by Chloe Crumley, Audubon Texas Engagement Manager

This legislative session, Audubon Texas has been working tirelessly to protect critical habitats, advance climate solutions, and ensure that conservation remains a top priority in Texas. However, when members join Audubon’s policy efforts, we reach Flight Plan goals more seamlessly.

In February, over a dozen Audubon members, partners, and staff joined us for an Audubon Advocacy Day at the Capitol meeting with over 30 offices to discuss Audubon’s work in Texas for the past 100 years and Audubon’ goals for this upcoming Texas legislative session.

Coming out to the Capitol can be intimidating, but also incredibly rewarding. Three advocates who joined us share their stories about why they came out on a freezing winter day to speak up for birds.

Karen Carpenter, Audubon Dallas Board Member and North Texas Master Naturalist – A long time birder, first time advocate

It was the beauty and diversity of nature that drew me into birding.  As my species life list increased, so did my exposure to the many struggles that birds face to survive - light pollution, habitat loss, window collisions, free roaming cats, pesticides and insect decline, extreme weather events and even wind turbines placed in flight paths!  Living in rapidly developing North Texas, the evidence of habitat loss and bird population decline was all around me, and it seemed each new article I read revealed some of the problems to be even worse than previously thought.  I felt helpless.

 I wanted to do more to protect birds and their habitats, so I started volunteering for conservation projects and when I was invited to advocate at the Capitol, I jumped at the chance to speak up for birds in a new way. It was a delight to meet other Audubon members and partners from across the state sharing a common mission –protect birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. I felt like I was part of a community and we truly can make a difference. Armed with my, ‘I bird, I vote’ button, I visited with many offices and was overjoyed to hear their stories about birding.

When this legislative session is over, I hope to continue my advocacy by connecting with offices locally to go birding. We won’t reach everyone, or solve all these complicated issues overnight, but by advocating for legislation that matters to birds, and people, I feel I am a part of the solution for a better future.

Jeannette Honermann, Audubon Texas Board Member and Latino Outdoors Board Member – A memorable moment making change

As a birder and emerging conservationist, I felt compelled to help bring attention to critical issues facing our avian friends and their habitats. Audubon Texas has developed a comprehensive agenda addressing water conservation, habitat protection, and climate resilience—all issues that not only benefit birds but also strengthen Texas communities.

Advocating at the Capitol for birds was both exhilarating and humbling.  One of the most remarkable experiences during my advocacy efforts was meeting Senator Menéndez's legislative aide, Jacquelyn Martinez. What began as a routine meeting transformed into an emotional conversation when she revealed she had just watched the "Lights Out, Texas" documentary with her father the previous weekend.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," she told me, her voice cracking slightly. "Those images of thousands of birds colliding with illuminated buildings during migration—it wasn't just statistics anymore. My dad and I sat in silence after it ended, both of us wondering how we'd never known about this issue before."

"Shortly afterwards, I approached Senator Menéndez about it," she said. "He was immediately supportive—he's always been interested in conservation issues that have practical solutions."

Within weeks, Jacquelyn had worked with the Senator to draft and file two crucial pieces of legislation: SB 2466, requiring municipalities to distribute information about the dangers reflective windows pose to birds, and SB 2463, mandating municipal participation in the Lights Out Program during peak migration seasons.

What struck me most was witnessing how quickly personal inspiration could translate into tangible policy action. This experience demonstrated how powerful well-crafted education can change policy.

For Audubon members or birders who haven't yet participated in advocacy, I would say: Your unique perspective is more valuable than you realize. Don't worry about being a policy expert—your personal connection to birds and their habitats is your strength.

Remember that birds don't have a voice in policy decisions—they need ours. When we speak for them, we're also speaking for healthier communities, cleaner water, and a more resilient Texas for generations to come.

Anne Parish, Audubon Texas Board Member and Mitchelle Lake Audubon Center Emeritus Board Member and Founder– Long time bird advocate 

I am an inveterate advocate for birds and their habitats.  Over the years, I have been lucky to experience a few small but meaningful victories with my advocacy efforts.

I know the idea of traveling to the State Capitol can feel daunting, intimidating, even. But here's the truth: if you want to be heard, there’s no better way than showing up in person. An email might be read, but a face-to-face conversation can truly resonate. For anyone passionate about a cause, the experience of visiting the Capitol and speaking up for what you believe in is not only empowering—it’s educational.

Lobbying is time intensive but taking a day once a year to visit the Capitol is very time efficient.  It gives you the chance to meet real people—like Jacqueline Martinez, an aide to Senator José Menéndez of Bexar County—who are often behind the scenes helping to shape policy.  Just the week before, Jacqueline watched the Lights Out, Texas documentary and was very receptive to learning more from our group. That conversation left a lasting impression.

After our meetings, I wanted to keep the momentum going in a small but meaningful way, so I decided to write handwritten thank-you notes to everyone we met with. To add a personal touch, I asked each staffer what their favorite bird was and selected a card featuring that bird to send them. It was a little gesture, but one that I hope showed genuine appreciation and helped keep the conversation going.

Joining Audubon Texas at the Capitol, surrounded by passionate, like-minded individuals, was truly a joy. If you haven’t had the chance to advocate in person yet, my advice is simple: just do it. Your voice matters—and it can make a real difference. But only if you show up and speak out.