The Doug James Swift Tower

The Ozark Society has frequently worked with other conservation organizations to meet goals and gain from other’s expertise.  This has meant that many times we have worked with professionals in fields or organizations that have also overlapped.

In 1953 Doug James came to the University of Arkansas to teach biology, ornithology and many other natural science subjects.  He was there for more than 60 years.  While there he helped found the Arkansas Audubon Society (1955). Dr. James was doing research for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) on different bird populations. His contact with AGFC was Harold Alexander, their rivers specialist, who was adamant about protecting rivers from dams (remember, this is the 1960’s). It was through Harold Alexander that Doug James met Neil Compton.

Dr. Compton discussed the idea of the Ozark Society with Dr. James and asked him to find a place to meet.  The first meeting of the Ozark Society was May 25, 1962 at Waterman Hall in the School of Law on the University of Arkansas campus, which Dr. James arranged.

Dr. James was instrumental in teaching about birds, doing research and leading the Arkansas Audubon Society.  He received many, many honors and awards for his work. Most recently, the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society has announced it will be dedicating a swift tower on Mt. Sequoyah in Fayetteville to the memory of Doug James. When I read this, I wanted to share with Ozark Society members because of the importance to hear what other conservation groups are doing and to celebrate a person who used his passion for birds and conservation for at least two organizations.  Here is a description from Joe Neal of Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society:

“One project involves a Chimney Swift tower. These towers mimic mature trees that are hollow. They also mimic old fashion house chimneys. Swifts roost at night and nest during the summer in these “chimneys.” Research shows they readily adapt to towers.

“The swift tower will be dedicated to the memory of Dr Doug James, long time professor at University of Arkansas who taught ornithology classes. Building a Chimney Swift tower was one of his goals when he was NWAAS”.

I encourage Ozark Society members to read Neil Compton’s book, The Battle for the Buffalo and search Ozark Society on the Pryor Center website (Pryor center.uark.edu), both of these were reviewed to gain more understanding of Doug James’ influence with the Ozark Society.