History

In Detroit in 1939 Evelyn Kelly (Mrs. George A Kelly), and Miss Grace Sharitt (later Mrs. Alymer Nelson) founded a new organization, Detroit Audubon Society* with the following “objects,” stated in our constitution:

To provide for members, both indoors and afield, the opportunity to become acquainted with birds and other forms of wildlife, to understand their life histories and to appreciate their economic and aesthetic values;

To encourage and assist in the establishment and preservation of natural sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife forms, to encourage all other land management, farm and conservation programs that seek to preserve a balanced wildlife population;

To promote better understanding among members and the public generally of the balance of nature and of the tragic waste that almost invariably follows when the principle of balance is ignored;

To establish and encourage the establishment of nature centers where all phases of wildlife study, land management and conservation may be offered to members and the general public.

To encourage members and others in the use of the arts, science and literature, to record the intellectual values and beauty to be found in nature;

To encourage the conservation of all natural resources and to cooperate with other organizations having similar purposes;

To establish or encourage and assist in the establishment of groups, associations and institutions dedicated to nature study and nature recreation and to give particular support to such groups dealing with youth.