On Tuesday, October 18, New York City Audubon honored George J. Mullen, Jr., Peter Joost, and Maria Torres at our seventh annual Fall Roost Benefit at the Lake Room of the Central Park Boathouse. The Fall Roost raises funds for New York City Audubon's conservation and education programs in New York City. The evening promises good food, excellent company, and a Silent Auction featuring eco-adventures, original artwork, and a few fun surprises.

Mr. Mullen (1927-2011), was Senior Consultant, Trust Marketing, at Fiduciary Trust Company International and a long-time advisor of New York City Audubon, a founding member of the Bird-Safe Glass Foundation, former President of New Jersey Audubon and a board member, Life Trustee of Manomet Center for Conservation, and a regular Central Park birder. Mr. Joost, beloved educator at New York's St. Bernard's School and New York City Audubon board member for two decades, has worked tirelessly to protect birds and the environment in New York as well as in Ecuador by engaging birders of all ages through his writing and teaching. Ms. Torres, President and Chief Operations Officer as well as founder of The Point Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx, was instrumental in securing the acquisition of South Brother Island, one of the City's largest heron nesting colonies, and the last to be acquired as a sanctuary for birds.

Proceeds from the Fall Roost support New York City Audubon's efforts to protect wild birds and their habitat in the five boroughs through advocacy, scientific research, environmental education, and hands-on habitat restoration. In particular, we are working to improve the quality of stopover habitat and reduce threats to birds from illuminated and glass-clad buildings; advocating for the protection of the city's remaining natural areas that represent prime bird habitat; and expanding opportunities to engage local communities in citizen science.