© David Cree
Leading Discovery and Conservation Since 1915
In 1915, Arthur “Doc” Allen founded the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology as a center of academic research for birds. In the decades that followed, Allen trained hundreds of students, pioneered innovative recording techniques, and built the Library of Natural Sounds, now the Macaulay Library—the world’s largest collection of natural sounds and associated video.
The modern Cornell Lab, under director John Fitzpatrick, continues the tradition and restless curiosity that “Doc” Allen established while growing it to include more than 250 staff and scientists.
The Cornell Lab is a nonprofit that receives less than 1% of its annual budget from Cornell University. We depend on the support of our 30,000 members and the leadership and vision of our Chairman's Council.
The Chairman's Council is a generous and dedicated group of leaders who enable the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to continue its international leadership in scientific discovery, education, citizen science, and conservation.
The true benefits of membership in the Chairman's Council come from the broad impact of work at the Cornell Lab, made possible with your help. However, Chairman's Council members also receive exclusive benefits and special opportunities for engagement.
Each year, Chairman's Council members are invited on first-class birding trips with other Council members, Administrative Board members, and Cornell Lab director John Fitzpatrick. Past trips include a visit to the Sorrel River Ranch in Moab, Utah, to visit the lekking grounds of the imperiled Gunnison Sage-Grouse.
In addition, Chairman's Council members receive an exclusive framed print from the Lab’s private collection each year. This year's print is a painting of White-cheeked Turacos by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, the leading bird artist of the early twentieth century and a friend of Cornell Lab founder Arthur Allen.
Finally, we offer special conference calls, events, and local visits throughout the year to engage Chairman's Council members with program directors here at the Cornell Lab.
To inquire about Chairman’s Council, please contact Sean Scanlon, Senior Director of Development and Philanthropy at (607) 254-1105 or Scott Sutcliffe at (607) 254-2424.