INDIANAPOLIS (February 17, 2026) – On Tuesday, February 17, Audubon members and conservation experts gathered at the Indiana Statehouse to hear from Governor Mike Braun and meet with state lawmakers raising awareness about the threats facing Indiana’s birds and highlighting opportunities to protect our outdoor heritage and our natural resources for the benefit of birds and people.  

“This is one of those days when you can’t wait to greet the people and talk about the interest we all share—protecting our natural world. I became interested in conservation at 10-years old, staring out the fifth-grade classroom window and watching Purple Martin's,” said Governor Braun. “Birds are not partisan. In the Senate, I was passionate about being a steward of the land. And as Governor I will continue to lead on conservation, preservation and recreation. Thank you, Audubon Great Lakes, for your conservation efforts.”  

“We can change the downward trajectory that birds are on and bend the bird curve by advancing policy solutions to conserve and protect bird habitat and expand renewable energy that is planned with birds in mind,” said Adam Forrer. “What’s good for birds is good for people. Solutions that protect birds will also safeguard Indiana’s incredible natural heritage for future generations, preserving our quality of life and fostering a healthier future for all.” 

The 2025 State of the Birds report, published by a coalition of science and conservation groups, shows that U.S. birds are declining sharply across a range of habitats. In Indiana, loss of wetlands and grasslands are threatening species like the state-endangered Marsh Wren—which needs wetlands to thrive—and Henslow’s Sparrow that relies on Indiana grasslands.  

Audubon advocates met with more than 40 lawmakers to share their stories in order to help birds that depend on Indiana’s natural resources year-round. They raised awareness about the importance of conserving and restoring Indiana’s wetlands, grasslands and other natural areas to protect birds and support communities. Advocates also highlighted the value of enacting community energy programs in Indiana to expand access to renewable energy, lower energy costs, improve grid reliability, and deliver benefits for both people and birds.  

Audubon Great Lakes monitors vulnerable marsh birds to inform future conservation work at 29 sites across Indiana and is working to directly restore 420 acres of high-priority wetlands in Northwest Indiana, including along the West Branch of the Little Calumet River in Gary, Indiana. Over the next decade, Audubon aims to positively impact 5,750 acres across Northwest Indiana state in partnership with various stakeholders.  

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), Chair of the House Environmental Affairs Committee, and State Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington), Senate Democratic Leader, joined to event to share the importance of working together to advance conservation solutions.   

“Hoosiers take pride in our natural heritage, and as Chairman of the Environmental Affairs committee I take my responsibility very seriously. I want to ensure that we preserve Indiana’s natural resources while allowing our communities to grow economically,” said Rep. Baird. “Thank you, Audubon for inviting me to be here today and for engaging in the legislative process. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to talk about conservation with people who truly care about protecting birds, preserving our water, our air and the ecosystem in Indiana.   

“Birds serve as one of the earliest warning signs when something in our environment is out of balance,” said Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder. “When we protect habitats, we’re not just preserving nature, we’re strengthening resilience, safeguarding drinking water, supporting agriculture and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. Stewardship is a not a political issue. It is a shared responsibility.” 

“We want to thank Gov. Braun, Rep. Baird, Sen. Yoder and Audubon members from across Indiana for joining us to raise awareness of some of the most important issues affecting our state, so that birds and communities across Indiana will have a brighter future,” said Forrer.  

To learn more about Audubon Great Lakes, please visit gl.audubon.org.