Arkansas Audubon Society (AAS)

The Arkansas Audubon Society (AAS) was established at Petit Jean State Park in 1955 with a mission of educating Arkansans on the native birds of the state and their habitats. In the twenty-first century, this volunteer-run, nonprofit organization works more broadly on conservation and community issues. The AAS has no connection to the National Audubon Society, Audubon Delta, or the Little Rock Audubon Center.

The AAS hosts two conventions a year throughout the state. They feature presentations by locally and nationally known naturalists and typically include field trips and programs delivered by those in the field. The AAS’s quarterly newsletter Arkansas Birds informs the community about events, member activities, and birding in general.

The AAS sponsors the Halberg Ecology Camp each summer, focusing on natural history and conservation. Three camps are offered for three different age ranges. The AAS also has scholarships and a trust that support research, projects, and tuition for students pursuing higher education in Arkansas.

The AAS presents two awards. The Shug & Luvois Shugart Red Cockaded Woodpecker Conservation Award is given to those who work toward the conservation of this specific species of local woodpecker, and the Max and Helen Parker Service Award is given to those who have shown outstanding service and dedication to the AAS itself.

The AAS’s Bird Records Database includes notable sightings of birds in the state from both professional and amateur birders, making it an important resource for ornithology in the state. Birders can also use the State Checklist to keep track of and learn more about all the bird species in Arkansas. Observations and sightings from the community can be found and explored through the database, and by 2025, there were nearly 60,000 recorded sightings of native birds.

The Conservation Committee of the AAS focuses on the restoration and maintenance of habitats for birds and the surrounding wildlife. Many of the issues they are interested in are linked to the Wildlife Acts and land use regulations. The AAS partners with entities such as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and Ozark Bird Conservancy on various projects.

For additional information:
Arkansas Audubon Society. https://arbirds.org/ (accessed May 13, 2026).

Arkansas Audubon Society Records (MC 1282). Special Collections. University of Arkansas Libraries, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Finding aid available online (accessed May 13, 2026).

Chris M. Iglesia
University of Arkansas at Little Rock