Alaska Bird Observatory votes to close its doors, citing financial reasons

The Alaska Bird Observatory board of directors voted Monday night to close down the agency because of an inability to raise funds to pay for staffing and rent.

There are three full-time staff members at the ABO, which was started 21 years ago.

Here is the press release from the agency:

The Alaska Bird Observatory is a small, community supported non-profit that was created 21 years ago with the mission to advance the appreciation, understanding, and conservation of birds and their habitats through research and education. Unfortunately, the Alaska Bird Observatory, known as ABO by its many long-term supporters and volunteers, will soon be closing its doors. ABO board president Laurel Devaney said, 'We take this step with very heavy hearts. We all love ABO and know what an important influence it has been on the lives of Fairbanks school children and community members over the last 20 years. But over the last five years, ABO’s income hasn’t matched its increasing debts, and we can no longer overcome those challenges.”

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