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Equity and the Environment |
White-crowned Sparrows drawing
Equity and the Environment |

The Future of the Name Audubon

Over the last few years, coinciding with a time of racial reckoning, the birding community has been rethinking its relationship with the John James Audubon name. That the name Audubon celebrates a slaveholder who held white supremacist views goes against that ethic and commitment. That’s why Portland Audubon supports a name change that would echo across all Audubon chapters.

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Equity and the Environment |
Portland Audubon monument sign
Equity and the Environment |

New Signage and Interpretive Exhibits

Thanks to the many donors who helped us successfully fund this part of the capital campaign, we’re working on a complete overhaul of signage across the Portland Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, including new indoor hands-on exhibits, outdoor wayfinding, and interpretive displays that teach people about native plants and wildlife, conservation, and history of the land.

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