As the home of Bird City Wisconsin, the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, Inc, belongs at the top of this list. Founded in 2010, the Observatory is quickly establishing itself as a regional leader in avian research and conservation. The Observatory's mission is to conduct coordinated research, monitoring, and education that advances the conservation of birds and bats in Wisconsin and throughout the Western Great Lakes Region. The Observatory’s headquarters is at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve, located near the Lake Michigan shore between Belgium and Port Washington in Ozaukee Co., Wisconsin.
At 750 members, the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society is among the state's largest Audubon chapters. Established in 1985, it combines monthly meetings with field trips and a monthly newsletter to educate its members and the public about natural history (emphasis on birds).
The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin's 850 members live in 70 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. BRAW publishes a quarterly journal, Wisconsin Bluebird, and an informational packet for monitors/managers. It began in 1986 at the request of the state DNR after a precipitous decline in bluebird numbers throughout the state. Nest boxes erected and monitored by BRAW members have raised hundreds of thousands of birds along Bluebird Trails, many of which are part of the portfolios of Bird City communities.
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin provides sustainable funding for Wisconsin's most imperiled species and public lands, while connecting generations to the wonders of Wisconsin's lands, waters, and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement and giving. Through its Bird Protection Fund, NRF has long been one of Bird City Wisconsin's strongest financial backers.
The Noel J. Cutright Bird Club, formerly the Riveredge Bird Club, was founded in 1986 to bring together those who enjoy observing and learning more about birds and sharing these interests with others. The Club serves birders in southern Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Washington Counties, and northern Milwaukee County in southeastern Wisconsin.
The Metro Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD) is a regional government agency that provides water reclamation and flood management services for 28 communities in the Greater Milwaukee Area spread over 411 square miles that cover all, or segments of, six watersheds. MMSD also works for MMSD conservation measures and is home to the innovative Green Seams program.
Ozaukee County has been important for Bird City in many ways, including substantial assistance from Ozaukee County Planning & Parks and for creating, maintaining, and hosting Bird City's website from 2009-2017.
The Wisconsin Audubon Council promotes, fosters and encourages the conservation, preservation and study of all wildlife, plants, soil, water, air and other natural resources for the benefit of nature and society. In furtherance of those goals we work to combine the efforts of our 18 member organizations in any pursuits as may be a part of the stated purpose of the National Audubon Society.
Initiated in 2001, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) is a partnership of more than 175 Wisconsin organizations that include bird clubs, hunting and fishing groups, government agencies, land trusts, nature centers, environmental groups, universities, and businesses. The goals of WBCI include to conserve and restore endangered, threatened, and rare bird species and their habitats, educate Wisconsin citizens about birds and bird conservation issues, and promote bird-based recreation and the enjoyment of birds. WBCI co-hosts the bi-annual Bird City Wisconsin Conference.
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that was established in 1939. WSO's mission is to promote the enjoyment, study and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds. We provide opportunities for all people to enjoy resident and migratory birds, while being a leading steward of and ambassador for Wisconsin birds.
