Rutland County Audubon Society: Fostering Environmental Stewardship and Community Engagement

In an interview with Kathleen Guinness, a dedicated member of the Rutland County Audubon Society (RCAS), she shared how the organization has become a cornerstone of environmental education and conservation efforts in the region. Through a combination of hands-on programs, community events, and advocacy, the Society engages individuals of all ages in protecting the area’s rich biodiversity and natural habitats.

Connecting Communities with Nature

One of RCAS’s signature initiatives is the monthly marsh walks held at West Rutland Marsh year-round. These free, guided walks introduce participants to the local flora and fauna, with Society members offering additional bird walks throughout the year. RCAS President Nate Dansereau and Sue Elliott lead most of the walks, sharing their knowledge and passion for the natural world.

RCAS also works directly with schools, including Rutland Town Middle School, where they help students build bird feeders and explore nearby habitats. Collaborations with libraries create opportunities for after-school programs, further embedding environmental awareness into the community.

Presentations like Sue Wetmore’s talk in Brandon about local bird species and the Society’s creative Halloween float—featuring a “murder of crows” and a “roadkill café” with a turkey vulture—underscore RCAS’s innovative approach to outreach. These efforts draw thousands of community members and spark curiosity about the region’s wildlife.

Tackling Environmental Threats

The Society actively addresses environmental challenges in Rutland County. Invasive species, such as phragmites and Japanese knotweed, pose a significant threat to local wetlands. RCAS has consulted with specialists and explored options for control that do not involve harmful chemicals. Additionally, annual clean-up days around West Rutland Marsh mobilize volunteers to tackle litter issues—removing plastic waste and even oil drums from sensitive ecosystems.

RCAS board members have also been vocal in addressing water management concerns in Rutland City and have taken legal action to ensure that valuable habitats, such as the Chittenden Reservoir area, remain undisturbed. While supportive of renewable energy, RCAS opposed the placement of wind turbines near West Rutland Marsh due to potential risks to bird populations, including eagles and raptors. Similarly, the Society joined other conservation groups to protect Lake Bomoseen from harmful water usage proposals.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, RCAS is investing in the next generation of conservationists through an expanded scholarship fund. Last year, they gave three $500 scholarships to high school seniors who were planning to major in an ecology-related subject at college, along with a $250 campership to a student attending VT Conservation Camp. This year, RCAS awarded $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors and two camperships to Conservation Camp. These efforts are funded through initiatives like a kayak raffle and bake sales, reflecting the Society’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love for nature. RCAS provides monthly educational programs to the public throughout the fall and winter months and usually one or two in the summer, as well.

Memorable Moments and Lasting Impact

One recent highlight for RCAS was the creation of a collaborative pollinator garden at Pittsford Village Farm. “We received such an excited response,” says Guinness. The garden now draws around 2,000 visitors annually, serving as a peaceful park for the community and an essential habitat for pollinators. It joins other pollinator garden projects at the Rutland Fairgrounds and the Chaffee Art Center, reflecting the Society’s dedication to creating vibrant, wildlife-friendly spaces.

RCAS has also invested in habitat structures, such as chimney swift towers. Volunteers recently helped install a tower at Giorgetti Recreation Center, a testament to the community’s hands-on commitment to conservation.

Get Involved

The Rutland County Audubon Society relies on a dedicated network of members, volunteers, and supporters. People can contribute through annual donations, volunteering at events like Green Up Day, serving as greeters at programs, or helping with bird walks if they’re knowledgeable. Sharing events with friends and family and encouraging schools to participate in Audubon activities are other valuable ways to support the Society’s mission.

Kathleen Guinness’s journey with RCAS, rooted in a lifelong love for birds sparked by her father and nurtured by a local birding mentor, underscores the personal connections that drive the organization’s work. “We want to reach more people and continue to grow,” she says.