Portland Audubon Changes Name, now called Bird Alliance of Oregon

In 2023, Portland Audubon officially changed its name to Bird Alliance of Oregon. Earlier this year, the organization shared its decision to drop the name “Audubon” and launched a community listening campaign to help find its new name.

“We couldn’t be happier to become the Bird Alliance of Oregon,” said Stuart Wells, executive director. “John James Audubon’s legacy as an enslaver who opposed abolition and as a man who desecrated the graves of Native Americans still causes harm today. Our adoption of a new name is one of many steps in our years-long equity journey to create a more welcoming place.”

The organization spent four months reaching out to the public to help find a name that would connect with broader, more diverse communities, especially those who have historically been excluded from the environmental and birding movements. Nearly 2,000 people shared their thoughts, providing insightful feedback that was foundational to selecting the name Bird Alliance of Oregon.

In addition to dropping the name Audubon, the new name also better reflects the organization’s geographic reach. The word “Portland” in the prior name consistently created confusion since the organization’s work has been statewide since its foundation in 1902.

Bird Alliance of Oregon is pleased to join other former Audubons around the country, including Chicago Bird Alliance, Detroit Bird Alliance, Badgerland Bird Alliance, and Golden Gate Bird Alliance. By also becoming a “Bird Alliance”, the organization hopes to continue the momentum to inspire other Audubons to adopt a name using that phrase to help maintain connectivity between more than 450 Audubons around the country.

“Our name has changed, but our work remains the same,” said Debbie Elliott, Board President. “We continue to fight for the survival of birds, other wildlife and their habitat. We are dedicated to educating youth and adults in environmental education, rehabilitating injured wildlife, and increasing equitable access to nature for all people. Our new name can only make us stronger, removing barriers to participation, and creating an alliance of people working together for nature.”!

For more information, visit https://birdallianceoregon.org