The Indiana Audubon Society is the oldest conservation organization continuously operating in Indiana. It is not a chapter of the National Audubon Society, but an independent statewide organization. It was organized to stimulate interest in birds and their protection; to serve the needs of youth, civic, church, schools and other groups by providing information concerning birds; and to educate the public concerning the necessity for conserving and preserving Indiana's natural heritage, its unique flora and fauna.

Founded in 1898, the IAS is dedicated to fostering the appreciation of migrant and resident bird species that are present in Indiana and other regional areas of the world.  The organization also strives to support educational efforts that will promote future generations continuing this tradition in perpetuity.  Appreciating the aesthetic contributions that birds provide is an important mission of the Society.  Additionally, recognizing that bird species populations are important monitors of the global ecological status, they provide Society with additional motivation for the formal documentation of birds present in the region during various seasons of the year.  To advance this purpose, the IAS conducts field trips across the state and holds its state meetings at various locations in Indiana.

The Indiana Audubon Quarterly documents the status of bird populations in Indiana.  This publication is currently being archived for on-line distribution to members of the Society.  The Cardinal Newsletter presents current events and upcoming activities relating to Society activities.  The IAS also supports the Indiana Rare Birds Committee, Indiana Bird Checklist and good birding locations around the state.

In the 1940’s, the IAS received a gift from Alice and Findley Gray of Connersville, Indiana.  The Grays donated their land in Fayette County to the Society in memory of their daughter Mary.  This property is named the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary and now encompasses over 700 acres of managed habitat that includes mature woodlands, established prairie, ponds, wetlands and fields in various stages of succession.  Trails, meeting space, primitive campgrounds and beautiful seasonal variations bolster the IAS’s mission to promote avian appreciation.  Meetings of the IAS are held at Mary Gray at different times of the year and throughout the state.  The Sanctuary is supported by individual donations made to the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, and endowment, and the Fayette County Foundation in Indiana.

The Society utilizes the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary to collaborate with regional colleges and universities to conduct biological research concerning flora and fauna in Indiana and their intricate relationships.  The property has also been utilized for school groups, college classes and summer outdoor educational programs for area youth.  Collaboration with local non-profit and service organizations has also promoted the mission of the Indiana Audubon Society by sponsoring meeting space at Mary Gray.

The Indiana Audubon Society is governed by a Board of Directors who meet in January, May, and December. Directors meet three times a year in January, May, and December to manage the Society and ensure the mission of the Indiana Audubon Society is adhered to.

 Bylaws