Audubon CT Greenwich: Pollinator Potluck: From the Cloud Forest to CT: Protecting Nature Across the Hemisphere

Join us for an evening adventure to the Southern Hemisphere with local conservationist, Jim Muchmore. Jim will be joined by Audubon Connecticut Director of Policy, Robert LaFrance who will present on Audubon’s Latin America and Caribbean program.

Jim will provide highlights from his field research in Ecuador and other parts of South America, where he has studied the region’s remarkable bird and herpetofauna and their conservation challenges in tropical ecosystems. Drawing on decades of experience observing rare birds, reptiles, and amphibians in diverse habitats from Andean cloud forests to Choco lowlands, he will provide insights into both the natural history of these animals and ongoing efforts to protect their habitats.

Jim will be joined by Audubon Connecticut Director of Policy, Robert LaFrance who will present on Audubon’s Latin America and Caribbean program in addition to discussing revisions to the Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan.

Jim’s Bio:

Jim Muchmore is an established graphic and packaging designer who transitioned from the New York City design world into a conservation-focused career. He brings deep expertise in branding, corporate communications, and visual storytelling, combined with extensive field experience in South America. Jim has worked closely with scientists, NGOs, and local partners to raise awareness, support fundraising, and protect critical biodiversity hotspot, particularly within the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena and Tropical Andes regions, and is also an experienced photographer, expedition organizer, and conservation communicator.

Robert’s Bio:

Robert LaFrance is the Director of Policy for Connecticut at the National Audubon Society, where he works to advance state policies that protect birds, habitats, and natural resources. A former Director of Governmental Affairs and Senior Legal Counsel at Connecticut DEEP, Robert has played a key role in shaping environmental and wildlife policy under multiple administrations. He remains deeply engaged in conservation science and education, advising students at the Yale School of the Environment and serving on regional and state conservation boards. A longtime Connecticut resident and avid bird watcher, Robert brings a practical, policy-driven perspective on how conservation decisions affect local landscapes and communities.

Potluck food and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Happiness Is Back Country Market along with organic wine from The Study Fine Wines! Bringing a dish to share is optional but if you do, PLEASE INCLUDE A NOTECARD LISTING INGREDIENTS. Bite size sharables are preferred as the center has limited capacity to provide utensils.

Admission is FREE but RSVPs REQUIRED