History

We’re attempting to document the history of Western Maine Audubon. Many gaps exist that we hope to fill. Let us know if you have information to add.

History of Western Maine Audubon

1960s
The earliest reference found to date for our organization comes from the Morning Sentinel; Waterville, Maine; Wednesday, November 15, 1967. On page 19 (Franklin County News) in an article titled Natural History Series To Open:

Western division of the Maine Audubon Society will open its winter series of natural history programs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Thomas Hall on the Farmington State College Campus.

Marshall Burk, executive secretary of the Natural Resource council of Maine, will present an illustrated program dealing with the State’s most urgent resource problems.

Philip Lewis of Rumford, chairman of the western division, announced there will be a coffee hour after Thursday’s meeting.

1967

Chairman: Philip Lewis

December 5, 1970

Roger Tory Peterson presented his film to WMA in the Thomas Auditorium at UMF.

March 16, 1973

The Western Maine Audubon Society was formally organized received 501 (c) (3) designation as a chapter of the National Audubon Society. “The aims and objectives of the new chapter are to help persons to understand and enjoy our natural environment, to promote the conservation and wise use of our natural resources, to encourage an interest in the study of our bird life, to promote and present programs in connection with these subjects and to work with school Audubon clubs in furthering their programs and objectives.”

January, 1974

“Commenting on the Christmas count at Farmington, the January newsletter of National Audubon’s Western Maine Chapter said birds were scarce, and one had to work for every one. Peter Cross, its editor, offers the thought that the scarcity of birds at feeders may be due to their being able to find adequate amounts of natural foods.” –The Bangor Daily News, Sat, Jan 26, 1974 ·Page 8

1977

William Woodward, President

1980

Dr. Archie (Bill) Berry

1983, 1987

Peter Cross, President

1987, 1988, 1989

Wendy Howes, President

1999

Robert Kimber, President

April 27, 2000

The Board of Directors voted unanimously to become an affiliate of Maine Audubon Society.

2000–2001

Robert Kimber, President

2001–2006

Steve Bien, President

2007–2009

Paul McGuire, President

April 30, 2008

The Western Maine Audubon Society merged into the Maine Audubon Society.

2010–2014

Burt Knapp, President

2015–2016

Paul McGuire, President

2017–2024

Nancy Knapp, President

2025

Tim Flight, President