Four Worlds International Institute Directory

JWP Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society and is an affiliate of Illinois Audubon. Our chapter area includes Bloomington/Normal, Illinois; surrounding McLean County; and parts of adjacent central Illinois communities. We take our chapter name from John Wesley Powell; 19th Century explorer, geologist, naturalist, anthropologist, ethnologist and teacher. Powell was an Union Civil War veteran. He lost much of his right arm during the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. After the war he was a professor of geology and natural history at both Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington and Illinois Normal College [now Illinois State University] in Normal, IL. Major Powell is perhaps best known for leading the first exploration of the Colorado River and its tributaries, exploring much of the Colorado Plateau and the Grand Canyon. http://www.powellmuseum.org/



Though much of our focus is on birds and bird watching, we realize that birds are just part of a much larger global ecosystem. For that reason we are also interested in conservation, ecology, habitat protection and nature education. Our chapter presents special programs throughout the year that are open to the public. These presentations feature speakers on various nature and birding topics. JWP Audubon also hosts field trips during the year, both locally and out-of-state. Our field trips are primarily bird watching trips, though we usually take time to observe the other flora and fauna. We want to learn more about the habitats that support the bird life we have come to see.



Our chapter also funds nature education programs in the elementary schools in Bloomington/Normal. We hope that through education children can learn to love and respect the natural world; and that they will grow into adults who will make good decisions about the enviornment. Our members also volunteer their time to develop and maintain nature areas in the Bloomington/Normal parks. They work on trails; plant trees, shrubs and flowers; build and put up bird houses; and lead nature and bird walks. Our Audubon chapter even has its on garden off of the Constitution Trail in Normal. People who use the trail can stop and enjoy a garden planted to attract birds and butterflies.



JWP Audubon also participates in two yearly bird counts, a statewide Spring count in May, and National Audubon`s Christmas count in December. These counts are important surveys that paint a vital picture of the health of North American bird populations.