Join Audubon for a gathering of environmental advocates from around the state, as we explore the many ways we can advocate for birds and the places they need to survive. We know that birds are at risk from the impacts of climate change, development, and other looming threats. Over the course of this summit, we will learn from Pennsylvania's environmental champions, share opportunities for advocacy, and build community around the urgent needs of birds and people who call Pennsylvania home.

Friday October 24  

10:00-12:00 - Optional Field Trip – Audubon's Forest Conservation work in PA with Scott Parkhill, Audubon Senior Forest Program Manager and Joshua Rittenhouse, Audubon Program Manager, Forester Training and Endorsement

12:00-1:30 - Lunch at Penn Stater and Check-in    

1:30-2:00 - Welcome Remarks

• Suzanne Biemiller, Executive Director, Audubon Mid-Atlantic
• Jim Brown, Policy Director, Audubon Mid-Atlantic  

2:15-3:15 - Federal Policy Panel Discussion: Federal Programs that support Pennsylvania’s conservation work. How can we navigate uncertain times? 

• Zachary Spencer, Manager of Government Affairs, National Audubon Society  
• Renee Reber, Mid-Atlantic Climate and Clean Water Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association
• Scott Parkhill, Audubon Mid-Atlantic 

3:30-4:30 - Renewable Energy and Birds: Steps we can take in Pennsylvania 

• Sam Wojcicki, Senior Director of Climate Policy at National Audubon Society  
• Sharon Pillar, Founder and Director of the PA Solar Center
• Monica Carey, Pennsylvania Program Director, Solar United Neighbors
• Jim Brown, Policy Director, Audubon Mid-Atlantic 

4:30-5:30 - Pennsylvania Environmental Advocacy: Where Policy Meets Conservation  

• Evan Endres, Pennsylvania Director of Government Relations and Policy, The Nature Conservancy
• Stephanie Wein, Water and Conservation Advocate, PennEnvironment 
• Andy Loza, Executive Director of We Conserve PA, Leadership from Conservation Voters of PA  

5:30 - Wrap-up and Debrief for the day 

7:00 - Keynote and Dinner at Penn Stater   

• Sean Murphy, State Ornithologist, PA Game Commission   

8:00 - Socializing and Networking 

Saturday October 25  

8:00-12:00 - Audubon Chapter and Community Building Updates 

• Kim Brand, Managing Director for Community Building, National Audubon Society 

Chapter Leadership and Pennsylvania Audubon Council  

12:00-1:00 - Lunch Keynote - Pennsylvania's Third Bird Atlas: Engaging Community Scientists for Conservation

• Amber Wiewel, Coordinator, Pennsylvania Bird Atlas

2:00-5:00 - Optional Self-Guided Field Trip – PSU Arboretum or Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center 

The registration fee for both days is $125 and includes all conference sessions and Friday field trip, Friday group dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and coffee and snacks on both days. Attendees will be responsible for booking their hotel rooms. A link to book rooms at a discounted rate will be available in the confirmation email you will receive after registration. Attendees are responsible for booking their hotel rooms. A link to book rooms at a discounted rate will be available in the confirmation email you will receive after registration.

We have a limited number of scholarship opportunities. Please contact Tess Wilson at tess.wilson@audubon.org for availability as well as more information about the summit.