The Cedar Rapids Audubon Society (CRAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. When you join the National Society, you become a member of the Cedar Rapids chapter. Your membership includes a subscription to the Audubon magazine and also the chapter newsletter (Nature Trails). You will also receive mailings of national, regional, state and local conservation issues and events.

The Cedar Rapids chapter evolved from the former Audubon Naturalist Society of Cedar Rapids, which in turn had it’s origins in the combination of two groups, the Cedar Rapids Bird Club, dating from 1929 and the Natural Science Club. Our current membership is more than 800 members and includes members from the following Zip Code areas (522xx, 523xx, 524xx, and 527xx). We also have a few members from other areas. CRAS also cooperates with the local Conservation Board and other conservation minded groups. Your membership connects you with people dealing with environmental issues and concerns from the local level to national and world-wide problems.

Local chapter membership brings opportunities for participation in regular meetings held at 7PM on the first Monday of each month at 1st Lutheran Church, located at the corner of 10St and 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. Programs are varied and have dealt with birding, Iowa geology, plants, other natural subjects, local natural areas, environmental issues and other varied subjects. In addition, field trips are generally held twice a month to various local and state areas of special interests. The trips are varied and include birding, plants, butterflies, geology, prairies and other subjects of interests. Many members also serve as officers and on the many committees that help with the workings of the local chapter.

The local chapter also conducts two Christmas counts in Linn county. CRAS also donates money to projects as the funds are available. We have also worked with the Nature Conservancy, McBride Raptor Center, Kirkwood and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Come join us and be a part of the Audubon environmental program.