President's Column

April 1999

by Hal Genger

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of the Sandpiper. I want to thank all of you who helped make the annual banquet such a success! Kristie Nelson thought of and convinced Luis Baptista to come up and be the presenter. Kristie also was responsible for most of the registration and she and Elias helped monitor the door. Dick Laursen researched different locations and then secured the Elks Lodge. Dick and his wife Carol also hosted Luis Baptista at their house during his stay. Elaine David secured Luis Baptista’s air fare and donated the beautiful flowers at each table. Gary Bloomfield organized the artists presentations. All the board members helped make phone calls to remind members about the banquet. Thank you all very much! Thanks to those who displayed there art or merchandise. Thanks to the HSU Field Biology Club for helping financially in bringing Luis Baptista up here. Finally, thanks to all of you who attended; you are the ones who make all the work to have the banquet worth while!

The Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award for 1998 was given to Elaine David. Elaine continually has done an outstanding job as treasurer and has been involved in many other tasks as well. She participates in sitting the booth at most events RRAS participates in. She also heads the finance committee and is responsible for all fund-raising activities. Elaine has also been a great help to me, offering suggestions and reminders about Audubon functions. Elaine, we all appreciate your tireless commitment, thank you very much!

One issue RRAS sees as a priority is wetlands. Locally, we have lost over 90% of our historic wetlands, albeit some of that still acts as a seasonal wetland. Much can be done to protect what we have and restore some portions. If you know of any wetlands being filled, or that are up for sale, please contact the conservation committee. President Clinton’s recent proposal "Better America Bonds" could help provide money for these activities. These environmental bonds can be used to: 1) Preserve and enhance green space, such as wetlands, 2) Protect water quality, and/or 3) Provide environmental remediation. If you would like more information about these bonds call Amy Stock 360-709-9695 or email her at astock@audubon.org.

Redwood Region Audubon Society
P.O. Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502
Last updated April 1999