In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Kathleen Mennillo, MBA, the CEO of Michigan Audubon. Kathleen shares her path from a nature-loving childhood in Northville to leading the state’s oldest conservation organization.
She shares why birds are the “litmus test” for Michigan’s environmental health, the launch of the Bird City Michigan initiative, and how a business-minded approach is helping conservation thrive in the 21st century. Whether you happen to be a seasoned birder with a “life list” or a backyard observer, this episode has tips on how to protect our feathered neighbors.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The “MBA of Conservation”: How Kathleen uses her business background to navigate the challenges of running a statewide nonprofit and executing a multi-year strategic plan.
Bird City Michigan: The story behind this revolutionary program (supported by Ford Motor Company) that helps communities boost eco-tourism through bird conservation.
The Economic Power of Birding: Why birding is a $107 billion industry and how Michigan communities can tap into that market.
Conservation Success Stories: The recovery of the Kirtland’s Warbler and why Michigan is a global destination for seeing this “once-endangered” bird.
Backyard Action: Simple, zero-cost things you can do today—like “lights out” and window film—to save bird lives.
The Mystery of the Chimney Swift: Why these birds nest “communally” but only allow one couple to have a nest, and how Michigan Audubon is using recording technology to learn their secrets.
Michigan Birding Experiences Mentioned:
Kirtland’s Warbler Tours (May 23 – June 30): Held in collaboration with Hartwick Pines State Park. Learn more here.
Cerulean Warbler Tours: A chance to see the elusive, sky-blue “neck-breaker” warbler in its natural habitat. Tour details here.
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory: A world-class destination for seeing owls, hawks, and waterbirds in the U.P.
Resources Mentioned:
Michigan Audubon Website: MichiganAudubon.org
Bird City Michigan: BirdCity.org
Birding Apps: Merlin Bird ID and eBird
