Audubon Hog Island Camp in Maine Celebrates 75th Anniversary

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Aug 15, 2011, 10:11 ET

A Model for Conservation Education Since 1936

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One of the nation's greatest environmental education success stories will be celebrated August 20 as Audubon's Hog Island Camp marks 75 years of connecting people with nature. Since 1936, some of the world's most respected naturalists have inspired campers of all ages to learn about and protect birds and the environment.

Roger Tory Peterson, was among the first teachers at the 335 acre island in Maine's Muscongus Bay. His experiences helped spark interest in bird watching in the U.S. It is now the nation's second fastest growing hobby, after gardening.

Kenn Kaufman, only nine years old when he read Peterson's account of Hog Island, is now an international authority on birds and one of the Hog Island instructors. Rachel Carson, a pivotal force behind the modern environmental movement and creation of the EPA, described her visit to Hog Island in her landmark book Silent Spring. It was also here that Audubon's Dr. Stephen Kress pioneered Project Puffin, a seabird restoration program that is now being replicated to help different species of seabirds around the globe.

"There's only one Hog Island and it represents something special for so many people," said Audubon president David Yarnold. "Hog Island is a breeding ground for optimism. People's lives are changed when they see how birds lead us to ecosystems and they hold a special place in their hearts and souls for nature – and for Hog Island. Most important, Hog Island fuels our passion for teaching others about the world we've been entrusted to protect."

Millicent Todd Bingham inherited Hog Island in 1932. She partnered with John Hopkinson Baker, then Audubon's executive director, who had been searching for a site where Audubon could launch the organization's first educational camp. The goal, unconventional at the time, was to help campers develop a sustained interest in the natural world.

"By focusing Hog Island's programming on educators—who are often our most passionate conservation ambassadors—we have been able to multiply our impact exponentially;" said Audubon's Vice President of Education, Judy Braus. "Educators are immersed in the wonder and beauty of the island– and we know that the experiences they share as well as the teaching skills the program imparts will foster environmental stewardship among thousands of young people and adults in communities across the country."

The August 20 event includes a tour of the historical buildings, plus an afternoon clambake, with remarks by Audubon president David Yarnold.

Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. Visit Audubon online at www.audubon.org.

"Hog Island takes hold of you. There are many beautiful places, but this one will change your life." —Scott Weidensaul, author

"If your life is steeped in birds, you owe it to yourself to return to the Source." Pete Dunne, Director of the Cape May Bird Observatory, V.P. of New Jersey Audubon Society Natural History Information, and founder of the World Series of Birding.

"I've run out of superlatives to describe it. The knowledge this island has to share will change the way you look at the natural world." Kenn Kaufmann

See a full list of Hog Island instructors here.

Quotes from Teachers who attended classes on Hog Island:

I have been teaching for 25 years and have never experience a more well rounded and useful program than that offered to educators on Hog Island.

When I came to Hog Island I didn't know what to expect. Five days later I had been rewarded with the most transformative professional development experiences I have had as a teacher.

I really felt that I was in the presence of some of the best birding people in the country, if not the world.

The beauty of the island, the inspiration imparted by the staff and guest speakers, and the knowledge shared by the instructors is a life-changing event!

Your program, staff, environs and heritage are an absolute treasure. Thank you for caring about our wonderful world and its future.

The staff was amazing. You have set the bar very, very high for all future camps.

Sea Bird Sue introduced me to a whole new world!

It was one of the best weeks of my life.

Interaction with the staff was exceptional. They all answered questions I'm sure they've heard dozens of times as if they were the most important questions ever asked!

Read more about the legacy of Hog Island http://projectpuffin.org/OrnithCampsLegacyHistory.html

Video: Hog Island http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le_CjB4F_Ks
Video: Olivia & Jackson Bouler Visit Project Puffin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o1LilBA-fY
Video of puffins http://www.projectpuffin.org/PuffinCamBest.html

SOURCE National Audubon Society