Western Maine Audubon

A Chapter of Maine Audubon

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.

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

1970s

  • 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

1980s

  • 1980: Dr. Archie (Bill) Berry
  • 1983, 1987: Peter Cross, President
  • 1987, 1988, 1989: Wendy Howes, President

1990s

  • 1999 Robert Kimber, President

2000s

  • 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.

2010s

  • 2010–2014: Burt Knapp, President
  • 2015–2016: Paul McGuire, President
  • 2017–2024: Nancy Knapp, President
  • 2025: Tim Flight, President