About Wachiska
Wachiska Audubon Society is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, founded in 1973 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and serving 17 counties in Southeastern Nebraska. The name “Wachiska” is thought to have come from an Omaha Indian word meaning “land of many streams.”
National Audubon Society follows the mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.
Wachiska supports the National mission and our local mission through three primary goals:
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Connect children and adults with nature through a variety of field trips, programs, and special events.
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Advocate for the protection of our natural world on local, state, and national levels through responsible conservation policies.
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Preserve native tallgrass prairie in and around our chapter area. We currently preserve nearly 1,000 acres of prairie through either direct ownership or with conservation easements.
Audubon members work to preserve the diversity of living things and we are diverse ourselves. We are birdwatchers, wildlife professionals, photographers, conservation activists, writers, outdoor enthusiasts, and more. Our activities and projects appeal to a wide range of interests.
We invite you to join us.
Wachiska Activities
Members and the general public are invited to participate in all Wachiska events. More information about our activities can be found in our newsletter.
Monthly Programs – You are invited to hear guest speakers who are recognized authorities on nature, travel, and the natural world around us, and to receive updates on chapter events and area birding. Find out more.
Field Trips – Monthly trips to scenic local and regional areas help birdwatchers sharpen their skills, encourage wildflower enthusiasts to discover prairies. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! Find out more.
Backyard Garden Tour – Held each spring, this tour opens the yards of local citizens, allowing visitors to gather ideas on landscaping to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Spring and Fall Birdseed Sales – Spend a little, get a lot. Wachiska can help you entice birds to your yard with quality seed. Sales are announced in The Babbling Brook.
Christmas Bird Count – For over a century, Audubon members from all over North America have taken part in this nationwide bird count held each winter. Many counts are organized across Nebraska. Lincoln has been supplying data for over 100 years.
Awards Banquet – Wachiska's annual banquet is held each April to honor outstanding “Earthkeepers” in the region, to reflect on the past year's activities, and to look ahead to new challenges.
Wachiska Audubon Society was chartered in 1973 as an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society. Wachiska is a qualified 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, TIN 51-0229888.