The chapter helps to formulate the policies of the parent organization and exchanges timely information of political developments affecting the environment.

Founded in 1952 by a group of students in a Port Washington High School, upon having been inspired by its principal, named Lyman Langdon, the small bird group quickly joined the National Audubon Society and continued to attract new members. Until 2000, it was called the Lyman Langdon Audubon Society. Its present membership is approximately 1000.

The area served by this chapter reaches along the north shore of Long Island, east from Great Neck to Centre Island, and south to New Hyde Park and Westbury.

Meetings

Monthly meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library or at the Garvies Point Museum in Glen Cove. The subjects range from bats to birds to travel experiences, details being announced in advance in our publication
Normally held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, the date should always be confirmed by looking at our publication.
No meetings are held in February, June, July and August

Publications

The North Shore Audubon Society publishes a bimonthly newsletter.
It informs the membership of important legislative developments, significant local environmental problems and action plans, and it carries notices of all meetings and field trips.
It is issued in January, March, May, Summer, September, October and November.
The entire schedule of half-day and all-day field trips, and some of the anticipated speakers and subjects for future membership meetings is publishes in the September or October issue by means of a "yellow sheet" insert, that also lists the active committees and personnel of the organization.

Protecting our environment

The chapter monitors local media to detect environmental matters on which action is needed and takes appropriate initiatives.
Such events and the chapter's recommended action are publicized in our monthly publication.
Broader national issues relating to the environment are also covered regularly in our publication. The chapter relies on the media, rapid means of communication from the National Audubon Society and from other environmental organizations for its sources of information.
The chapter participates annually in Beach Cleanup Day during which beach debris is collected, classified and weighed, as well as Earth Day, during which presentations are made to students countywide.
Several organizations other than National Audubon can provide valuable information. To learn more about the Greenhouse Effect, Ozone Depletion, Acid Rain, and many other crucial issues, view the Environmental Defense site.
Or find information on Congressional action and monitoring of compliance at the Natural Resources Defense Council site.
For grass-root activities, contact the Sierra Club.

Education

This chapter is an active participant in the Audubon Adventures program which supplies educational materials to classroom teachers. Individuals in the chapter and the chapter by means of subsidies have provided funds for this program. Local schools have benefited substantially, with up to 40 classrooms being served every year.
Scholarships are made available annually for interested students or teachers to attend the National Audubon summer camps. These are awarded in the spring. To apply, write to our address.
A substantial part of the chapter's educational efforts is focused on the successful operation of the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary. North Shore Audubon Society is represented by three members on the Advisory Board of the Sanctuary. These and other volunteers contribute their services so that the Sanctuary will continue to be able to provide excellent environmental education to the students of the community.

Field Trips

A variety of field trips are offered. They range from half-day local walks to all-day trips, and an occasional weekend away. The club also conducts an annual Christmas Count, jointly with the Huntington Audubon Society.
Half-day trips.
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., walks take place that are announced in advance in our publication. These walks are conducted from April to June, and from late August until October, except that Saturday trips usually do not take place when an all-day trip is scheduled.
All-day trips.
Either the third or fourth Saturday of each month is reserved for an all-day trip. These trips start as early as 6:30 a.m. Local trips end in mid-afternoon but longer trips often include a stop for dinner before returning home. These trips are conducted throughout the entire year. The Christmas Count substitutes for the December trip. They often range well outside of Long Island and feature some excellent birding and are often combined with those of the Queens County Bird Club.
The entire schedule of field trips is published in the September or October issue of the chapter's publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you change your name? Over the years, we have had many inquiries as to where our chapter was located because the old name, Lyman Langdon Audubon Society, failed to reveal the chapter's location. The new title is more descriptive.

Who was Lyman Langdon? He was the principal of a Port Washington High School. In 1951 he conducted an adult education bird watching course, consisting mostly of local bird trips. The 13 participants became the nucleus for the chapter's foundation. He led bird walks and inspired several of his students to form a bird club which, eventually, became this organization.
How can I join the North Shore Audubon Society? By becoming a member of this chapter, depending upon the fee submitted, you either become a member only of this chapter or you will automatically be enrolled with the National Audubon Society and will receive the "Audubon" magazine.

Can I subscribe only to your newsletter? Yes, by submitting $20 per year ($35 for two years). You will become a member of our chapter, receive our newsletter but you will not receive Audubon magazine.

Do you charge for attending meetings or field trips? There is no charge for being a guest at meetings or on field trips. However, to find out about future meetings and trips, you need to become a member.

If I happen to come to Long Island for a few days and wish to contact someone about birding locations, is there someone to contact? Yes. Your best source is the American Birding Association who publishes such information. Else, if you can find out who the chapter's Field Trip Chairman is, contact him or her. Else, write to our chapter address or send a message.

If I am a beginning birder, will I be welcome? Of course, you will. Our trips involve a mix of experienced and beginning birders where all will learn much.