About Us
Mission
Safe Skies Maryland is an initiative to raise awareness in all counties in Maryland about the threats of migratory and resident bird collisions with man-made structures and how we might employ science and technology to solve our conservation needs.
This initiative seeks to address the preservation of biodiversity in a changing world, to enhance the habitat and protection of resident and migratory birds through a comprehensive understanding of the emerging challenges that threaten their survival, and to address sustainable growth for the next generation. Educational, community, and legislative outreach and goals make the initiative comprehensive in its vision.
Organization
Safe Skies Maryland is a subcommittee of the Conservation Committee of Maryland Ornithological Society.
Leadership Team
Carolyn Parsa
Director of Safe Skies Maryland
Carolyn earned a Bachelors in Plant Science and a Masters in Environmental Science both at Rutgers University. In the last 4 years she has been active in volunteering for environmental groups. She is currently chair for the Howard County Sierra Club and director of Safe Skies Maryland. Both groups are active in community outreach and supporting local and state legislation for protecting the environment. Contact: [email protected]
Mark Southerland, PhD
Legislative Director of Safe Skies Maryland
Mark received his PhD in ecology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continues to work as an environmental consultant, including supporting Maryland DNR since 1993. He leads the legislative program of Safe Skies Maryland, including the state legislation under consideration and the bird safe buildings law that passed Howard County in July 2020. He is also active with Maryland Water Monitoring Council (past chair), Science Council of Maryland Academy of Sciences at the Maryland Science Center, Patapsco Heritage Greenway (VP for environment), Howard County Conservancy, and Howard County Environmental Sustainability Board (past chair). Contact: [email protected]