A strategic alliance for the environment
By Signe Hammer with the Strategic Alliance Committee

Signe Hammer, Naomi Zerriffi, Leigh Gersnoviez, Linda Whynman, Bruce Janklow, Bob Haas

Two heads are better than one, the saying goes—so why not organizations? Two of San Miguel’s foremost nonprofit environmental organizations—Sociedad de Audubon de México and El Charco del Ingenio, the Botanical Garden—have formed a strategic alliance that will enable them to work together more effectively to achieve their goals. “By working together on projects that are mutually important, we can accomplish more than if we work separately,” says Bob Haas, a member of the Board of El Charco del Ingenio.

The two organizations share many goals: to protect the natural environment, to educate people, to provide nature and wildlife experiences for adults and children, and to act as advocates for the environment, working with government at all levels. In addition, both organizations’ goals include raising public awareness of their missions and activities, mobilizing local communities to action when appropriate, and raising the money necessary to carry out their missions.

Joining forces on projects aimed at achieving these goals will enable Audubon and El Charco to tap into a larger pool of resources than either can mobilize alone—including ideas, volunteers, staff and skills. Their first joint project will be a gala fundraising auction—with a professional auctioneer—and membership drive, featuring a new dual-membership option at a discount. Going forward, the organizations see many potential synergies, including lecture series, nature trips and conservation activities. “We are already thinking of ways to expand our horizons through other joint projects with El Charco,” says Linda Whynman, Audubon President.

Each organization will remain completely independent, carrying out its individual mission. El Charco del Ingenio comprises a nature reserve and Botanical Garden covering more than 300 acres, with a spectacular canyon and two reservoirs that provide sanctuary for many species of birds and animals. El Charco has been dedicated to the restoration and conservation of its native ecosystems for the last 18 years. It has the second largest collection of cacti in Mexico, many of which are rare or in danger of extinction. It is also a community gathering space with historical and spiritual significance, and offers many educational and recreational activities for all sectors of society.

Audubon de México is the only Audubon chapter in the country and has been active in San Miguel for over 40 years. Its goals include promoting awareness of birds and the environment through monthly bird walks and lectures, field trips and other activities. In this connection, it has published two field guides, The Birds of San Miguel and The Butterflies of San Miguel, and will soon publish The Geology of El Charco. Education is also a key goal, and Audubon sponsors a teacher who, as part of the Environmental Education Project of San Miguel (PEASMA), helps introduce schoolchildren to birds and the environment at El Charco. Since birds are an important indicator of the health of the environment, Audubon also has a history of working with governmental and other non-governmental organizations to protect the region’s environment and help restore and maintain the natural landscape around San Miguel.

Both organizations have a strong presence in San Miguel. El Charco is one of the most popular local destinations for walking, birding, jogging or simply enjoying nature. Its regular programs range from garden tours to educational talks to an annual outdoor concert in a spectacular natural amphitheater. Audubon’s popular monthly bird walks are held at El Charco as well as at other beautiful local sites. Its monthly talks at the Biblioteca’s Teatro Santa Ana explore subjects ranging from organic farming to watershed management to the birds of Pátzcuaro or Mexico City—both also destinations for upcoming tours. As they embark on new projects together, the strategic alliance will enable these two organizations not just to increase but to multiply their impact.