ConocoPhillips is a corporate sponsor of the National Audubon Society. Founded in 1905, the organization is named for John James Audubon (1785-1851), famed ornithologist, explorer and wildlife artist. The Society's mission is to preserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. The organization’s national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs and advocacy on behalf of all sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive emulation experiences. ConocoPhillips also is a corporate supporter of the Texas Audubon Society.
Both as a corporation and through Gulf area employees, ConocoPhillips is an active participant in the work of Houston Audubon Society (HAS). HAS, incorporated in 1969, was one of the first environmental organizations in Houston. With nearly 4,700 members from 13 counties along the Upper Texas Coast, HAS is one of the largest Audubon chapters in the nation. In 1983 HAS purchased acreage at High Island in Galveston County, and more recently concluded purchase of Horseshoe Marsh on Bolivar Peninsula. These properties and significant additional acreage, including Smith Oaks, provide critical stopover habitat for thousands of neotropical songbirds that migrate along the Gulf of Mexico flyway from Latin America to breeding grounds in North America. HAS's sanctuary system includes nearly 3,000 acres and is still growing. HAS programs include the High Island Initiative and the Gulf Coast Initiative, which have brought together advocacy groups, governmental agencies and corporations to establish the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. More than 16,000 children and adults benefit from HAS education programs.