The Charter Sanctuary Discovery Center will hold its annual fundraiser for Saving Birds through Habitat, featuring Greg Butcher, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., August 20. In 1993, Jim and Kay Charter gave up their lakefront home in exchange for a 47-acre tract west of the village of Omena. The couple was able to hold onto their land despite some dire events and created a healthy, native plant-based ecosystem that would provide for both migratory and resident birds. The entire sanctuary is forever protected for the birds by conservation easements.

            Butcher is the migratory species coordinator for U.S. Forest Service international programs and a Ph.D. ornithologist who has worked for the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Partners in Flight, Birders World magazine and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The outdoor program features food, wine, a silent auction and live music by Leelanau County’s Hot Biscuits. Butcher will give a talk on Michigan’s tropical connection, using data from his latest State of the Birds report.

Admission is a $45 suggested donation. Location: 5020 N. Putnam Rd. Omena. For more information, call 231-271-3738, email [email protected] or visit SavingBirds.org.