Pomona Valley Audubon Society is now Pomona Valley Bird Alliance. The change, announced last week, comes as other National Audubon Society chapters announced similar plans.

“The decision to consider a name change was influenced by recent awareness of John James Audubon’s ties to slavery and opposition to abolition,” read a news release. “While Audubon authored and illustrated the seminal ‘Birds of America,’ some members felt that continued association with him might discourage newcomers. The new name emphasizes inclusivity and a welcoming spirit.”

Pomona Valley Bird Alliance President Tina Stoner said the group remains a local chapter of the National Audubon Society and that its mission — “To promote the protection, appreciation and enjoyment of birds and other wildlife through recreation, education and conservation” — remains unchanged.

“The name change was a significant milestone, and we were committed to handling it with care,” Stoner wrote in an email. “As an all-volunteer chapter with no paid staff, we took the time to review best practices from other chapters who had completed the mechanics of the change. This helped ensure each step —f rom notifying multiple government agencies to updating our website and social media — was completed accurately, and in compliance with legal requirements.”

Visit pomonavalleybirdalliance.org for more info.