Old York Historical Society to host “Wings Over Wyncote: The story of the Wyncote Bird Club and the Work to Protect Birds” by Dr. Leigh Altadonna

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February 27th, 2023 | By Ryan Genova

The Old York Historical Society will host “Wings Over Wyncote: The story of the Wyncote Bird Club and the Work to Protect Birds” by Leigh Altadonna on March 8 at 7:30pm.

About the lecture:

Founded in April 1914, the Wyncote Bird Club pursued a mission to protect birds and their habitats. The “Club” has continued to thrive due to the incredible work of many important individuals who founded and led the “Club” from its founding and through to its transition in 1967 as a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Dr. Altadonna’s program will profile several of the individuals involved with the “Club” over the years. He will share images and anecdotes that profile some of these leaders and the contributions they made to stimulate broader interest in birds and their protection. Ernest Harold Baines, Ester Heacock, Florence Griscom, Edward Hicks Parry, and others are among the personalities Leigh will profile. Some selected activities of the Wyncote Bird Club will be shared. He will also spotlight some of the ways the “Club” influenced a cadre of individuals who have influenced the national and international conservation movement.

Lectures are FREE and open to the public both In-person in The John Barnes Room at Abington Friends Meeting and on Zoom. Login details will be posted day of the event.

The lecture series is sponsored by a grant from the Jenkinstown Lyceum. For more information, please call the Old York Road Historical Society at 215-886-8590.

About the presenter:

Leigh Altadonna is the current President of the Wyncote Audubon Society that serves Audubon members in major portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania.  He grew up in Glenside and developed a passion for birds and birding from his early association as a child with the Wyncote Bird Club and Briar Bush Nature Center.  Leigh continued his pursuit of birds and their conservation through service with many organizations. Leigh had served four terms on the Board of the National Audubon Society and two terms on the National Audubon Society Action Fund Board. He currently serves on the Board of Bird Town Pennsylvania and as President of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. Leigh is a retired from the Abington School District after 44 years of service.  He worked as a teacher and became a principal after earning his doctorate at Teachers College, Colombia University. He went on to serve as Director of Curriculum and Assistant Superintendent before he retired.