West Virginia Highlands Conservancy friend and institutional Board member The Brooks Bird Club is celebrating its 85th Anniversary. Congratulations!
The Brooks Bird Club, Inc. is an independent, educational, non-profit organization which promotes the study and enjoyment of birds and other elements of the natural world. Its purpose is to inform members and the public of environmental issues, to encourage intelligent use of our natural resources and preservation of our natural heritage. The club undertakes studies which have scientific value, including population and breeding bird surveys. The symbol of the club is the American Redstart, a wood warbler with black and orange plumage.
The club was founded in 1932 by John W. Handlan and a group of enthusiastic young people. Mr. Handlan led the group on weekly bird walks in Oglebay Park, Wheeling, West Virginia with A. B. Brooks, a well known West Virginia naturalist. A. B. had a great influence on the club’s knowledge and philosophy, thus the club’s name.