Event Calendar

Our 2024–2025 program series will commence on September 23rd with some avian literature. Michigan author and historian, Will McLean Greeley will present an overview of his book, A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington: Senator George P. McLean, Birdman of the Senate. The book is the story of how Connecticut’s George P. McLean helped establish lasting legal protections for birds, overseeing passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, landmark environmental protection legislation that is still in effect today. Greeley, McLean’s great-great nephew, puts McLean’s victory for birds in the context of his distinguished 45-year career marked by many acts of reform during a time of widespread corruption and political instability.

Will McLean Greeley, a resident of Midland, Michigan, grew up in Kalamazoo with a passion for American history, politics, and birds. A graduate of Loy Norrix High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and then a master’s degree from Michigan in archives administration. After retiring from a 35-year career in government and corporate market research, he embarked upon a three-year research and writing journey to learn about his great-great uncle George P. McLean and his legacy. A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington is his first book.

I have just finished Mr. Greeley’s book myself and can say his biography of Senator McLean is inspiring in terms of what one person could do in the cause of bird conservation and the impact of his efforts 100 years ago in the Progressive Era.

We hope you'll join us on Monday, September 23rd, at People's Church, 1758 North 10th Street, Kalamazoo. This program is geared to all audiences, and we enthusiastically invite families and nature lovers of any age to join us! Come at 7:00 PM for some refreshments and socializing. Snacks and beverages will be provided. The one-hour program will start at 7:30. Handicap parking and access is at either the front or the rear entrance of the building.

We will have a simultaneous Zoom link to the meeting for those who can’t make it or feel uncomfortable as yet to attend in person. This link will be emailed shortly to all members before the meeting. We will also be recording the meeting for later viewing.

Dave Lemberg - Programs Chair