2025-2026 Officers and Program Chairs
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Martha Sojka |
| Vice President & Program Chair | Greg DuBois |
| Secretary | Leigh-Anne Clarke |
| Treasurer | Janet Schleeter |
| I.A.S. Board Representative | Frank Ibarra |
| Conservation Chair & Immediate past President | Rita Renwick |
| Field Trip Chair | Kara Morales |
| Communication Chair | Maura Carlisle |
| Hospitality Chair | Leigh-Anne Clark |
| Newsletter Editor | Michele Olson |
| Webmaster | Maura Carlisle Melfa Sarkaria |
Contact us through our online form or email: wcas@illinoisaudubon.org
We are an all-volunteer organization dedicated to increasing the appreciation and knowledge of wild birds and protecting the natural world. We sponsor field trips to identify native and migratory birds and hold programs with environmental and conservation themes.
Meetings & Programs
Our programs feature experts in scientific research and notable authorities in the fields of ornithology, botany, zoology, and environmental studies as well as speakers who share wildlife adventures in all parts of the globe. Location: Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Dr. Joliet, Illinois.
Date: Second Thursday of the month from September to May, except for December. Time: 6:15pm Social Time, 6:45pm Business Meeting, Program to follow.
Field Trips
Field trips take place on the Saturday following monthly meetings. Destinations are chosen to highlight the best birding locations in Will County and surrounding counties. People of all levels of birding expertise, both members and non-members, are welcome to participate. Members assist others in the identification of birds as well as native plants, trees, butterflies, dragonflies, and more.
Volunteer opportunities
- Serving as interpreters at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery on behalf of the Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Maintaining the IAS Certified Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary and Wildlife Viewing Area at Pilcher Park Nature Center
- Participating in the Annual Spring and Christmas Bird Counts
- Staffing the annual Hummingbird Festival at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
- Guiding birding tours at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
- Conducting educational programs on birding and the environment
Header image: Baltimore Oriole by Maura Carlisle