Become a Member

Richmond Audubon Society (RAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society (NAS) and is dedicated to the observation and conservation of birds and other wildlife. Our members support local conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and monitor legislation. Our members also enjoy many activities, including field trips and bird counts, game nights, and a book club. We are a diverse group of people from various backgrounds, interests and birding experience levels. 

Your tax-deductible contribution to the National Audubon Society supports science, education, advocacy, and on-the-ground action for birds and the places and resources they need. 

Go to the National Audubon Society Membership page to make a minimum donation of $20 (or $5 monthly). When you join the NAS by donating you will be assigned to a local Audubon group based on your zip code, however if you prefer to be assigned to RAS, enter code X53 when you join.

For a one-year membership, click on "Just this once." There are several donation amounts listed, but the minimum contribution for a year is $20.00. If you wish to donate that, you will need to type that amount in the empty box.  

You can avoid renewal notices and lapsed memberships by becoming a Sustaining member. This means you will continue to be a member without having to renew. To become a sustaining member, choose to contribute “Every month" or "Once a year.” Your credit card will be charged either monthly or yearly indefinitely, until you cancel or your card expires. If you choose every month the minimum donation is $5.00 a month. If you choose once a year the minimum donation is $20.00 a year. You will have to type those amounts in.  

•  Keep your membership contact information and membership status current. Email NAS customerservice@audubon.org to make address and name changes. 

• To find out if you are currently a member contact the NAS at 1-844-428-3826 or customerservice@audubon.org.

• If you have questions about your membership or becoming a member, contact Liz Scher at membership@richmondaudubon.org.

 An Audubon membership makes a great birthday or holiday gift for the bird enthusiast in your life. Go to the NAS Gift Membership page and your family member or friend will soon be able to enjoy all the benefits of being an Audubon member for a full year. 

Members receive both National Audubon and Richmond Audubon benefits:

• Audubon Magazine - A bimonthly flagship publication issued by the NAS
• Breaking news on birds, their habitats, and advocacy efforts
• RAS Newsletter  - Our bimonthly newsletter, The Thrasher, is available on the RAS website. 
• Field Trips – Our field trips cover a wide array of diverse birding sites in the Richmond area as well as sites throughout the state. Field trips provide opportunities for bird lovers to learn about bird identification, song, calls, and habitat. RAS welcomes both members and non-members to most field trips; we welcome anyone who has an interest in our feathered friends, from the casual back yard birders to kids, to life-long birding veterans. 
• Annual Pot Luck Dinner is a popular and fun-filled feast every November. Members bring a dish and come together to share great food, photos and stories from the previous year. This is currently being replaced by an online photo sharing meeting due to COVID.
• RAS Member Email Discussion Group (Freelist/Listserv) - An email-based message delivery system accessible to members and non-members.  Any subscriber can send a message to the RAS Listserv group. This tool is often used to post bird sightings, announce and update field trips, announce upcoming RAS Meetings and ask questions.  If you would like to participate in the Listserv, go to Member Email Discussion Group page to enroll.

Our meetings are currently online due to COVID. Our meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 7757 Chippenham Parkway, at the Custis Rd. and Chippenham Parkway intersection. We offer unique programs by local birding and conservation experts. No meetings are held during the summer months (June-August) or in December.