Exploring the Audubon Mural Project: NYC Street Art for Endangered Birds

If you walk around the Northern Manhattan neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, you're bound to stumble upon beautiful artworks on seemingly every corner. But unlike other art collectives around New York City featuring an eclectic range of themes, this one focuses exclusively on birds — and not just any birds, but those North American species that could become extinct if nothing is done to address climate change. From stunning designs on storefront security gates to oversized murals covering an entire side of a building, it's time to explore one of the country's most ambitious and environmentally-focused street art initiatives, captivating birders and non-birders alike.

Join New York Adventure Club for an on-the-ground exploration of the Audubon Mural Project, a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and art dealer/collector Avi Gitler that aims to create murals of 314 climate-threatened North American birds — mostly throughout the neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, where famed American ornithologist John James Audubon once lived.

Led by licensed New York City tour guide Leigh Hallingby, our tour of this incredible collective will include:

• A brief introduction to the New York neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and impact of former resident / landowner John James Audubon (1785-1851)
• The origin story the Audubon Mural Project, which to-date, includes nearly 100 murals depicting over 138 bird species
• A close look at dozens of murals throughout the neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, along with commentary around the artists and their vision

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!