This year, the Alabama Coastal BirdFest takes on a new name. “From here on, the event shall be known as the John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest, recognizing John Borom for his long involvement in land and wildlife conservation in Alabama” said Jim Griggs, Director of Alabama State Lands, reading a proclamation from Gov. Bob Riley. The naming ceremony took place at Weeks Bay Estuarine Research Reserve.

“Barnett Lawley (Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) suggested that we name BirdFest in John Borom’s name, and I thought it was a wonderful idea,” said Griggs. “I remember when John first came to me with the idea of a holding a festival that would tie in with the then-new Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. The first event was in 2004, and it’s just grown and improved ever since. State Lands is proud to be a part of it.”

John Borom has been recognized for his work leading to the establishment of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Reserve. In 2001 and 2006, he was presented with Environmental Responsibility awards from the Baldwin County Commission, and in 2006 he was honored with the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Governor's Conservation Achievement Award.

A Fairhope native, Borom earned his Ph.D. in biology and science education at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has served on numerous boards, including the Weeks Bay Foundation and Forever Wild, and is currently a board member of the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust. He is also president of the Mobile Bay Audubon Society.

“It is, of course, a great honor to have the festival named for me, but I’m just a small cog in big wheel when it comes to land and wildlife conservation,” Borom said. “Without the support of people like Barnett Lawley as well as the many generous sponsors and supporters of BirdFest, none of this could happen.”

Now in its 5th year, the John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest takes place Oct. 16-19, 2008. It features 20 guided tours and evening events and a free, daylong Bird and Conservation Expo. Registration opens in mid-July.

The Alabama Coastal BirdFest has been named in honor of John L. Borom, founder of BirdFest and a longtime supporter of land and wildlife conservation efforts in Alabama. Pictured from left are, Barnett Lawley, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Jim Griggs, Director of State Lands; Steve Perry, director of The Forum; David Yeager, director of Mobile Bay National Estuary Program; and John Borom. Griggs, Yeager, Perry, and Borom are BirdFest Steering Committee members. Not pictured is Steering Committee member Bernie Fogarty of Alabama Power.