Klamath Bird Observatory’s mission embodies an all-birds, all-lands, and all-peoples approach to bird conservation. 

During a migratory bird’s full annual life cycle, it may travel thousands of miles, transcending political and cultural boundaries. The same is true for resident birds; while an individual might not cover as much area, the species population range undoubtedly spans numerous ownerships and land management objectives. Many birds are experiencing troubling population declines, highlighting a need to come together to address the environmental crises threatening the lands and waters on which all people and birds depend.

Science and Conservation

KBO builds and sustains partnerships throughoutbirds’ ranges. Many birds that occur in the United States also spend time in Canada and Latin America. Through broad partnerships that co-create scientific research and bird conservation outcomes, we collaborate with many communities, benefiting people and birds. KBO achieves this through fundraising, shared learning, and training, which build partnership capacities and amplify the voices of those who have previously been unheard in science-based conservation and natural resource forums.

Education and Outreach

Knowledge is central to addressing environmental issues. KBO works to make our educational materials, outreach events, professional training, and internship opportunities more accessible to people. We are building relationships with international and local partners to ensure that our engagement meets the needs and interests of communities touched by our shared birds. Additionally, we address financial barriers by providing free educational materials, outreach opportunities, financial support for internships, and assistance with travel expenses. 

Within Klamath Bird Observatory

KBO’s staffing has increased the representation of women and people of color in science. However, we recognize that many cultural perspectives remain underrepresented in conservation organizations, including at KBO. To broaden our perspective, we are investing in shared learning among our staff and board, creating more opportunities for professional growth, addressing existing misunderstandings to improve cultural agility, and fostering a greater sense of belonging within KBO and the broader bird conservation community. We are expanding our traditional networks to recruit new staff and board members, and to establish new partnerships.

As KBO grows and learns, we are making changes to our organization to better represent the communities we work with on behalf of all birds and all people. We recognize that this process can be long and challenging, and we welcome and embrace broader feedback and collaboration.