Birds have a peculiar power to connect us to each other, as well as to places and policy. Sharon Richardson, the Executive Director of South Carolina Audubon, will discuss Audubon’s original vision that today inspires restoration of habitat to create safe places for birds and people, now and into the future. South Carolina Audubon owns 22,000 acres across the state and helps identify firsthand how birds inspire people and bring wonder to all our lives. Executive Director of South Carolina Audubon, has helped protect over 30,000 acres of land (including 18,000 in the state of South Carolina), and has raised more than $8 million to aid conservation efforts. With her team she has leveraged more than $50 million in land projects. Ms. Richardson has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from University of Vermont and a BA in Psychology from Middlebury College.