Former Indiana Dunes State Park interpretive naturalist, Brad Bumgardner, has been selected as executive director for the Indiana Audubon Society.
Bumgardner starts with the society this month. He is the first executive director for the statewide organization.
Bumgardner began his career at Pokagon State Park, near Angola, In, and was most recently the head of the interpretive services at Indiana Dunes State Park, in Chesterton. He oversaw the creation of the successful and award-winning Indiana Dunes Birding Festival during his tenure with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The Connersville based Indiana Audubon Society, founded in 1898, is the oldest conservation organization continuously operating in Indiana and predates the formation of the National Audubon Society.
"Bumgardner will lead the society as it focuses on inspiring a new generation of conservationists statewide, through its stewardship programs in education, conservation, and citizen science initiatives." Indiana Audubon president, Jeff Canada, said in statement announcing Bumgardner's appointment.
"Indiana Audubon is a great organization, and its goals and vision couldn't be any more important right now," said Bumgardner. "Growing up as a camping kid around the state, I got the opportunity to see all the great resources that we've protected, but I also saw potential. I see the opportunity to get the word out on what Indiana Audubon is doing, and how nature enthusiasts can learn why these places, including IAS's own Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, are so important to birds and other wildlife."
Bumgardner has also served as the society's president from 2012-2014. He also serves on the board for the Northwest Indiana Migratory Bird Association. He will work out of Chesterton, where he lives with his family.
To learn more about the Indiana Audubon Society and to search for programs near you, visit them on the web at www.indianaaudubon.org.
Media contact: Jeff Canada, IAS President (317) 370-6498, president@indianaaudubon.org
