The Boards of Directors of the California and National Audubon Societies were able to coordinate a joint meeting in Southern California at the end of February. It was the first in-person meetings for both those bodies in two years: two intense days of discussion, presentation, and conversation over warm binoculars.

I was recently voted on to the California Board as the Central Valley/Sierra council representative, one of five council reps in California. I act as a liaison between the 12 Audubon chapters in the council, bringing local concerns up to the state level, and letting the local chapters know about state initiatives and priorities.

The first day was a meeting of just the California Board. I recommend that every member of the Sacramento chapter take a look at the California Audubon website to get an idea of some of the incredible projects going on—a great one that is going to have a big impact on the Central Valley is Conservation Ranching, where we’ve already got 80,000 acres certified in the Golden State. We’re also looking to get some grants for Bobelaine to open up a historic spawning channel, and many other things that will help not only birds but the whole ecosystem.

Day Two was a joint meeting of the boards to talk solely about one issue: “The birds are telling us the climate is changing!” Instead of coming away with a sense of impending disaster, however, I finished the day feeling incredibly inspired. Every presenter was so passionate, so inspired, so ready to make things happen. It’s obvious that the national organization is committed: they hired away the Executive Director of the California Audubon Society, Sarah Rose, for a newly-created position, Vice President of Climate Change. This, of course, leaves a vacancy at the top of the California organization, but machinery is already clicking away to find a replacement.

I am incredibly honored to be serving on the California Board with such amazing people. And don’t even get me started on the knowledgeable, friendly and hyper-competent staff. I’m very much looking forward to the next three years of my term, and hope that I can do as good a job as Fresno’s Robert Snow, my predecessor. If you have anything you’d like to know about CA Audubon’s priorities, projects or anything else, please drop me a line.

—Eric Johnson