Birds Georgia to Celebrate 100 Years of Conservation With Statewide Events in 2026

3

Birds Georgia will mark 100 years of bird conservation in 2026 with a yearlong schedule of events and programs across the state.

The organization announced plans for guided birding trips, habitat restoration workdays, festivals, and community gatherings. According to Birds Georgia, the activities are designed to welcome birders and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels.

“For a century, Birds Georgia has shown what’s possible when people come together for birds and the places they need to thrive,” said Adam Betuel, executive director of Birds Georgia. “Our centennial is both a celebration of the progress we’ve made and a call to action for the next 100 years — because the future of birds in Georgia depends on what we accomplish today.”

To honor its history, Birds Georgia has launched an interactive online timeline featuring historic photographs and archival materials from the University of Georgia, the Atlanta History Center, and the organization’s own scrapbook collection. Earlier this month, Birds Georgia also donated its historic scrapbook to the Cherokee Garden Library at the Atlanta History Center during a private ceremony.

While much of the centennial celebration reflects on past achievements, the organization is also looking ahead with the launch of a new centennial legacy initiative: the Georgia Birding Trail.

According to Birds Georgia, the Georgia Birding Trail will be a statewide network of birding hotspots aimed at protecting critical habitats, expanding access to birding opportunities, boosting eco-tourism, and inspiring future conservationists. The first trail sites are expected to be announced in early 2026.

“The Georgia Birding Trail is about connecting people to nature while protecting the habitats birds depend on,” Betuel said. “By highlighting exceptional birding sites across the state, we’re creating new opportunities for conservation, education, and sustainable tourism — benefiting both birds and communities for generations to come.”

A full list of centennial events is available on the Birds Georgia website.