Dear friends and fellow defenders of wild places,
It’s been a season of passion, perseverance, and purpose for all of us at the Juniata Valley Audubon Society. As your president, I feel more committed than ever to standing up for the birds, the forests, and the future we believe in.
But let’s be honest—these are difficult times for conservation. We’re facing deep cuts to environmental programs, reckless rollbacks of protections, and a massive increase in logging on our public lands. These decisions threaten the habitats we love and the wildlife we work so hard to protect.
This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. It’s about our identity as Pennsylvanians, and our duty as stewards of the land.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to be a strong, clear voice for our community.
Recently, I had the honor of speaking at the “Hands Off” rally in Altoona, where I delivered a fiery conservation sermon to a crowd of 500–600 passionate advocates. I marched with them through the streets, united in purpose, determined to defend our public forests from exploitation.
We are not just reacting—we are rising.
We are reminding everyone—from neighbors to lawmakers—that our forests are not for sale.
And I’m hopeful.
Hopeful because I see the fire in our members.
Hopeful because I see new generations picking up the torch.
Hopeful because together, we are powerful.
Let’s keep marching. Keep speaking. Keep protecting.
The birds need us. The forests need us.
The future needs us.
In solidarity and hope,
Michael Kensinger
President, Juniata Valley Audubon Society