The Chemung Valley Audubon Society was founded March 27, 1950 and became a member of the New York State Ornithological Association (Formerly the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs) and an affiliate of the National Audubon Societyand the State of New York Audubon . Since its inception CVAS has conducted annual Christmas Bird Counts, and monitored bird populations in the Chemung Valley of New York. From 1980-1985 CVAS conducted the New York Breeding Bird Atlas project for Chemung County, in conjunction with the New York State Ornithological Association and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. The club purchased the Gleason Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary in 1989. Today the club boasts more than 400 members throughout the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York and continues its active participation in conservation efforts, through its affiliation with the New York State Audubon Society.

We envision ourselves as an organization that

*Is recognized as the regional promoter of birds and wild life habitat

*Is actively involved in the protection of wild life and their habitats

*Has a land management plan for their existing sanctuary

*Appeals to people of all ages

*Is recognized as the leading resource for regional environmental issues

*Is a facilitator of educational programs on birds and local ecology