Audubon South Carolina is thrilled to announce the promotion of Emily Davis to Center Manager of the Beidler Forest Audubon Center. Working in close coordination with Center Director Matt Johnson, Emily will be responsible for optimizing programming and improving visitors’ overall experience at the Center, while supporting Audubon’s conservation and advocacy priorities. Emily also hopes to put her love for learning and practicing the Spanish language to good use in her role at the Center by exploring ways to engage more diverse communities in birding and conservation.

Emily joined Audubon as guest relations coordinator and naturalist at the Center in December of 2018, and quickly distinguished herself on account of her passion, commitment to Audubon’s work, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of everything bird-related!

Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 12 years’ experience in the avian field to the role—which includes research and surveying work in South Carolina and the Great Lakes region. While living in the Midwest, Emily had many birding mentors that taught her the importance of sharing knowledge, passion, and a seat in your car while out chasing a rarity. She believes that birding is always best shared with someone, especially if they are new to birds.

Before working for Audubon, Emily assisted in the capture and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey and coastal/pelagic water birds at the Avian Conservation Center. She continues to help local rehabilitation centers with capture and transport of injured wildlife and keeps a shovel in her car to move roadkill off the road so vultures can eat without getting injured by vehicles.   

Emily’s passion for birds is not just evident in her professional history, but also her volunteerism. Currently, she serves as the state coordinator of the annual Mid-winter Bald Eagle Survey through the Army Corps of Engineers with the help of Audubon staff member Jen Tyrrell. Data collected through this community science survey helps evaluate eagle success in South Carolina and across the country. She is also Vice President of the Charleston Natural History Society Board of Directors, where she focuses on digital platforms to connect all South Carolina Audubon chapters and bird clubs.   

In addition to being a passionate birder, avid traveler, and data enthusiast, Emily is also an artist and writer. With a degree in creative writing and fine arts from Kent State, Emily learned the importance of contemplating art and science together.

We hope you’ll stop by and say hi to Emily on your way to explore the new trail system or visit the boardwalk when the Center reopens in mid-October.