ABOUT US & HISTORY
Our Mission
To preserve and improve the remaining habitat of birds and other wildlife, restore historical habitat, and educate people, especially children, about birds in our unique Nevada environments.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving all of northwestern Nevada and represent a membership of conservation-minded individuals and families. Many of our chapter’s members are dedicated birders. Others just enjoy viewing the birds they see in their yards and at their feeders. We are conservationists, hikers, birders, and educators. And we share our experiences and values with others through a variety of nature-oriented programs.
History
The Lahontan Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, was founded in December 1963 by Fred Ryser, John Davis, and Marge Sill, “to further interest in the preservation and conservation of natural resources and wildlife in our community.”
Our original chapter name, Lahontan Audubon Society, came from the ancient Lake Lahontan, an extensive late Pleistocene lake that covered a large portion of the western Great Basin about 12,700 years ago. We chose the American White Pelican as our mascot and logo. One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan, the American White Pelican soars gracefully over long distances on its broad white wings edged in black. These birds nest on Anaho Island in Pyramid Lake and can be seen soaring between the desert lakes of the Lahontan Valley.
Today, our chapter continues in the tradition of the original founders by promoting avian appreciation, education and conservation in Nevada. In 2026[1] , our name was updated to Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance to join with other Audubon chapters working together to help save birds.
Actions and Commitments
At the Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, our goal is to create a welcoming birding community where people of all backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging. We are committed to celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and breaking down barriers to inclusion. We welcome all birders to come as they are, regardless of experience, background, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, ability, or nationality/ethnicity.
About Our Name & Logo
In 2026, Lahontan Audubon Society was renamed to Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance. Read more »
Our original chapter name, Lahontan Audubon Society, got our the name from ancient Lake Lahontan, an extensive late Pleistocene lake that covered a large portion of the western Great Basin about 12,700 years ago. The only modern remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan that exist today as perennial lakes are Walker Lake and Pyramid Lake.
Anaho Island at Pyramid Lake supports one of the two largest nesting colonies in the western U.S. of the American White Pelican, the bird that Lahontan Audubon Society chose as its mascot and logo. One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan, the American White Pelican soars gracefully over long distances on its broad white wings edged in black. Their distinctive large pouched bills to scoop up fish from shallow waters. Over 8,000 pelicans return to Anaho Island each spring to nest.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance serves the areas of northern Nevada that are the traditional homelands of the Nüümü (Northern Paiute), Wašišiw Ɂítdeʔ (Washoe), Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone), and Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) peoples.
