For more than 50 years, Central Oregon’s birding community has provided rich opportunities for birders to connect, learn, and help conserve birds and their habitat.
The origin of East Cascades Bird Alliance can be traced back to the early 1970s when the first National Audubon Society chapter in Central Oregon was established under the name Central Oregon Audubon Society (COAS). This organization was recognized as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS in July of 1974 and the bylaws were adopted in 1976.
Another regional birding organization, separate from COAS, was established in 2002 and was known as the East Cascades Bird Conservancy (ECBC). ECBC’s goals were to support bird conservation in Oregon by engaging the public in volunteer field studies and support of projects that further the knowledge and appreciation of birds and their habitats.
Eventually recognizing alignment in their goals and potential for mutually beneficial activities, the ECBC membership voted to merge with COAS under the new organizational name: East Cascades Bird Alliance (ECBA). The merger and new name were registered in January 2010 with the Secretary of State of Oregon.
Since 2010, ECBA has served Central Oregon’s birding community through education, outreach, and conservation initiatives to support birds and their habitats. As a volunteer-fueled organization, ECBA’ programs, projects, and operations rely fully on the time and talents of dozens of dedicated individuals. Additionally, ECBA’ work is supported through annual membership fees of hundreds of members.
For a more personal perspective of ECBA history, check out the following essays:
Judy Meredith- A Blast from the Past
Chuck Gates – The History of Central Oregon Birding Groups: The Way I Remember It
Sherrie Pierce – A Brief History of My Time with ECBA
Mike Golden – ECBA History
Notable Contributors
The establishment and ongoing success of East Cascades Bird Alliance can be attributed in part to the dedication and notable contributions made by a number of early Central Oregon birders including:
Jim & Sue Anderson; Devon Comstock; Jay Bowerman; Chris Carey; Gary Clowers; Tom Crabtree; Sue Danley; Steve Dougill; Cal and Alice Elshoff; Chuck Gates; John and Anne Gerke; Dean Hale; Ivy Hilty; Diane Kook; Dave Ledder; Judy Meredith; Clara Miller; Craig and Marilyn Miller; Kimdel Owens; Steve Shunk; Christy Steck; Sue Tank; Dave Tracy; Fay Van Cise; and Glenn Van Cise
Note: We recognize that there may be many others, not mentioned here, who have made important contributions to ECBA since its inception. Please help us in documenting ECBA’s rich history by reporting any errors or omissions, or by sending additional photos to ecaudubon@gmail.com.
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Dean Hale
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Chuck Gates
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Volunteer Judy Meredith
(Chuck Gates) -
Jon Putnam
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Steve Shunk
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Jan Rising
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Tom Crabtree
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Cal Elshoff
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Jay Bowerman
Jim Anderson -
Sherrie Pierce
Miriam Lipsitz -
Ken Hashagen
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Dave Tracy
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Diane Kook
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Devon Comstock
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JoAnne Bernt
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John Brune
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John Gerke
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Kim Boddie
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Terri Hyde
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Sue Tank
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Tom Penpraze
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Diana Roberts