The Great Smoky Mountains chapter of the Audubon Society, based in Maggie Valley and Waynesville, has been officially recognized and accepted by The National Audubon Society after initially forming a year ago.

The mission of the chapter is to promote an awareness and appreciation of nature and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship through education, protection, conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

The Great Smoky Mountains Audubon Society meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, April through October, at the Maggie Valley Pavilion beside town hall. It also has a full line-up of programs and outings planned for the spring.

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• “Wolf Tales”, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26.

Rob Gudger, a wildlife biologist who works with wolves, and animal handler Robert Edwards will introduce Wayah, Amaroc, & Mohican for a multifaceted “hands-on” program on the life of a wolf. Held at Maggie Pavilion.

• “Spring Migrants”, Saturday, April 30. Birding Field Trip led by Don Hendershot, a naturalist, biological consultant and freelance writer. His column “The Naturalist’s Corner” has appeared in The Smoky Mountain News for more than a decade. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Super Wal-Mart parking lot on the side closest to Verizon.

• “Return of the Songbirds”, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. Program Curtis Smalling is the Important Bird Areas Coordinator and Mountain Program Manager of Audubon North Carolina. Held at Maggie Pavilion.