About the Ohio Ornithological Society
There is a rich tradition of ornithological societies around the world. Ohio itself has a venerable history of local organizations devoted at least in part to to birds: the Cincinnati Bird Club, the Kirtland Bird Club, Columbus' Wheaton Club, the Toledo Naturalists' Association, and others, including many active local Audubon chapters. But what Ohio lacked, until 2004, was a wider-reaching, statewide organization--one that would will bring local groups together, muster many important resources, provide a larger perspective, seek wide appeal amongst many constituencies, and represent the cause of bird protection for all. It was this general set of goals that was the genesis of The Ohio Ornithological Society, which was founded by a dedicated group of Ohio birders in the winter of 2004.
What We Do
We encourage and support important research on birds. We provide educational resources to members, the public, and the news media, We unite various individuals and constituencies interested in birds, and provide means and reasons for them to cooperate. Our activities are not conducted independently, but in concert with local organizations whenever possible and when mutually beneficial.
Officers and Directors
The Ohio Ornithological Society is operated by a 13-member Board of Directors which represents the birding interests in each part of the state, consisting of five officers plus eight additional directors. Board members are elected by the membership at the annual meeting. Here is a chart of the current Board of Directors.
History of the Ohio Ornithological Society
The Society was newly incorporated in 2004 and though it is new, it is the confluence of several well-established entities. Many of the founding directors and members have been an actively engaged in the Ohio bird scene for a decade or more.
Bylaws of the Ohio Ornithological Society
We have made the complete text of our bylaws available in a PDF file, which you can download and review on your web browser or computer. Some highlights of the bylaws include: The Ohio Ornithological Society was incorporated in 2004 as a §501 (c) (3) organization; the OOS retains a 13-member Board of Directors consisting of 5 officers and 8 directors that represent the birding interests of each corner of the state; annually, members will have opportunity to vote on key issues and board candidates at a birding conference/meeting.
