The Board of Directors of Travis Audubon is honored to announce that the 2024 Victor Emanuel Conservation Award Hero is former Travis Audubon Board Member, Virginia Rose.

Virginia Rose, a passionate advocate for birding accessibility and inclusivity, is the driving force behind Birdability, an initiative dedicated to introducing people with access challenges to birding, making birding sites and festivals more accessible, and ensuring that birding communities are welcoming and inclusive for everybody. With a background in education and a love for nature, Virginia recognized the need for greater accessibility in outdoor activities, particularly birding. Through Birdability, she has worked tirelessly to create resources, raise awareness, and foster community engagement to ensure that everyone, regardless of accessibility challenges, can enjoy the wonders of birding. Her dedication and leadership have earned her recognition and honors, including from Audubon Texas, for her outstanding contributions to the birding community. Virginia’s commitment to equity and inclusion inspires others to join her in making nature accessible for all.

In 2003, Virginia joined Travis Audubon and was welcomed with open arms and can-do spirits. In 2010, Virginia started co-leading beginner bird walks and in 2017, Virginia accepted a position on the Travis Audubon Board of Directors where she served until 2024. Before founding Birdability in 2018, Virginia taught English for 28 years, and she credits her students for teaching her how to do Birdability.

We will host our 15th annual Victor Emanuel Conservation Award Celebration on the evening of Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Austin Country Club. Reception begins at 5:30 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. We hope you will join us for the festivities.

About Travis Audubon:

As an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, Travis Audubon promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of native birds through inclusive environmental education, habitat protection, restoration, and management, and conservation advocacy. Travis Audubon manages four wildlife sanctuaries in the Austin area, including protected habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. Since 1952, Travis Audubon and its members have recognized the importance of preserving the ecological balance necessary for healthy, sustainable, and habitable communities, both for people and wildlife. Get involved and learn more at www.travisaudubon.org and follow on Facebook @TravisAudubon and Instagram @TravisAudubonSociety.

For more information, contact:

Cheyenne Moore, Development Manager
cheyenne@travisaudubon.org
(512)300-2473