Birmingham, Mich. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Don Burlett of Oakland Bird Alliance, an Audubon affiliated chapter in Oakland County Michigan, was presented with Audubon Great Lakes’ 2026 Alan Dolan Great Lakes Conservation Advocacy Award during the 2026 Audubon Great Lakes Chapter Leader Gathering held October 2-4 in Dayton, Ohio.
The award recognizes one outstanding Audubon leader within the Great Lakes network chosen for their community service, environmental advocacy and deep dedication to protecting birds and their habitats. The award is named in honor of the late Alan Dolan, a conservation leader who served as the President of Canton Audubon Society in Ohio for 30 years and the National Audubon Society board of directors for eight years.
Burlett, former President and current Program Chair for Oakland Bird Alliance, is recognized for his bird knowledge, and leadership in growing Oakland Bird Alliance by bringing chapter members, volunteers and the greater Oakland County community together to learn more about birds and engage in their conservation.
“Don has made Oakland Bird Alliance a welcoming and joyful place for both longtime birders and those new to birding and conservation,” said Izabela Grobelna, Engagement Manager for Audubon Great Lakes. “By expanding the flock, Don has created opportunities for members to appreciate birds and take part in their protection.”
“I’m deeply honored to be selected for this honor,” said Burlett. “The legacy of Alan Dolan and the great work and achievements of my fellow Audubon leaders have inspired me for many years. Everyone leading Audubon chapters in the Great Lakes region deserves this recognition and I hope to continue my work advocating for birds.”
Burlett is a retired research scientist with a PhD in organic chemistry, who served as President of Oakland Bird Alliance for 18 years. An outstanding birder and world traveler, Burlett led numerous field trips that grew in popularity due to Burlett’s bird ID knowledge. He helped revive Oakland Bird Alliance’s Young Birders Club, a program that engages youth in learning opportunities and bird outings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burlett launched “Lockdown Birding,” which encouraged chapter members and volunteers to track local bird sightings from their backyards and share them with one another. Some volunteers shared hundreds of sightings. Outside of Oakland Bird Alliance, he teaches a Birding 101 continuing education course at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, further sharing his love of birding.
Burlett is also recognized for his contributions to conservation. He created and helped fill a Conservation/Environment Officer role at Oakland Bird Alliance, expanding his chapter’s involvement in local native plant sales, natural-area-improvement workdays and other activities to help birds and the environment.
A chapter committee representing the Great Lakes region selected Burlett for the award at the bi-annual Chapter Leader Gathering which brough more than 30 Audubon chapter members and leaders from across the Great Lakes region together.
The award itself was created from a clay sculpture, created by artist Carmen Ostermann, Administrative and Project Coordinator for the Columbus Audubon Society, that was on display at the Lake County Audubon Society’s “Through the Eyes of the Piping Plover” exhibit at Lake Forest College in Grayslake.
