About HCAS

A chapter of neighbors who love birds.

The mission of the High Country Audubon Society is to encourage beginning birders and experts alike in our five-county area to enjoy birds and bird-watching and to engage in conservation, education, and research for the benefit of the birds of western North Carolina.

Our history

From Grandfather Mountain to five counties

1960s–70s
A seasonal Grandfather Mountain chapter of Audubon brought together people like Hugh Morton and Dr. Frank Randall, who taught ornithology at ASU for decades.
2007
On May 30, the first public meeting of the new High Country Audubon Society is held at the Watauga County Library — organized by Miles Tager with Curtis Smalling and Betty Bond.
2010
After two lean years, a membership drive, a new website and a fuller calendar put the chapter on solid footing.
2024
HCAS brings its own Motus tower online at the App State Sustainable Development Farm.
Today
Weekly walks, an annual Hawk Watch, five Christmas Bird Counts, habitat projects across five counties — all run by volunteers.

Helping birds

Habitat projects

The High Country is rich in forest but short on wetlands — and wetlands filter our water and support far more kinds of wildlife. Much of our conservation work is about bringing them back.

Eller Wetlands

10 acres of wetland along Highway 105 near Seven Devils. With Blue Ridge Conservancy, HCAS is working toward a birding and wildlife reserve with trails, boardwalks and better habitat.

Brookshire Park

Helping Watauga County restore the park's remaining floodplain wetlands for shorebirds and migrating waterfowl, including viewing platforms.

Valle Crucis Community Park

Home of our Wednesday walks — HCAS planted its native garden and put up its chimney swift tower.

Plants for Birds

Native gardens at area parks and schools, and free landscaping suggestions for landowners who want more birds in their yards.

Black-and-white Warbler, photographed by HCAS member Don Mullaney

Photo: Don Mullaney

Grants & scholarships

Investing in the next generation of birders

The Sue Wells Research Grant awards up to $500 to undergraduate or graduate students researching birds of the North Carolina High Country — for travel to field sites and project-specific equipment. Recipients share their findings at a chapter meeting.

The HCAS Young Birders Scholarship helps young people get into birding, and we loan binoculars and field guides to new birders on walks and at local festivals.

Board of Directors

Will Bennett
President
Guy McGrane
Vice President · Conservation & Field Trips
Bob Cherry
Secretary
Juliana Henderson
Treasurer
Paul Laurent
Membership · Education & Outreach
Richard Laurent
Publicity · Webmaster
Debbie Shetterly
Past President
Gina Diggs
Past President
Sheryl McNair
Director
Martha Cutler
Director
Katie Griffith
Director
Max Ramey
App State Liaison

Chapter meetings: a spring bird-walk kickoff and the annual meeting in July.