Our Mission

President’s Message

As we step into the new year, I am delighted to share with you the remarkable achievements and exciting plans that define Hilton Head Audubon’s journey.

In 2023, our Audubon Newhall Preserve witnessed the footsteps of over 10,000 residents and visitors. The dedication of our Newhall volunteers, who diligently maintain the preserve, is truly commendable. The newly surfaced main trail stands testament to their hard work, ensuring our preserve remains a haven of pristine natural beauty.

Collaboration was the key to our success in partnering with various organizations to educate and advocate for birds and nature. Highlights include:

Weekly tours during Mar, April and May at Pinckney Island for mobility challenged birders, which we accomplished by teaming with Friends of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuges.  The tours were full every week!

Our social event at the Hilton Head Brewery featuring John Tynan, Executive Director of Conservation Voters of South Carolina

 A Master Birder class, offered in partnership with Birds Georgia and Ogeechee Audubon

 HHA’s participation in the Juneteenth celebration, in partnership with the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.   We produced “Gullah Geechee of Mitchelville, Cultural Ties to Birds and Nature”, a booklet prepared in collaboration with a class at UCSB.

We also offered 25 field trips, 10 programs with speakers and reached out to give presentations to hundreds of individuals at local clubs and organizations.

As an end of year grand finale, our HHA Christmas Bird Count on December 16th was once again a considerable citizen science event, with 326 participants, 137 species and 28,858 birds reported!

Heartfelt thanks to our partners and dedicated HHA volunteers who contributed their time and expertise to make these events successful.

Looking forward to 2024, we are thrilled to improve our Audubon Newhall Preserve with a new welcome kiosk. Stay tuned for updates in our Ecobon newsletter.

Welcoming the first Chief Environmental Officer to Hilton Head Island signifies “green progress.” In 2024, HHA remains committed to advocating for birds and nature in the LowCountry by engaging with local, county, and state representatives and fellow conservation organizations.

Exciting events await in the first half of 2024, including:

• Various bird walks, including ones for beginners at Jarvis Creek and winter birds at Pinckney
• two Birding 101 classes
• a wildlife photography class
• a viewing of the documentary film about purple martins –  “Purple Haze”
• my State of the Birds presentation
• a wine and light bites reception with a presentation by renowned ornithologist, conservationist, and author Bruce Beehler
• our annual picnic in May

a “B’hud and Naycha” day at Mitchellville on June 11th, a day planned as part of the weeklong 2024 Juneteenth celebration. 

As we plan for September 2024 thru May 2025, our program and education teams are gearing up to offer diverse events and classes. We’ll continue to partner, advocate, and educate for the benefit of birds and nature.

Stay tuned, and thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Kay Grinnell
President, Hilton Head Audubon

January 2024