Swainson’s Thrush and Red Elderberry - Photo: Mick Thompson
July 2025
by Matt McCoy
The challenges facing our feathered friends and the natural world are myriad. If you are prone to doomscrolling as I am, it seems that headlines constantly remind us of new or worsening problems—or reversals—on issues we thought were being addressed. Environmental challenges are not new. It was Thomas Jefferson who said, “In the environment, every victory is temporary, every defeat is permanent.” While it sometimes feels like we’re powerless to change things, we are not!
You can—and are—making a difference. Feeding birds, adding native plants to your landscape, and sharing your love of nature with others are some of the ways you’re already having a positive impact. Our recent recognition by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat, with over 300 participants, is an exciting accomplishment.
Being a member of OPAS means you’re helping shape positive change at a community level. Monthly programs and field trips are effective ways chapter members educate others about enjoying and protecting wildlife. The Dungeness River Nature Center, which OPAS helps support, provides an incredible educational experience for residents and visitors alike. The chapter works with local communities to address issues including bird strike mortality, disturbance from fireworks, drinking water quality, and ensuring dark skies during migration.
Our community science efforts monitoring avian populations provide important information on trends and issues. Christmas Bird Counts, the most widely recognized bird monitoring effort, have been conducted for over 100 years in some areas and provide incredible trend information. Great Backyard Bird Counts (and our Birdathon) are an easy way to enjoy birds and help science from the comfort of your home. Western Bluebird/Climate Watch Study, Pigeon Guillemot Survey, Puget Sound Seabird Survey, Purple Martin Nest Box Project, Three Crabs Bird Study, and Trumpeter/Tundra Swan Survey are more recently initiated efforts. Not to be left out of the high-tech world, we’re working to establish a local Motus station to monitor tagged birds, bats, and even insects.
While we’re having a positive effect on local wildlife conservation, there are any number of national and international issues that can use our help. It may seem overwhelming at first—where do we start, and how do we keep from burning out? To help get started, OPAS will be sending out an action alert each month—one that builds on our local work. I encourage you to dip your toe in the armchair advocacy pool. A simple phone call or note to decision makers can help educate and influence them. Remember, they work for us! As for avoiding burnout, remember to:
Set realistic goals and expectations
Focus on your strengths and passions
Pace yourself
Set boundaries
Keep informed
Celebrate progress
Your pen (or keystroke) and voice are powerful! As Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”