Message from the President

Message from the President

By Sarah Linney

After inadvertently taking a month off, I am now curious if anyone really missed The President’s Message? Did you even notice there wasn’t one? I see. Well, I’m back and here to report we’ve had several events that were a great success.

The Wuesthoff Park cleanup went extremely well. We had eight chapter folks show, including our Park & Rec liaison Betty Salter, (curious that it was mostly women with the exception of Jason F. and Jim M.) and three volunteers who found out via Keep Brevard Beautiful (and evened out the M:F ratio). By lunchtime, we had kicked butt clearing the trail of fallen palms, rewidening a short section of trail, and removing a patch of invasive air potato vine. Three remained after lunch to push on with yet another area of the vine growing alongside the meadow. A hearty “thank-you” to all that participated in the cleanup and in particular to Betty Salter and Jason Frederick for making the project possible.

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival was another success this year thanks to organizers Laurilee Thompson and Neta Harris, as well to everyone who either spoke, led, volunteered, and/or participated. I managed to do three out of four of those things: went on the pelagic (two life birds), co-lead three trips, and worked a bit at our booth plus a lot out front at Lee Snyder’s booth. Had a great time despite long days. I hope everyone who attended (or wore any other hat) did also and for those that did not, you missed a fantastic event.

According to my sources, we grossed at least $372 at the chapter booth. This broke down as five new memberships, a donation of $10, and $262 in book sales plus collected sales tax. Dee and I had both ordered books to sell at the booth, but only Dee’s came in time for the festival. Most of the $92 in sales from Saturday evening and Sunday morning was due to this new stock of books—way to go Dee!

Commendations go out to everyone for their overwhelming approval of the Environmentally Endangered Lands Referendum. We are in good company as several other counties across the state also voted for measures designed to protect environmental lands and curb sprawl. I hope this way of thinking will be supported by our newly configured Board of County Commissioners.

Pat Meyer has informed me of the death of long-time member Pat Stewart, who passed away over the summer. Space Coast Audubon extends its condolences to Pat’s family. Her son Jeb has graciously shared his bird slides with Audubon over the years. We are all sorry for your loss.

Finally, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wish all happy holidays.