Wilson's Snipe by Bob Keener
- August 2026 from the President
Hello Conococheague Audubon members and friends,
Have you noticed the changing soundscape where you live? All of those birds claiming territories and searching for mates have been replaced by fledglings crying to be fed, and now those juvenile birds are being drowned out by crickets and cicadas. As a school kid, I always associated that sound with going back to school, and it filled me with a sense of dread. Nowadays, I’m a birder not student, and that sound reminds me that fall migration is underway. Instead of dreading the end of summer, I’m excited about the changing mix of birds out there waiting to be identified!
For me, being in-tune with the changing seasons is one of the joys of birding, and the timing of migration is just one of the many things you learn as you become a birder. Of course, identifying birds is the biggest challenge with endless opportunities to learn and develop new skills. For those just starting out, the challenges can be daunting. This is why I am offering a brief introduction to birding and CAS for new members and beginning birders prior to our first regular meeting of the year (details below). The goal is to provide an approach to birding that leads to success and satisfaction as you develop the ability to find and identify birds on your own. On the following Saturday, Sep. 19, I’m also leading a bird walk at Furnace Run Park to help beginners put that approach into practice. Let’s Go Birding!
Details about those events and all of our great programs, films, and field trips can always be found on our webpage, and they are also included in the Activities List which will be arriving in the mail later this month. Be sure to review the Activities List and add some events to your calendar because there’s something in there for everyone–beginners, experienced birders, and nature lovers of all sorts. You’ll also receive our annual fundraising request. Remember that everything we do is the result of our members’ generous donations of both time and money. Thanks to everyone who supports Conococheague Audubon!
Get Involved with CAS
If you’re interested in helping us do what we do, we can find a way for you to get involved that suits your interests and availability. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.
WebsiteTrainee: Val is looking for a trainee who is interested in learning the ins and outs of managing our website. The website provides a vital link for members to find the latest information about our activities etc., and we would like to have someone to help Val keep it up-to-date. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is a desire to learn! You can email me or Val if you have questions or would like to volunteer.
Outreach: Saturday, August 8, 7:30-noon. We’re looking for volunteers to help with a tabling event at North Square Farmers’ Market in Chambersburg. If you can join Terri for all or part of that time, she would appreciate your help. You’ll get a chance to spread the word about all the great stuff the CAS does, chat with folks about birds, and maybe even recruit some new members for CAS! Plus, you can enjoy the farmer’s market and pick up some delicious locally grown produce. Contact Terri Kochert to help, 717-860-4010.
Preparing Mailers: Volunteers will meet on August 18 at 1:00 pm at the office at Norlo Park to stuff envelopes. Every year we send members a fundraising appeal along with our activities list. The more help we get the quicker we’ll be finished!
Financial Support: Thanks to all who have made a donation. A request for donations will be arriving in your mailbox soon, but you don’t have to wait to donate. You can send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222 today!
Vice President: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the President and will not be required to become President at the end of their term. Without that assistance, we won’t be able to do everything that we want to do. If you’re interested in possibly volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. Contact me at writinron@comcast.com
Adopt-a-Highway: Come help clear trash with our team of dedicated volunteers: NEXT DATE Sat. Sep. 26, 9:00 am.
Everything Else: Email conaudubon@outlook.com if you would like to get involved in any of our activities:
- monitoring Bluebird trails
- maintaining birdfeeders at Caledonia State Park
- caring for the native plant garden at Norlo Park
- providing outreach to the public
- counting birds for the annual Christmas Bird Count (feeder watching or in the field)
- presenting free nature films to the public
- leading bird trips
- contributing photos and articles to our newsletter Naturally
- offering our yearly Beginning Birder Workshop
Upcoming Events
SOAR Bird Walks Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round – Buttonwood Nature Center Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams
Field trip for FALL MIGRANTS Saturday Sep. 5, 2026, 7:15 am: Meet at the Park & Ride, Scotland Exit 20, I-81 northbound. Field trip includes walking in wet grass at Heisey Orchard and other possible walks as we travel Michaux SF roads, with field trip ending by 1:00 PM. Bring binoculars and snack or lunch. Bill Oyler, 717-360-5191, oylerbill@gmail.com.
