Social Justice Spotlight: Bird Alliance of Oregon

Do you wish you could help make the world a better place, but aren’t sure how? Let’s learn about a local organization making a genuine positive impact on the community. 

The Bird Alliance of Oregon was founded 123 years ago as an entirely volunteer-run program to fight against the depopulation of native species and habitat loss. To be fair, the BAO probably falls under the umbrella of “environmental justice” more than social justice, but given the relatively large number of birdwatchers at Reed, it seemed only fitting that this organization should flit its way into the Quest. I met with Ali Berman, the Communications and Marketing Director of the BAO, to understand more about this organization.

The BAO originally stepped up to preserve the environment against the collection of feathers for the hat trade and industrial logging, which had huge impacts on local wildlife. It remained all-volunteer until the 1970s, when it began to grow a membership and secure funding. In the ‘80s, they were at the forefront of the Timber Wars, an environmentalist movement to protect old growth forest and spotted owls. It was one of the “one of the biggest environmental conflicts of the 20th century,” per OPB. 

Since then, the Alliance has grown into a large organization which runs the largest wild animal hospital in the region. Currently located at their headquarters of 5151 NW Cornell Rd., it sees up to 5,000 patients annually, ranging from beavers to eagles. This location also has a Nature Store, which sells all manner of optical equipment, literature, and food for the enthusiastic birder. The property is a large nature preserve located in the heart of Forest Park, which is open to the public from dawn till dusk every day. It’s a great hiking spot filled with wildlife, and they have the only public bathroom in Forest Park. 

The BAO offers many ways to get involved with the organization. They host 700+ volunteers annually, many of which are new every year, but some of whom have been working for the organization for decades. 

The easiest way to get involved from the comfort of your home or dorm is by participating in letter-writing campaigns. Berman described how “at this local level, if you can get even 15 people to show up to a meeting, or 50 people to write a letter, it can really have an impact on a legislator.” Currently, the BAO is focused on halting a proposed Portland General Electric plan to cut five acres through Forest Park to make way for a new power line, as well as advocating for strong protections for old-growth forests. Only 10% of Oregon’s natural old growth forest remains. The BAO also pushes local city governments to make investments in climate change resilience and green space creation in urban environments. 

For those wanting to get more active in their volunteering, they also offer a wide variety of outdoor programs. Ad-hoc events can always use volunteers, with any range of experience. Anyone can show up to their weekly outdoor work party, but for those with more experience birding, there are countless ways to get involved. BAO hosts a number of educational opportunities for schools and the community, which occur on a frequent basis. Indoor volunteer roles are also available with weekly shifts, such as being an assistant at the Wildlife Care Center or Nature Store. They also need volunteers to help take scientific data on wildlife. Go out and count some birds!

If you’re just curious about birding, and want to get involved for fun, the BAO has you covered. There are a number of upcoming events in the Portland area dedicated to public awareness about birds, like a Birding Outing at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden for people who identify as disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent and their family, friends and caregivers. There are near-daily events scheduled to occur this spring, such as Bird Song Walks, which are free to the public and will run April through May. Register for these events and more on their website! For those of you sticking around in the summer, the Bird Days of Summer is a summer program for adults, featuring free/sliding-scale nature outings with a focus on birds. There are also frequent trips into the great outdoors for the community for all levels, as well as outings for affinity groups. More information will be available on their website at birdallianceoregon.org. 

If you have a moment and the passion, get involved!