Pitstop for the Birds
Migratory bird populations are in a steep decline; they are calling for habitat.
From a bird's eye view, we can see 500,000 opportunities.
Pitstop for the Birds is turning EV charging sites into more than just places to plug in—by connecting stormwater design with habitat restoration, we’re creating small but powerful spaces where migratory birds can rest, and people can reconnect with nature.
Leadership & Board
Guiding our mission to create habitat, connection, and lasting change.
Sadie Walters
Founder & Executive Director
Sadie is an environmental designer, educator, and the visionary behind Pitstop for the Birds. With 15 years of experience in land-based design and public engagement, she’s developed a scalable model for restoring migratory bird habitat within urban infrastructure.
A passionate communicator and connector, Sadie brings people into the conservation movement through storytelling, design, and cross-sector partnerships—shaping a future where human systems support life in all its forms.
Laura Lengnick
Treasurer
Laura is a nationally recognized soil scientist, resilience strategist, and award-winning author with over 30 years of leadership in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. As Founder and Principal of Cultivating Resilience, she helps organizations integrate resilience thinking into strategy, planning, and operations across sectors.
Her career spans roles as a USDA researcher, U.S. Senate staffer, organic farmer, and sustainability educator. She has advised national agricultural networks and led initiatives that bridge science, policy, and community-based climate action. Her acclaimed book Resilient Agriculture remains the only U.S. publication to apply social-ecological resilience theory to climate risk in food systems.
As Treasurer of Pitstop for the Birds, Laura brings systems thinking, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to sustainability, helping guide our mission with vision, rigor, and care.
Sarah Justice
Secretary
Sarah is a municipal sustainability leader known for turning bold ideas into impactful action and building strong partnerships across sectors. As Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator for the Town of Cary, she leads collaborative initiatives that advance climate resilience, natural resource protection, and public engagement.
A trusted partner since Pitstop’s early days, Sarah has helped connect the project to a broad network of sustainability leaders across North Carolina and championed the integration of ecological education into public events. She brings deep public sector insight, inclusive leadership, and a steadfast commitment to environmental justice, strengthening our ability to create lasting, community-rooted change.
John I. Connors
Board Member
John brings decades of experience in wildlife biology, science education, and community-based conservation. With advanced training in forestry and bird ecology from NC State, he has led public programming at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, taught natural resource interpretation at NC State, and directed outdoor education for Raleigh Parks.
A longtime advocate for bird conservation, John has served as president of Wake Audubon Society and contributes to research and education efforts with Audubon, the Museum, and Walnut Creek Wetland Center. His deep ecological knowledge and passion for hands-on learning strengthen Pitstop’s mission to restore bird habitat in everyday places.
About Pitstop for the Birds
Track Our Progress, Support the Flight
Support Bird-Friendly Design as Part of Infrastructure
Your donation powers a bold vision:
Transforming EV charging stations and stormwater systems into life-saving stopover habitats for migratory birds.
With your support, we will:
• Create a science-based design protocol
• Build a high-impact proof-of-concept site
• Launch a story-driven public engagement campaign
• Develop a map and app to grow a continent-wide network
• Support local stewardship through our Adopt a Pitstop program—connecting schools, seniors, and community groups in hands-on care
Your gift directly supports the design, construction, education, and long-term care of these critical habitats—places where birds can pause, refuel, and safely continue their journeys.
Thank you for supporting Pitstop for the Birds.
Donations to Pitstop for the Birds are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, Southern Conservation Partners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.