Black River Audubon Society
Welcome to the Black River Audubon Society!
Established in 1958, members of Black River Audubon Society (BRAS) are committed to protecting birds and other wildlife while preserving their ecosystems and natural environment in our community. We are a membership organization dedicated to protecting our environment through conservation, education and advocacy. We have monthly speakers from September to May, as well as monthly field trips to birding hotspots across the state. We engage in conservation through our bird programs, such as our bluebirds and kestrels, and through the preservation of local natural habitats. We advocate for laws and policies that are favorable to our mission.
Please consider getting involved and joining our organization!
Education
Educational programs include monthly speakers, field trips, scholarships and programs for children.
Conservation
Conservation efforts include our bluebird and kestrel programs, creating natural habitats and working in the community.
May 5, 2026
Choosing Native Plants
for Backyard Birds
Danielle Squire
French Creek Visitor Center
Over 80% of land east of the Mississippi is privately owned. This means that the single and most direct way of supporting birds is to provide food, shelter, water, nesting sites, and a safe place to rest right in our own yards. Native plants provide all of these things with the added bonus of supporting the entire ecosystem! In this program, Danielle aims to give important pointers on choosing and growing native plants for backyard habitat while demonstrating how even our simplest of choices can make a world of difference for our feathered friends.
Advocacy
There are many ways to get involved and work with us to protect nature. We offer memberships and need volunteers.
Calendar
Danielle began her native plant journey in 2010 when she started studying and propagating plants. Each year since, she has shared thousands of native plants with her local community. She acquired her Sustainable Agriculture degree, Master Gardener Certification, and Interpretive Guide certification as she continues to study. She has been working as an Interpretative Naturalist at LCCC and as a nonprofit volunteer for the past 13 years, helping to build educational and environmental value in the community, particularly in support of the Black River Audubon Society and Wild Ones Greater Cleveland. She is the owner of Archers of Arcadia, a small native plant nursery, and works with Ohio Native Landscapes as plant operations coordinator. She is also a co-founder of the Window Strike Prevention Initiative, a local conservation movement aimed at decreasing bird-window collision fatalities. Danielle is passionate about the intricate weave of ecosystems, environmental health, biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Her goal is to enable the local community to create healthier ecosystems that support habitat for the wildlife who so desperately need our help.