Mission Statement	The mission of the National Audubon Society (NAS) and Shenandoah Audubon (NSVAS) 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.
About Shenandoah Audubon	The Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society (NSVAS), or “Shenandoah Audubon”, is a chapter of the National Audubon Society, Inc. and member of the Virginia Audubon Council and the Virginia Conservation Network. NSVAS is a non-profit organization which serves the City of Winchester and the Counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren and Shenandoah plus portions of Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock. Local Membership ($15 annual dues) is open to anyone with an interest in birds, in our environment and in conservation. Membership includes 4 issues of the chapter Oak Leaf newsletter (see below), notices of special local events, participation in migratory bird counts, field trips and basic operating costs. Send dues, payable to NSVAS (or Shenandoah Audubon) to our new 2011 address: Shenandoah Audubon Treasurer, PO Box 2693, Winchester, VA 22604.
Membership / Public Meetings	Membership meetings are held in three times in the spring and three times in the fall, and are open to the public at no charge.  Members are encouraged to participate in steering committees to help plan Chapter activities.
Board Meetings	Board Meetings are held at such times as determined by the President and open to all members.  Board meetings are generally held at the VA State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, VA off Rt. 50, east of Winchester and north-east of Front Royal.
NSVAS Arboretum	The NSVAS Arboretum has been established in Jim Barnett Park, Winchester, VA where donations from community businesses, organizations and individuals contribute to the planting of native Virginia trees, bushes and flower beds. This Arboretum, located in a 5-acre lot on the Pleasant Valley Ave. side of the park, affords birds, butterflies and other wildlife to live and forage for food. All donations are greatly appreciated. See our sign kiosk in the Park near the War Memorial Building. For further information, contact Jim Smith (540-662-5033).
Bird Counts	Two Christmas Bird Counts are sponsored by Shenandoah Audubon and held annually, identifying and counting resident winter birds in specified count circle locations in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, with data sent to National Audubon for tabulation and compilation with National and International CBC's of the Western Hemisphere for publication in "American Bird". This is a citizen science project of National Audubon and the data is available for all and may be used by scientists at organizations and Universities such as Cornell University.  Professor Rob Simpson of Lord Fairfax Community Collage oversees the CBC for the Northern Shenandoah Valley area and Margaret Wester coordinates the yearly Calmes Neck area CBC.
Bluebird Trails	NSVAS members maintain a 110+ nest box Bluebird Trail at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, VA (VA State Arboretum) to encourage productivity of native cavity nesting birds and to conduct scientific research.  For more information, contact Kaycee Lichliter at shenandoahaudubon@yahoo.com.  NSVAS also funds a Bluebird Trail at Shenandoah River (Andy Guest) State Park.  Members also maintain smaller Bluebird Trails on private property.
Scholarships	NSVAS / Tim Melton Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student of Lord Fairfax Community College in the Environmental Science curriculum. Contact LFCC: Lord Fairfax Community College / 540-868-7000 for further information.
Bird Seed Sale	The sale of bird seed, suet blocks, bird houses and feeders as well as other related material is a fundraiser for the programs and projects sponsored by NSVAS for conservation.   Watch for a notice of this sale, usually in the fall.
Other Projects	For several years, the Chapter has participated in several environmental activities and projects, such as bird talks annually held at Frederick and Clarke County school locations.  Shenandoah Audubon has also participated in seasonal events held at the State Arboretum/ Blandy Experimental Farm, such as the Garden Fair (May) and Arborfest (October), with an informational booth and sale of bird and bat houses, bird ID books and other related materials to encourage conservation.  Watch for these dates to be posted.
Web Site	Our site is updated as additional information becomes available.  We hope to continue to build our site to promote conservation of natural habitats and to provide links to other organizations that have the same goals.  The links found on our site are for informational purposes and in no way endorse the content of any political platform or candidate.
Field Trips	Birding and nature field trips led by experienced and knowledgeable naturalists and guides are scheduled throughout the year in our local chapter area, plus some special trips may take us farther afield.  Please be watching for these field trip announcements.

Oak Leaf Newsletter

The Oak Leaf newsletter is published 4 times a year and contains meeting information, Audubon event announcements and reports, President's monthly message, articles by the Board and other members, and more articles and announcements of interest.  As of 2011, issues are printed only by member request and for distribution at key locations, such as near the Blandy Library outdoor bulletin board, the Jim Barnett Audubon Arboretum Kiosk, and other distribution sights in our service area. This change was made to reduce our carbon footprint and the use of ink and paper for unnecessary printing.  Please request your preference for printed or electronic email newsletter when joining or renewing your membership.