Michigan Audubon Name Decision

After an extensive review process, Michigan Audubon’s Board of Directors has voted to retain the organization’s name. Michigan Audubon does not align with John James Audubon’s values. We acknowledge his history and do not dismiss or defend those parts of his legacy.

To help inform the Board’s decision, a Name Review Task Force comprised of chapter representatives and board members representing a range of perspectives was formed in 2024 to evaluate whether the Audubon name continues to serve Michigan Audubon’s mission and future goals.

Over the course of several months, the Task Force reviewed the experiences of other Audubon organizations, examined the role of the Michigan Audubon brand in conservation and community engagement, and provided recommendations to the Board. The Board also conducted an additional analysis of the operational implications of a potential rebrand, including its impact on programs, properties, chapters, partnerships, and organizational resources. This analysis estimated that a full organizational rebrand would cost at least $250,000 and require significant staff time and resources to implement. Following this review, the Board voted in March 2026 to retain the Michigan Audubon name.

The decision was guided by the organization’s commitment to its conservation, education, and research mission. Today, Michigan Audubon manages and protects nearly 4,000 acres across 20 conservation properties, conducts avian research and monitoring, provides educational programming for hundreds of students each year, offers free public events and nature experiences, and works alongside local, state, and federal partners to conserve critical bird habitat throughout Michigan. In reaching its decision, the Board determined that retaining the organization’s name would best support the continued growth and impact of this work across Michigan. The Board also recognized the significant awareness and credibility associated with the Audubon name, which connects Michigan Audubon to a nationwide network of more than 610 Audubon organizations, 160 campus chapters, and more than 2 million members and supporters dedicated to bird conservation. Over the course of more than 120 years, the name has taken on a meaning of its own through the birders, volunteers, chapters, donors, partners, and communities who have built Michigan Audubon’s conservation movement. For Michigan Audubon, the name represents this community and its work, not an endorsement of the man from whom it originated.

At the same time, Michigan Audubon remains committed to building a conservation movement that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. Michigan Audubon continues to expand opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect with birds, nature, and conservation. Initiatives such as the Bird by Bird program, which brings hands-on environmental education to approximately 30 classrooms in diverse school districts across Michigan, participation in Black Birders Week activities, and support for Michigan Technological University’s Detroit SEED Natural Resource Education program help introduce new audiences to conservation and create pathways for broader participation in the environmental community.

Since 1905, Michigan Audubon has been dedicated to connect birds and people for the benefit of both. Our members, volunteers, chapters, donors, and partners have built a community dedicated to protecting birds and the habitats they depend on. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering a culture of belonging where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to engage in conservation. We are focused on ensuring that Michigan Audubon continues to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with nature and take action for birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the name change consideration? 

Michigan Audubon undertook a name review because of the complex legacy of John James Audubon, including his history as an enslaver and documented racism towards Black and Indigenous people. As these aspects of his history have become more widely understood, organizations across the Audubon network have considered whether the Audubon name continues to align with their missions and values.

Michigan Audubon does not align with John James Audubon’s values, and retaining our name is not an endorsement of his beliefs or actions. To address this question thoughtfully, Michigan Audubon’s Board of Directors initiated a serious review process to evaluate whether retaining or changing the organization’s name would best support its mission and future goals.

How will Michigan Audubon move forward?

Michigan Audubon will continue advancing its mission through conservation, education, research, and community engagement while working to broaden participation in conservation across Michigan. The organization remains committed to fostering a culture of belonging and ensuring that everyone feels welcome in the conservation community.

Will Michigan Audubon’s chapters or programs be affected by this decision?

No. Michigan Audubon’s chapters, conservation properties, educational programs, research initiatives, and partnerships will continue operating as they do today. The decision allows the organization to remain focused on delivering and expanding the conservation work that communities, members, partners, and supporters rely on across the state.

Are Michigan Audubon chapters keeping the Audubon name?

Our 28 chapters may choose to retain the Audubon name or adopt a new name. Regardless of those decisions, Michigan Audubon values the important work of each chapter and will continue to support them as partners in our shared mission to protect birds and the places they need.

Featured Photo: Baltimore Oriole by Michigan Audubon staff