Conservation Champion / Wisdom

Chandler S. Robbins

(1918—2017)

Dr. Chandler “Chan” S. Robbins moved to Laurel in the early 1940s and became a major influence not only on the conservation of the Patuxent River watershed, but on the conservation of birds around the country. He galvanized small armies of volunteer bird watchers to collect data for studies of migrating and breeding birds around North America, and mentored many budding naturalists to pursue vocations in natural history and conservation. Chan worked for six decades as a field ornithologist at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge in Laurel, where he launched monitoring programs and research initiatives that have formed the basis of North American bird conservation. He authored or co-authored hundreds of scientific papers, reports, and books, and conducted research projects throughout the world. His 1966 Golden Guide to North American Birds became an instant bestseller. The pinnacle of all this work was his Breeding Bird Survey that has established population trends for most North American birds.  

Chan married Eleanor Cooley in 1948; they met on a bird walk. Chan and Eleanor were active in many projects of the Maryland Ornithological Society and gave generously to conservation organizations, always concerned with preserving land and habitat for birds. They raised four children a short distance from this mural on Brooklyn Bridge Road, where they also banded thousands of birds over the decades.

Chan was a man of boundless energy, unflagging positivity, deep kindness, and exceptional intellect.  He was a tireless champion of conservation not only for birds, but for all of nature. Although officially retiring in 2005, he continued working on projects until the end of his life. Chan was still birding near his home in Laurel at 98 years old and gave his final presentation to a local bird club in November 2016. His was a life well-birded.

Locally and globally, biodiversity is threatened by pollution, habitat destruction, and environmental change. May Chan’s passion and legacy inspire all who view this mural to appreciate the beauty and importance of the natural environment and to take action to protect it in their communities, across the Patuxent River watershed and everywhere.

For more information about Chandler Robbins’ life and impact go to Friendsofpatuxent.org. We encourage everyone to visit the Chandler S. Robbins Outdoor Education Center at the South Tract of the US Fish and Wildlife Patuxent Research Refuge and to walk the “Wisdom” trail that is dedicated to his memory.

Species depicted on the mural 

• Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata (center left)

• Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea (center right)

• Eastern Towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus (bottom right)

• Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus (bottom left)

• Pileated Woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus (top right)

Many thanks to local business owner and neighbor Nadol Hishmeh for providing the canvas for this mural! The Hishmeh family’s generous financial support, partnership, and encouragement made this mural possible.