Ruth Morton and Hal Busch in the forest birding

Building a Lasting Legacy Together for Nature

Our journey towards conservation and environmental stewardship has been deeply fulfilling, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of nature. Through our partnership with Bird Alliance of Oregon and our planned gift, we aim to leave behind a world where future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of the natural world.

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Mary Ratcliff at Wild Arts Festival

Remembrances of Mary Ratcliff

The sudden loss of Mary Ratcliff was devastating to all of us in the Bird Alliance of Oregon community, where she had been a volunteer since 2011. Her contributions to Bird Alliance of Oregon were both deep and broad, and she left an indelible mark. The following remembrances of Mary from staff, fellow volunteers, and birding friends paint a portrait of a passionate person with an unforgettable combination of intelligence, kindness, and enthusiasm.

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People planting together

Digging Deeper: Backyard Habitat Certification Program Update

In 2022, BHCP hit a programmatic milestone of enrolling the 10,000th participant! Our enrolled participants’ land now totals over 2,453 acres, which together is about four times the size of Powell Butte Nature Park in East Portland. These pockets of habitat form important corridors to support wildlife, manage stormwater, and increase access to greenspaces within urban spaces.

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A Bald Eagle flies out of a white enclosure in a field full of yellow flowers.

Bob Sallinger: 30 Years at Bird Alliance of Oregon

Bob Sallinger’s 30 years as an advocate, activist, naturalist, wildlife researcher, and wildlife rehabber, and his deep ties to the community, have led to many of the most exciting conservation wins in Bird Alliance of Oregon’s history, and not only have saved the lives of countless wild animals, but have transformed the Oregon landscape for future generations.

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Red-tailed Hawk being released

One Lucky Red-tailed Hawk

A Red-tailed Hawk had arrived at the Wildlife Care Center after colliding with the glass side of a sporting goods store. After nearly two months of rest and rehabilitation while the hawk’s injuries healed, we were so happy to be able to release the hawk back out into the wild with a handful of volunteers cheering her/him on.

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Ross, Dean, and Harriet Anderson

Remembering a Lifelong Bird Alliance of Oregon Champion – Harriet Anderson

Harriet was an incredible volunteer and supporter of Bird Alliance of Oregon since the early 1960’s who believed sincerely in our work and contributed to most, if not all, of Bird Alliance of Oregon’s most significant projects. Her last legacy was initiating the renovations and updates to Marmot Cabin, where we hold camps and Outdoor School for youth, with a considerable lead gift.

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Harry Nehls birding

A Rare Bird: Remembering Harry Nehls

Harry was involved with the organization in one way or another for 64 years, amassing volunteer hours that would take most people three lifetimes. His contributions to Bird Alliance of Oregon were enormous, including writing the Sightings and Field Notes columns in the Warbler for decades, and serving as board president, editor of the Warbler, and volunteer manager, as well as being a trip leader and class instructor.

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