PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portland Audubon in Oregon has officially dropped the "Audubon" title due to its namesake's connection with the enslavement of Black people and the desecration of Native American burial sites.

The organization announced its intention to change the name last year, saying that while founder John James Audubon helped define the field of ornithology, his history of racism and racist ideology could not be supported by members.

In order to best achieve our mission as an organization committed to racial equity and the environment, we cannot continue to condone bearing a name that celebrates a slaveholder who embraced white supremacist systems," the chapter said in February 2023.

The Portland chapter announced its new name on Tuesday: the Bird Alliance of Oregon.

The BAO said it spent the summer reaching out to the public to find a name that would connect with more people, "especially those who have historically been excluded from the environmental and birding movements."

The organization shared that nearly 2,000 people shared their feedback, and from this feedback, themes emerged: "People wanted a name that was clear and accessible, that referenced birds, that created a sense of unity and connection, and that shared our geographic reach."

The BOA provided a breakdown of the newly minted name, put together from these themes:

Bird

"We were founded in 1902 to protect birds, and that remains at the heart of our work. By calling out birds, we get to quickly and effectively share who we are and why we’re here."

Alliance

"We are strong because of our collaborative relationships with partners, members, volunteers, activists, birders, donors, and learners. It’s only through these connections that we can protect wildlife and wild places."

Oregon

"Our advocacy and education efforts have always been statewide, from the coast to the high desert and sometimes even following ecosystems across state borders. Now our name reflects the fuller geographic scope of our work."

The organization also shared that its tagline, "Together for Nature," is meant to show the scope of the foundation goes beyond just birds, and that they fight for all wildlife, habitats and people.

Several other former Audubon chapters have also adopted the Bird Alliance name, including Chicago, Detriot, San Francisco and Madison.

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