Community Highlights: Meet Susan Bonfield of Environment for the Americas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Bonfield.

Hi Susan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Environment for the Americas (EFTA) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting migratory birds and their habitats by nurturing partnerships across the Western Hemisphere, inspiring respect and affinity for nature, and preparing the next generation of conservation leaders. Founded in 2007 by Susan Bonfield, PhD, EFTA has staff throughout the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean and envisions a world where people overcome boundaries to protect birds and their habitats. EFTA’s story is deeply intertwined with World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), which traces its roots to a 1993 gathering of conservationists seeking collaborative solutions to shared challenges facing migratory birds. That effort led to the creation of International Migratory Bird Day, which grew rapidly and, after 14 years, required a dedicated organizational home—prompting Susan to found EFTA to ensure its continued growth and impact. In 2018, EFTA partnered with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) to unify global celebrations across the world’s major flyways, officially establishing World Migratory Bird Day as a single, global campaign. Today, WMBD is the largest international campaign for migratory bird conservation, engaging communities worldwide through annual themes, hundreds of free public events, and year-round education and action. Guided by the spirit of WMBD, EFTA leads programs that connect people across borders, build community-based conservation partnerships, and advance equity and inclusion in nature. Susan Bonfield, a longtime advocate for diversity and collaboration, brings more than 30 years of experience leading international research and education initiatives, mentoring youth, and fostering cross-cultural connections through bird migration. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a PhD from Colorado State University, is a founding member of the Diversity Joint Venture, serves on the Society for Conservation Biology’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and coordinates the trinational Western Hummingbird Partnership.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The past year has brought uncertainty for EFTA, our nonprofit peers, and federal and state partners. Recent executive orders on diversity, equity, inclusion, scientific research, and funding programs have raised important concerns across the conservation community. At EFTA, we’ve been working to understand how these changes impact our efforts in research, education, community engagement, and funding. While the full effects remain unclear, one thing is certain: our commitment to conservation, education, and inclusivity is as strong as ever. Diversity drives our mission, strengthens our work, fuels innovation, and powers equitable environmental solutions. Amid these challenges, we continue to collaborate with partners to adapt and keep our efforts impactful.
One of our toughest challengeshas been delays in federal funding approvals. Although the recent federal funding freeze has lifted, many agencies are still reviewing agreements under the new administration, a process that could take months. Since much of our work depends on federal grants, these delays have affected several key projects. In some cases, we’ve had to slow or temporarily pause initiatives connected to grant billing and funding timelines.
This uncertainty also impacts programs like habitat restoration, research, and internships.

As you know, we’re big fans of Environment for the Americas. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Environment for the Americas works to protect migratory birds and their habitats by nurturing partnerships between communities throughout the Western Hemisphere, inspiring respect and affinity for nature, and preparing the next generation of conservation leaders.

EFTA has staff throughout the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Environment for the Americas works to protect migratory birds and their habitats by nurturing partnerships between communities throughout the Western Hemisphere, inspiring respect and affinity for nature, and preparing the next generation of conservation leaders. Whether inspired by their fantastical ability to fly long distances, the endless variety of their beautiful plumage, or their expressive songs, birds have captivated human curiosity since the beginning of time. But aside from igniting our imaginations, birds are also a powerful warning system about the dangers in our shared environment.

Sensitive to changes in nature and present everywhere, birds are powerful indicators of the health of our planet and threats to bird and human life. They are an important source of data about the perils of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, but they also inspire hope because they show us that when people come together to address these threats, we can make a difference. Our success depends on our ability to overcome boundaries — real or constructed — across race, culture, borders, or any other division.

Everyone should have access to birds and nature, but historically in the United States, Black, Indigenous, and people of color have been excluded from local nature and careers in conservation. At EFTA, it is critical that everyone feel respected and included, and see themselves reflected in our work, in our staff, and in our programs.

We do not gatekeep. On the contrary, when we see a barrier, it is our goal to eliminate it and ensure access to our programs and events.EFTA is fully committed to mutually beneficial relationships with partners in the United States and throughout the Western Hemisphere that are built on respect and collaboration. At times, we lead, but especially when working with partners in other parts of the world, we recognize that we are guests and support the leadership and work of local conservationists, trusting that they know their communities and needs better than anyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://environmentamericas.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/environmentamericas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentfortheAmericas
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/environment-for-the-americas/posts/?feedView=all
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@environmentfortheamericas
• Other: https://migratorybirdday.org