Alaska Projects

Bird of the Year

Our Goals
Highlighting Alaska species and ̽ѡ’s priority birds as well as conservation issues through an annual “spokesbird.”
What We’re Doing
Engaging with membership via an annual vote to elect a Bird of the Year. Sales from associated merchandise further funding our work in Alaska.
Five people wearing hats outside

Each year, ̽ѡ Alaska launches an engagement campaign as a way for followers and members to learn more about Alaska species and ̽ѡ’s priority birds.

The team selects three species that directly tie into our policy and advocacy actions or apolitical conservation work. The elected bird species becomes a spokesbird on public land issues like mining in the Safety Sound Important Bird Area near Nome, roadbuilding through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, oil and gas extraction in the Arctic, and logging on the Tongass National Forest.

Once a species is elected, we work with a graphic artist to illustrate the spokesbird for merchandise offered at Alaska’s bird festivals—the proceeds from which further fund our work in Alaska. We also connect with Tribal communities to integrate Alaska Native language into overall outreach messaging.

Woman with dog

Lauren Cusimano

Communications Manager, ̽ѡ Alaska

Woman standing in rainforest

Kassandra Smith

Senior Finance and Operations Associate