Audubon's TogetherGreen Fellowship Philly Recipient!

The National Audubon Society (with support from Toyota) recently awarded TogetherGreen Fellowships to 40 of the nation’s most promising conservationists – one of whom is representing Philadelphia!  Keith Russell has been protecting birds and wildlife for over two decades with fellow Philadelphians. 

Keith started the Philadelphia Mid-Winter Bird Census which includes a reservoir in Fairmount Park – and will soon be the site of a new Audubon Center where locals can learn, enjoy and work our city’s nature. 

The TogetherGreen Fellowship (part of the TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Program) is designed to assist individuals with great potential to help shape a brighter environmental future.  Fellows receive specialized training in conservation planning and execution, the chance to work and share best practices with gifted conservation professionals, and assistance with project outreach and evaluation.  Additionally, each Fellow will receive $10,000 towards a community-focused project to engage local residents in conserving land, water and energy, and contributing to greater environmental health.

During Keith’s fellowship he’ll be organizing a study on bird migrations and urban effects.  Specifically, volunteers with be collecting data on bird collisions with building windows, combining citizen science and wildlife conservation efforts through the current migration seasons.  This study will help reveal how building lights and glass in downtown Philadelphia affect many of the migratory birds that pass through our city each spring and fall, allowing Russell (and others) to work towards a safer place for these winged travelers.

Turning off lights and reducing the transparency and reflection caused by building glass will help protect these birds from deadly collisions, educate community members and business owners about the perils migratory birds face in cities, and ultimately help slow the rate at which many of these species are now declining.  A great side-effect will hopefully initiate further environmental awareness across the city so residents can reduce their electricity use.

Check the full list of Fellows efforts – They’ll help people and wildlife around 39 cities in 24 different states.

 For more info, visit TogetherGreen or check them out on Facebook.

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher