Concord - New Hampshire Audubon will hold a press conference Thursday to announce it has become the New Hampshire affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). These two organizations will remain very independent but will collaborate on shared conservation, education and policy concerns that will strengthen New Hampshire’s unique natural resources.

“As a lifelong resident, fisherman and career U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public servant, I know that Granite State residents and our native wildlife will be the biggest winners in our affiliation with the National Wildlife Federation,” said Michael J. Bartlett, New Hampshire Audubon President. “Our organizations will share expertise and resources to ensure that New Hampshire’s wildlife and open spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“New Hampshire Audubon for almost 100 years has been a New Hampshire conservation leader. Our common efforts to restore and protect wildlife and its habitat, combat global warming and connect people with nature make this a natural affiliation,” said Larry Schweiger, NWF President and CEO.

NWF affiliates are independent organizations that choose to affiliate with NWF. This partnership does not change New Hampshire Audubon’s strong independent tradition dating back to its creation in 1914. Affiliates in each region work together and with partners to advance conservation and protect the region’s unique natural treasures. Affiliates also serve on NWF’s Board of Directors and create NWF’s policies. New Hampshire is part of NWF’s Northeast region, one of nine such regions throughout the United States. The Northeast region includes all of New England, New York, and New Jersey. NWF’s Board of Directors voted to add New Hampshire Audubon during its 75th annual meeting, November 5th, in New Orleans.

Not unlike NH Audubon, NWF is perhaps best known for its educational programs for children.  Ranger Rick magazine is a staple in thousands of New Hampshire households — as is “Audubon camp.” Both NH Audubon and NWF recognize the critical importance of getting children outdoors where they can experience and learn about the natural world.

NWF is also known nationally for its advocacy on behalf of the environment, from addressing the causes and impacts of climate change to energy development impacts. NH Audubon’s research and monitoring programs that inform its policy positions will also help inform those espoused by NWF.  Expertise NWF brings to issues relevant to New Hampshire will benefit our environmental policy work, Bartlett said.

About National Wildlife Federation: NWF was founded 75 years ago and has 4 million members and supporters nationwide. New Hampshire residents provide NWF with significant support, including:

• 9,639 members
• 2,455 online subscribers.
• 12,613 subscribers to NWF’s children publications, including Ranger Rick, Your Big Backyard and Animal Babies.
• 802 Certified Backyard Habitats.

About New Hampshire Audubon: Founded in 1914, New Hampshire Audubon works to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. New Hampshire Audubon is a nonprofit, statewide membership organization independent of the National Audubon Society. Working to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, New Hampshire Audubon focuses on:

• Environmental education programs in schools and at centers throughout the state
• Statewide conservation research and wildlife monitoring
• Protection of nearly 8,000 acres of wildlife habitat in 38 sanctuaries
• Environmental public policy and science-based advocacy

For information on New Hampshire Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org.