The Board of Directors of the Pasadena Audubon Society (PAS) recommends changing the organization’s name to better reflect its mission, values, and inclusive approach to birding and bird conservation. The Board recommends that PAS change its name to the Pasadena Bird Alliance to convey that the organization welcomes broad participation and to clearly communicate its purpose: bringing people together around birds. The new name will reflect who and what we are today: a welcoming organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitat and inspiring people across the San Gabriel Valley to come together around their love of birds and their appreciation of nature.
This change would allow us to shed our direct association with John James Audubon, a complex historical figure. He was a naturalist and accomplished painter of birds, and his fame contributed to the early conservation movement, but today, his name no longer evokes the positive recognition it once did. Knowledge has spread about his other actions — such as ownership of enslaved people — and association with his name is contrary to our efforts to welcome more people into birding. We believe that putting “bird” in our name clearly prioritizes birds. We also believe that using the word “alliance” communicates belonging, unity, and our links to other conservation organizations. Many other Audubon chapters have already changed their name for the same reasons, and we all remain part of the national Audubon organization.
Our mission remains the same: protecting birds and their habitat, and connecting our community to birds and nature. The new name is more inclusive, accessible, and modern, and it more clearly conveys our focus on birds. We are expanding our reach to engage broader and more diverse communities, and this change positions us for future growth and impact. Our core programs such as field trips, conservation activities, and the school science program remain strong. You as a member are part of this chapter, and your participation and support continue to matter.
While the Board has voted in favor of changing the name, the new name requires the membership’s approval. A vote to change the name of the Pasadena Audubon Society to the Pasadena Bird Alliance will be held at the PAS General Meeting on Zoom, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 7-8:30pm.
Board members and PAS staff will be on hand to discuss the matter at the General Meeting on Wednesday, October 21st on Zoom, and at the October Birds & Beers on Wednesday, October 28th. We’ll also hold a few Town Halls on Zoom in early November where any member can join in and discuss the matter further.
In the meantime, we welcome your questions and comments on this proposed change. You are welcome to submit them below.
-Board of Directors, Pasadena Audubon Society
The Board of Directors of the Pasadena Audubon Society (PAS) recommends changing the organization’s name to better reflect its mission, values, and inclusive approach to birding and bird conservation. The Board recommends that PAS change its name to the Pasadena Bird Alliance to convey that the organization welcomes broad participation and to clearly communicate its purpose: bringing people together around birds. The new name will reflect who and what we are today: a welcoming organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitat and inspiring people across the San Gabriel Valley to come together around their love of birds and their appreciation of nature.
This change would allow us to shed our direct association with John James Audubon, a complex historical figure. He was a naturalist and accomplished painter of birds, and his fame contributed to the early conservation movement, but today, his name no longer evokes the positive recognition it once did. Knowledge has spread about his other actions — such as ownership of enslaved people — and association with his name is contrary to our efforts to welcome more people into birding. We believe that putting “bird” in our name clearly prioritizes birds. We also believe that using the word “alliance” communicates belonging, unity, and our links to other conservation organizations. Many other Audubon chapters have already changed their name for the same reasons, and we all remain part of the national Audubon organization.
Our mission remains the same: protecting birds and their habitat, and connecting our community to birds and nature. The new name is more inclusive, accessible, and modern, and it more clearly conveys our focus on birds. We are expanding our reach to engage broader and more diverse communities, and this change positions us for future growth and impact. Our core programs such as field trips, conservation activities, and the school science program remain strong. You as a member are part of this chapter, and your participation and support continue to matter.
While the Board has voted in favor of changing the name, the new name requires the membership’s approval. A vote to change the name of the Pasadena Audubon Society to the Pasadena Bird Alliance will be held at the PAS General Meeting on Zoom, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 7-8:30pm.
Board members and PAS staff will be on hand to discuss the matter at the General Meeting on Wednesday, October 21st on Zoom, and at the October Birds & Beers on Wednesday, October 28th. We’ll also hold a few Town Halls on Zoom in early November where any member can join in and discuss the matter further.
In the meantime, we welcome your questions and comments on this proposed change. You are welcome to submit them below.
-Board of Directors, Pasadena Audubon Society