Mary Ratcliff at Wild Arts Festival

Remembrances of Mary Ratcliff

The sudden loss of Mary Ratcliff was devastating to all of us in the Portland Audubon community, where she had been a volunteer since 2011. Her contributions to Portland Audubon 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 Portland Audubon

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 Portland Audubon’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 Portland Audubon Champion – Harriet Anderson

Harriet was an incredible volunteer and supporter of Portland Audubon since the early 1960’s who believed sincerely in our work and contributed to most, if not all, of Portland Audubon’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 Portland Audubon 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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Roberta Jortner

2022 Mamie Campbell Award Winners

Established in 1985, the Mamie Campbell Award is given to our most dedicated volunteers.  Mamie Campbell award winners have sustained and long-term volunteer commitment.  We also look for volunteers who are active in several different programs, and who are leaders and role models in our volunteer community. 

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