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Anne Gore
907/276-7034
agore@audubon.org

ANCHORAGE, AK, June 9, 2005—Stanley E. Senner, Vice President and Executive Director of the National Audubon Society’s Alaska State Office (Audubon Alaska), was awarded the Charles H. Callison Award for outstanding achievement in conservation on May 21 in Park City, Utah, at a meeting of Audubon’s national board.

The Callison award is given annually by the National Audubon Society’s board and recognizes one volunteer and one professional who have made exceptional contributions to the organization and its mission.

“I am truly flattered,” said Senner, “but I also consider this a team award. The Callison award acknowledges the work that has been done by the whole Audubon Alaska staff, and our fine state board. With the support of our members and many friends, we have built a team that is highly credible and contributing very effectively to conservation in Alaska."

Audubon Alaska Senior Scientist, John Schoen, remarked, "I am delighted that Stan is being recognized for his great work. Although Audubon has many hard working and effective professionals across the country, Alaska is of national importance, and Stan has worked effectively with our small staff to make a big difference in conservation. His work benefits all our members and supporters who value wildlife and wild places in this great state."

Mr. Senner was honored with the Callison award in the professional category. In his role as Executive Director of Audubon Alaska since 1999, Senner leads, manages, and raises funds for the six-person office and its education, science, and policy programs. Senner developed Alaska’s first “WatchList” of declining and vulnerable bird populations, and has helped initiate many other important science-based conservation projects, including the identification of “Important Bird Areas” in Alaska and the Bering Sea. An avid birder, and ornithologist, Senner’s professional career has included serving as the Alaska Representative of The Wilderness Society during passage of the Alaska Lands Act, as executive director of Pennsylvania’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, and as director of Audubon’s migratory bird conservation program. Senner is also the voice of the Anchorage Bird Hotline.

The mission of the National Audubon Society is 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. Founded in 1977, Audubon’s Alaska State Office works to protect Alaska’s extraordinary ecosystems, and to enhance public awareness and understanding of the natural world.

Audubon Vermont board member and chapter leader, Warren King of Ripton, Vermont, received the 2005 Callison Award for service as a volunteer. Audubon's first paid staff member in Alaska, David Cline, received the first Callison Award in 1994.

Charles H. Callison served with great distinction as the National Audubon Society's executive vice president from 1960 to 1977. He was responsible for overseeing Audubon’s network of field operations and Chapters.

The National Audubon Society is celebrating its centennial year in 2005. For more information about Audubon Alaska and the National Audubon Society, please visit www.audubonalaska.org, or www.audubon.org.

Audubon is celebrating its centennial year of protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

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