 Birds Georgia is pleased to welcome Sarah Ann Hankamer and Mac Peden to its Board of Directors. Sarah joined the Board in May, and Mac joined in March. Both will serve three-year terms with the organization.
Sarah Ann Hankamer is a financial manager in Georgia Power Company’s Environmental Affairs Department, where she brings more than 24 years of experience supporting critical business functions across the organization. Throughout her career at Georgia Power, Sarah has provided financial leadership across all major areas of the company, including Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Customer Service. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University. She is a graduate of the Signature Strive executive leadership program and Emory University’s Emerging Leaders program. Sarah has been an active volunteer with Community Consulting Teams, Citizens of Georgia Power, and A+ Youth Squash. She and her husband, Will, live in Atlanta’s Ormewood Park neighborhood. In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling and playing tennis. She is also a new member of Birds Georgia and looks forward to deepening her knowledge and appreciation of Georgia’s birds. Mac Peden is a retired corporate executive and timber farm owner in Georgia’s Hancock County. Since retiring from ADP in 2012 after a 37-year career, Mac has focused on managing and expanding his timber farm, portions of which have been in his family for more than 100 years. His approach balances economic return with sustainability, creating habitat where wildlife and biodiversity can thrive. Mac grew up in Hancock County, graduated from Georgia Tech, and has lived in the Atlanta area since completing service in the U.S. Army in 1971. In his spare time, Mac and his wife Suzanne enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren – preferably on the farm! He currently serves as vice chairman of the Georgia Forestry Foundation Board of Trustees. Mac has been a Birds Georgia supporter for more than 30 years and recently hosted a Georgia Bird Fest event at his farm. Birds Georgia is grateful for the experience, passion, and perspective Sarah and Mac bring to the organization as we work together to build places where birds and people thrive. MORE: Meet Our Board and Staff
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by Sheridan Alford
Each spring, Georgia Bird Fest brings people together through a shared appreciation for birds, nature, and community. This year, our Centennial celebration was no exception. From mountaintop hikes to coastal paddles, art showcases to conservation conversations, Bird Fest 2026 was a true reflection of how far this community has come and where we’re headed next. A Month of Birds, Community, and Discovery Over the course of the festival, 40 events took place across the state, offering something for every level of birder and nature enthusiast. Participants explored Georgia’s diverse landscapes through guided field trips, including birding by boat, canoe, and kayak; overnight hikes; and visits to habitat restoration sites. We were proud to collaborate with incredible partners like Georgia Rivers, the Trust for Public Land, the Georgia Native Plant Society, Jekyll Island Authority, and Ocmulgee Audubon Society to expand opportunities for people to engage with birds and conservation in meaningful, place-based ways. We also celebrated alongside the Atlanta History Center in their own Centennial year, marking a unique moment of shared legacy. From artist talks and creative showcases to hands-on conservation experiences, this year’s Bird Fest highlighted the many ways people connect with birds and with each other. The Summit: A Day to Gather and Reflect Our Bird Fest Summit, held at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, was a standout moment of the festival. Set against a vibrant spring backdrop, the day brought together birders, artists, conservationists, and curious newcomers for a shared experience rooted in learning and connection. Throughout the day, speakers offered a wide range of perspectives that deepened our understanding of birds and the communities that surround them.
Beyond the stage, the Summit buzzed with creativity. Artists Chantelle Chapman and Raven Waters showcased their work, while Eagle Eye Book Shop and Wild Birds Unlimited offered books and birding gear for attendees to explore. We also shared a preview of an upcoming limited-edition illustrated playing card deck, an exciting glimpse at what’s ahead. Our partners were present in full force, providing tangible ways for attendees to stay engaged in conservation efforts across Georgia. Why It Matters As one of our largest annual events, Georgia Bird Fest plays a vital role in supporting Birds Georgia’s conservation, education, and community engagement work. Every field trip, workshop, and conversation helps build momentum toward a future where both birds and people can thrive. A theme that carried throughout the Summit, and the festival as a whole, was the strength of this community. In his remarks, Executive Director Adam Betuel reflected on the wonder of spring migration: that birds, many weighing less than a cellphone, undertake extraordinary journeys each year. It’s a reminder of both the resilience of these species and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on. Looking Ahead We’re deeply grateful to everyone who participated in Georgia Bird Fest 2026, whether you joined us for a single hike or followed along for the entire month. A special thank you goes to our Centennial Patrons, whose support makes this work possible and sustains the festival's growth year after year. Bird Fest is more than a series of events; it’s a community in flight. And if this year is any indication, the future is full of possibilities. Birds Georgia is proud to announce the newest site enrolled in our Habitat Stewardship Program: the Chick-fil-A Support Center.
Spanning more than 70 wooded acres, the Chick-fil-A Support Center is an ArbNet-certified arboretum and serves as the company’s headquarters. The campus features extensive botanical gardens, walking trails, streams, ponds, and specialized tree collections, all designed to foster a “work full of life” environment. As part of maintaining both native and curated plantings, the site incorporates native trees such as magnolia, oak, and pine, along with native shrubs and wildflowers that provide valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife. Plans are also underway to install and maintain bird and bat boxes to further support native species. The Birds Georgia Habitat Stewardship Program partners with public and private landowners and managers to advance conservation through practical, science-based habitat improvements. The program connects participants with educational resources, technical assistance, cost-share opportunities, and other tools that help make stewardship efforts both impactful and sustainable. We are delighted to welcome the Chick-fil-A Support Center as a Habitat Steward and applaud their commitment to building places where birds and people thrive. |
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August 2026
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