Resources - Owls Aren't Wise and Bats Aren't Blind - page 241

Resources
Some readers might wish to become more actively involved in the conservation of wildlife and the habitat on which
it depends. To assist them, I've listed several sources of information, as well as some organizations that they might
want to support.
The most comprehensive collection of useful information is the Conservation Directory, revised annually by the
National Wildlife Federation. This can be purchased for $55 ($49.50 for NWF members and $44.00 for college
students) by calling toll-free at [phone], or ordered by fax at [phone].
Although this price may seem high, the directory contains a wealth of information packed into its more than
five hundred pages. Included are the congressional delegation from each state; federal agencies in the executive
branch; international, national, and regional conservation organizations; government agencies and citizens' conser-
vation groups within each state; Canadian government agencies; colleges and universities in the United States and
Canada; and numerous other helpful resources.
I've also listed several national conservation/environmental organizations that readers may wish to support with
volunteer activity, membership, or contributions. Some of these also have local or state chapters or affiliates.
I've selected these organizations based on four criteria. First, they are genuine conservation/environmental
groups, concerned with the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat, scientific management of wildlife re-
sources, and the protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species. Second, they are respected mainstream or-
ganizations. Third, they base their work on scientific, rather than emotional, arguments. Fourth, they have a record
of proven effectiveness in the wise use and proper protection of both wildlife and wildlife habitat.
There are, of course, numerous other worthwhile conservation organizations; I've merely listed some of the
biggest and best. I would caution readers, however, to investigate other organizations very carefully before joining
forces with them. Many groups with high-sounding names actually do little, if anything, to protect vital habitat or
threatened and endangered species. The following organizations aren't in any particular order, except that the list
is headed by what are generally acknowledged to be conservation's Big Three.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION, Conservation Education Center, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
22184-0001; [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: http:// www.nwf.org
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-9501; [phone]
SIERRA CLUB, Washington, DC, Office, 408 C St., NE, Washington, DC 20002; [phone]; fax (202)
547-6009; hotline [phone]
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY, 185th St. and Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460-1099; [phone];
fax [phone]
THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; (301)
548-0150
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY, 900 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20006-2596; [phone]