Award-Winning Volunteers

Houston Audubon has a staff of less than 25 people and over 500 active volunteers, so to say that volunteers are important to our mission is an understatement. Houston Audubon relies on volunteers every day of the year to help us with education, restoration, administration and everything and anything you can imagine.

Each year we celebrate the contributions of these valued volunteers at a picnic at the Edith L. Moore log cabin. On top of recognizing the work of all volunteers collectively, each year we select one (and sometimes two) distinguished volunteers who went above and beyond to support our work in a way that stood out to staff and board members, who we honor with the Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award*.

Arthur "Frank" Perkins and Madeleine Chaisson - Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteers for 2023

This past February, Houston Audubon honored Arthur "Frank" Perkins and Madeleine Chaisson. In each of their nominations, a clear theme of lasting commitment, positivity, and truly systemic helpfulness was evident – core values of the Laura Singleton legacy. Sanctuary Manager, Schyler Brown, shared a few words about Frank's many contributions to Houston Audubon including over a decade of service and a profound impact on the Edith L. Moore trail system! Communications and Marketing Director, Zineera Seth, presented Madeleine's award. In her speech, Zineera described how Madeleine led the Young Professional's Advisor Council (YPAC) to new heights, sat on committees, become a sanctuary steward, and much more. Together, Frank and Madeleine represent everything Laura Singleton upheld as an exceptional volunteer and Houston Audubon is a better organization thanks to their contributions. So, on behalf of the entire Houston Audubon community, thank you Frank and Madeleine!

*Laura Singleton

The Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award is an annual tribute and memorial to Laura Singleton, a long-time Houston Audubon volunteer who passed away in 2002. The criteria for the award mirrors what Laura herself represented - the best of volunteerism. Laura was collaborative, inclusive and flexible in getting people to work together. She never hesitated to ask others to help, and because she approached everyone with enthusiasm and good humor, people responded in kind. Although she could see the obstacles, she typically proceeded without hesitation to think up seven or eight ways to overcome them. She is still greatly missed by all of us at Houston Audubon, and we take great pleasure in honoring her and other exceptional volunteers each year.