Indiana Audubon has announced the largest investment in its Mumford and Keller Grants and Scholarships since the program began 15 years ago, awarding more than $24,600 to projects that protect birds and connect people with nature. The record-breaking total, nearly double last year's amount, reflects growing momentum for conservation and education initiatives across the state.

The funding supports 14 initiatives ranging from habitat restoration and owl migration research to accessible birding experiences and student-led education. Together, they show how communities, schools, and conservation groups are advancing Indiana Audubon's mission through practical, on-the-ground work.

"Every award tells a story of conservation in action," said Brad Bumgardner, executive director of Indiana Audubon. "Whether it's students building a bird blind, scientists tracking migration, or a local festival inspiring new birders, these efforts strengthen the connection between people and birds in ways that last.”

Established in 2010, the Mumford and Keller Grants and Scholarships are funded each year through the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Silent Auction. The program has steadily grown into one of Indiana Audubon's most direct ways of supporting research, education, and community projects that benefit birds and their habitats.

Habitat and Research Projects

• Ball State University – $4,185 for nest box monitoring and student research in Ginn Woods.
• Friends of Lye Creek Prairie Burn – $960 for wetland trail cameras to monitor secretive marshbirds.
• Friends of Whitefish Point – $2,500 for fall owl migration monitoring that contributes to Project Owlnet's connectivity maps linking Indiana's migratory owls.
• Mud Creek Conservancy – $2,500 for habitat restoration at the new Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Indianapolis.
• The Nature Conservancy in Indiana – $3,358 for Motus tower and bird-safe improvements at Kankakee Sands.

Education and Access Initiatives

• City of Richmond Parks and Recreation – $700 for a student-built cooperative bird blind.
• Conner Prairie – $675 for staff training to lead accessible bird outings.
• Feminist Bird Club Chicago – $1,000 for bilingual storytelling on Sandhill Crane migration and an accessible trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area.
• Friends of Indiana Dunes, Inc. – $4,000 for a dual-scope viewer at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
• International Crane Foundation – $1,305 for a birding backpack program through local libraries and community centers.
• University High School of Indiana – $1,000 for a bird blind and curriculum development.

Community Programs and Scholarship

• Humane Indiana Wildlife – $1,500 for Festival of Owls programming.
• Brooke Lakin, Purdue University – $1,000 scholarship for wildlife studies.

Kearns Honored with 2025 Earl Brooks Award

In addition to the grants, Indiana Audubon has named Amy Kearns, nongame bird biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as the 2025 recipient of the Earl Brooks Award, the organization's highest honor.

Kearns has played a leading role in bird monitoring and recovery efforts across Indiana, including work with Loggerhead Shrike and American Barn Owl conservation programs, the state's Breeding Bird Atlas, and initiatives that help landowners restore habitat. Her ability to bring together agencies, researchers, and citizen scientists has advanced conservation efforts statewide.

"Amy's dedication to Indiana's birds goes beyond her role," Bumgardner said. "She's a field biologist, a mentor, and a voice for science-based conservation that makes a lasting impact across generations. Her work embodies the values this award stands for.”

The Brooks Award, established in honor of longtime Indiana Audubon member and naturalist Earl Brooks, celebrates individuals who have made outstanding, sustained contributions to the understanding and protection of Indiana's birds.