About Us

As a chapter of the National Audubon Society, Putnam Highlands Audubon Society (PHAS) serves Putnam and Dutchess Counties in New York State. Our mission is to preserve and maintain those lands and waters that have been entrusted to our stewardship, and to inform and educate the public on issues involving birds, wildlife, and the environment.

We frequently host bird walks, educational programs, field trips, and guest lectures. Additionally, we maintain two bird sanctuaries: the deRham Watergrass Sanctuary in Philipstown, Putnam County and the Fran Reese Sanctuary in New Hamburg, Dutchess County.

Our History

1976

PHAS traces its origins to 1976, when a Garrison resident offered to bequeath 48 acres of land to become a bird sanctuary. Word came back that the formation of a local National Audubon Society chapter might make the offer more likely to be awarded, and a group of local conservation minded citizens seized upon the opportunity.

1977

PHAS received a provisional charter from the National Audubon Society in 1977 and became incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1979. Over time PHAS took over management and eventual ownership of two local bird sanctuaries: the deRham Watergrass Sanctuary in Philipstown, Putnam County and the Fran Reese Sanctuary in New Hamburg, Dutchess County. PHAS employs a warden at Reese Sanctuary who maintains the site and trails.

1980

Our first birdseed sale in 1980 raised $100. Since then, we have held birdseed sales annually to support:

Public programs for children & adults
Care of PHAS’s wildlife sanctuaries: Reese, and deRham Watergrass
Support for bird conservation programs, including bird walks and public programs
Annual scholarships
Chapter newsletters

These programs are enhanced through close collaboration with other local preservation and conservation organizations, including the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Constitution Marsh Sanctuary, Glynwood Farm, Fahnestock State Park, Hubbard Lodge, and Taconic Outdoor Education Center, as well as through the support of local media, such as the Putnam County News and Record the Highlands Current, among others.