How to Get Started

Once you are registered in the ACSP, you will receive a packet of information to help you get organized, implement stewardship activities that are best for your site, and apply for certification.

Step 1: Complete Your Site Assessment & Environmental Plan
Members review and assess existing conditions and management practices using a Site Assessment and Environmental Plan provided by Audubon International.  Based on the results of the initial assessment, members choose stewardship projects or practices to implement, decide who will do what, and determine when to begin.  We strongly recommend that you return your Site Assessment and Environmental Plan to us within four to six weeks of joining to take full advantage the program.

Step 2: Implement Your Plan
Members dig in and get started on the stewardship projects of their choice.  Many environmental management practices may be easy to implement, while others may take months to complete.  The timing for implementing the environmental plan is up to each member.  Our staff is available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) via phone and e-mail to answer questions or provide direction. 

Step 3:  Document Your Efforts and Apply for Certification
Once projects are implemented, members evaluate their progress and document their results. Here’s where certification comes in.  The Certification Handbook helps you organize and report your accomplishments to Audubon International so that you can achieve designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

For more information, please e-mail Joellen Zeh, at jzeh@auduboninternational.org or

call (518) 767-9051 x14.