John James Audubon (1785-1851) artist, naturalist, conservationist

(1785-1851) had the National Audubon Society founded in his honor because of his love of birds. As the son of a naval officer he attended a military school. At 18, he went to America and farmed. He devoted himself to studying natural history, esp. drawing US birds. In 1827 he had 435 of his paintings pubilished in The Birds of America. He legacy lives on in the Audubon Society.

The object of the society is to protect birds and other wildlife. It also gives many educational programs. Other ways it provides information are: television, books, magazines & software. The organization is about 550,000 strong and has 510 chapters in the US. ;-)

-- by Harrison Reiser