If you’ve ever helped with a nest check or attended a Purple Martin roost event through Travis Audubon, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Susanne Harm. Passionate, and full of energy, Susanne has become an essential part of the Purple Martin program and a beloved member of the Travis Audubon community.

What stands out most about Susanne isn’t just how much she contributes—though it’s a lot—but how she does it: with heart, humor, and a deep belief in the value of learning and connection.

“The number one thing I get out of volunteering,” Susanne says, “is that it’s a way for me to educate myself by being around experts and people who know a lot more than I do. You’re learning these new skills, but you’re also making great friends and spending time with people who are just super fun.”

Susanne’s journey with Travis Audubon started like many others—with curiosity and a desire to help. But her role has grown into something much bigger. She’s now a central figure in the Purple Martin Committee, helping lead everything from spring nest monitoring to the unforgettable summer roost parties.

In the spring, you’ll find her helping coordinate nest checks, gently lowering gourds to count eggs and track hatchlings. It’s real conservation work, with data reported to the Purple Martin Conservation Association. “It’s easy to learn,” she says, “and always a joy. I love getting new people involved, especially when they realize how fun and rewarding it is.”

Susanne’s warm, down-to-earth approach makes her a natural mentor. She’s quick to adjust her schedule to meet a new volunteer, explain how to spot the age of a chick, or walk someone through their first data sheet. But she’s just as comfortable laughing about the quirks of birding—or sharing a story about her backyard Purple Martins.

During the summer, Susanne helps organize the Purple Martin roost gatherings—community events where hundreds of people come to watch thousands of martins swirl through the sky before their migration south. “It’s a blast,” she says. “It’s not glamorous, but the energy and joy of it—it’s like a party. And for a lot of people, it’s their gateway into birding.” And this year, Susanne led Travis Audubon’s first-ever pre-party Purple Martin presentations, sharing her knowledge, and love, for these wonderful birds to those who wanted to learn more.

Beyond her hands-on work, Susanne is also passionate about education, accessibility, and finding ways to reach more people—whether that’s bringing in guest speakers to Purple Martin Committee meetings, forming partnerships, or creating birding experiences that welcome beginners and longtime birders alike.

For Susanne, it all comes down to making a difference—both for the birds and for the people around her. “I think most of us want our lives to have meaning,” she says. “And maybe you’re just doing something small, but it adds up. Protecting birds benefits the entire planet; birds control pests, plant seeds, pollinate flowers, and do it all beautifully while singing away. The least we can do is help them continue their good work.”

Thank you, Susanne, for everything you bring to the Travis Audubon community—your time, your heart, your laughter, and your leadership.