The most important part of RRAS is our members. Without you, we would be nothing. Like a healthy environment, we are a diverse group, and we thrive on that diversity. We share the common general goal of preserving wildlife habitat and maintaining a healthy environment, using science and law as our tools. It is to this combination of diversity in membership and unity in goals that we owe our success. I have often had the pleasure of "spirited" discussion with my Audubon allies on environmental issues, and most times learned more about the issue as a result. By all means take advantage of our field trips and programs to learn about nature and environmental issues, but if you want to go to the next level of knowledge and have even more fun, get involved with a specific issue or project.
So, what's new? I think that since my last term as president, international involvement has been the single most significant addition to our chapter activities. I am sure our Immediate Past President, Rob Hewitt will continue to do a great job of getting the Chapter involved with the breeding bird atlas project. This is a classic "Think Globally, Act Locally" project. The data gathered locally will be of great value to preserving bird habit in other areas of the world. When we protect migratory bird habitat, we also protect other wildlife, water, soil, and the economies that depend on them. We are also learning that it is not enough to protect only a few links in the chain. If we want birds - instead of problems -- to come home to roost (and nest), we need to keep the big picture in view.
If you are reading this column, you already have a special interest. I challenge you to become involved in a chapter activity of any type, enjoy our chapter's diversity, help biodiversity, and make a real difference in the world.
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