Next Meeting
Note about Zoom: If you plan to attend any of our upcoming meetings via Zoom, be aware that due to changes in our security settings, you will need to be registered for a (free) Zoom account. Once you sign-in to the meeting, you will enter a “waiting room” before you are invited into the meeting.
Monday Sep. 14, 2026, 7:00 pm: The first regular meeting of the new season! We’re launching this year’s season with Native Seed Workshop (Site Prep, Pre-treatment, and Planting) by James Thomson, owner of Wildscape Blooms. You’re probably aware of the importance of growing native plants; now, you can learn what it takes to bring some of those beautiful beneficial natives into your own landscape!
Monday Sep. 14, 2026, 6:00 pm: Prior to the first regular meeting, there will be a half-hour welcome and introduction to birding entitled Let’s Go Birding, by Ron George. If you’re new to birding or new to Conococheague Audubon Society (CAS), I hope you’ll come and learn a bit about birding and about all the great things we do. Plus, you’ll get to see photos of 50 different cool birds! The presentation is only 30 minutes, so we’ll be moving at speed of 100 BPH (Birds Per Hour)!
Happy Birding,
During the upcoming seasons of flu, COVID-19, and RSV, we encourage you to be safe. We urge you to check on an event’s status via the Calendar on this site before you attend.
Conococheague Audubon Society is pleased to offer student and teacher support for educational activities in keeping with our mission: promoting the conservation of wildlife and the environment by appreciating, studying, and observing nature. Please see the Scholarship and Teacher Grant Support page for information.
Calendar of Events
Calendar Click to see activities each month, Select a day to see all events scheduled on that day. Days with events show a small dot. Colors indicate the type of event.
Events
______________________________
ABOUT US
Conococheague Audubon Society
The mission of the National Audubon Society 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.
Conococheague Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society based in Fayetteville in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The group started in 1961 as the Conococheague Naturalists. Through programs, field trips, nature films, displays, and a newsletter, we promote conservation of wildlife and the natural environment with a focus on appreciating, studying, and observing birds.
We are a family-friendly organization. The membership includes over 400 people residing primarily in Franklin, Cumberland, and Fulton Counties.
Conococheague Audubon meets monthly September through May on the second Monday at 7:00 PM at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202. At a pot luck supper in January, held at 6:00 PM at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, members share stories, photographs, fellowship, and home-made food.
Please make a difference in our local community by being good stewards of the earth in your daily lives. Share our passion for conservation, birding, and the natural world by coming to our meetings and films, going on field trips, helping with projects, and participating in bird counts. Our experienced birders love to teach beginners. Read Audubon Magazine and our Naturally newsletter to stay abreast of national, international, and local environmental issues. You and your family can enjoy educational opportunities at Audubon’s Nature Centers and Sanctuaries across the country. Take peaceful walks and learn the wonders of nature.
We welcome new members! Anyone who joins the National Audubon Society from our area automatically becomes a member of our chapter. Similarly, anyone who joins the local chapter can also join the national organization. To join, please go online to the National Audubon site or click here to go the Join or Renew page or contact our current membership chair, Lisa Coombs.
In 2016 the CAS leaders updated the chapter’s 10-year plan to help guide our future actions and strengthen the organization. To volunteer, please contact our current president, Ron George. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please mail your check payable to CAS.
What we do
Conococheague Audubon Society meets the second Monday each month, September through May, at 7 PM at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church
Program topics focus on birds, wildlife and conservation. All are welcome.
Nature films, produced by PBS are shown each year at Chambersburg Area Middle School South.
CAS leads many free field trips throughout the year.
Projects
Norlo Park Native Plants Garden
Scholarship and Teacher Grant Support
