In May 2022, National Geographic announced that it will host a new series titled “Extraordinary Birder” that highlights the diversity of birds across the United States, featuring activist and New York-based birdwatcher Christian Cooper.
Famously known as the “Central Park Birder,” Cooper studies the habits of Kirtland’s warblers, Swainson’s thrushes, Acadian flycatchers – among others. According to National Geographic, the six-episode series will take viewers through the “wild, wonderful and unpredictable world of birds,” and feature Cooper birding in deserts, cities, rainforests and the rural South.
Aside from being a lifelong birdwatcher, Cooper has been passionate about multiple social justice issues and served on the board of directors of GLAAD, formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Additionally, he was an editor for Marvel Comics, where he created a gay character for the Star Trek series, one of its first.
In May 2020, Cooper made national headlines for filming himself being racially targeted while birdwatching in Central Park. After his sister posted his video to Twitter, it was viewed over 45 million times and contributed to important conversations around the dangers of racial profiling.
While Cooper continues to be a fierce advocate for racial justice, he says he is excited to begin a new chapter at National Geographic. “Birding has exploded in popularity recently, and I’m looking forward to putting a spotlight on these amazing creatures and the extraordinary birders who love them and work to protect them,” Cooper wrote on Facebook.
Robert F. Smith’s Efforts to Expand Outdoor Access
Cooper is correct – birdwatching has increased in popularity over the last two years. However, according to a 2020 Trust for Public Land report, over 100 million Americans still live in areas where they can’t access a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home. As systemic barriers continue to disproportionately prevent marginalized communities from safely and enjoyably accessing the outdoors, philanthropist Robert F. Smith is supporting efforts to address these issues.
In 2008, Smith helped found Lincoln Hills Cares. Based in the city of Lincoln Hills, Colorado, the nonprofit focuses on facilitating outdoor education and recreation programs for underserved communities to promote outdoor equity. Lincoln Hills Cares frequently partners with local and national organizations like the Audubon Society, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Habitat for Humanity, and the United States Forest Service to provide tailored programs for young Coloradans. In 2021, the organization saw a 166% increase in program hours, a 127% increase in partnerships, and an 87% increase in participation.
Smith lives with his family in Austin, Texas, and supports The Trail Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. In 2018, Smith pledged more than $1 million to The Trail Foundation’s project to update the Congress Avenue Bridge. “Those of us lucky enough to call Austin home, and the many visitors to this city, use the Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake every single day,” said Smith at the groundbreaking for the project. “An investment in the Trail is an investment in Austin’s future—one that will keep our most cherished outdoor asset safe, accessible, and enjoyable for many years to come.”
Learn more about policy efforts aimed at expanding outdoor access.
