"There are close to 60 million Americans living in more than 300,000 associations, and all of these places, from master-planned communities to townhouse associations, have the power to protect and sustain the natural resources we all depend upon," said Audubon Executive Director Kevin A. Fletcher, Ph.D. "This partnership creates a new way to engage and inspire millions of people to become better stewards of the environment where they live."

Through this partnership, CAI joins other organizations supporting Audubon International's Community Engagement, Planning, & Action Initiative launched in September 2007. Under this initiative, the environmental organization helps community leaders and stakeholders embrace environmental stewardship and sustainability as a central element of planning, policies and practices. "Association-governed communities are an important building block for community life in cities and towns across the country and working with the people in these associations provides us with a new and powerful audience to make change happen," says Fletcher.

Audubon International will work with CAI to educate and drive best practices by associations and homeowners alike through education programs.

Just like Americans in general, many community associations are already taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint, such as through recycling programs, the use of energy-saving initiatives and the preservation of undeveloped land.

But more needs to be done, says CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba, CAE. "The Audubon International initiative is an excellent opportunity for the growing housing market represented by common-interest communities. There are countless synergies between this initiative and our own Community Green initiative. Together, we can reach tens of thousands of communities and millions of homeowners."

CAI launched a new website on Earth Day (April 22) to share information and ideas on how community associations and individual homeowners can conserve energy and protect the environment. Go to www.caionline.org and follow the Community Green icon.

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to fostering more sustainable communities by providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife and natural resources where they live, work and recreate. Learn more at www.auduboninternational.org.

CAI is a national membership organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, competent, harmonious common-interest communities. Founded in 1973, CAI and its 58 chapters provide education, tools and resources to the volunteers who govern communities and the professionals who support them.