Iowa Young Birders is excited to welcome Austin Roe as our new Associate Director! The Iowa Young Birders Board of Directors approved Austin's service on March 28, 2025. 

A native of Eddyville, Iowa, Austin grew up hunting, fish, and enjoying the outdoors. After high school, he spent four years in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton as a combat engineer. He then went to Kansas State University (Go Wildcats!) where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in wildlife ecology and management and studied ornithology in the Boyle Lab. Austin is currently the naturalist for Jefferson County Conservation in Fairfield. 

"As I learned more about animals and natural systems, my love for the outdoors grew and I decided that I wanted share my knowledge with others so they can enjoy and appreciate nature in the same way," says Austin. "This has led me to a career in environmental education and what made me want to join the team at Iowa Young Birders. I hope to be able to share my passion for birds with future ornithologists through field trips and other outreach events with the organization."

Austin takes over for former Associate Director Jayden Bowen, who resigned earlier this year to begin his medical residency in Dallas, Texas. Jayden held the Associate Director role since early 2022. 

"We're extremely grateful of Jayden's volunteer service to Iowa Young Birders for the past three years," said Tyler Harms, Iowa Young Birders Executive Director. "We grew our novel Summer Birding Program to record participation, hired our first summer interns, and started our new Library Backpack Program thanks in part to Jayden's leadership and passion for helping all kids experience the joy of birds. Austin embodies this same passion and we're excited to have him as part of our leadership team."

Austin has hit the ground running and is already planning field trips in southern Iowa this summer. He is hosting a trip to Jefferson County Park on July 12 and one to see Mississippi Kites at Memorial Park in Ottumwa on August 16.