Hello, spring! As we say farewell to some winter visitors, we welcome those who come in spring. Come on, warblers!

At our meeting on April 8, we elected John Carter, Larry Williams, and Sharon Williams to the Board of Directors and re-elected all officers. Two amendments to our By-Laws also passed. We thank outgoing directors John Greer, Sue Greer, and Linda Kaiser and look forward to their continued participation and leadership in other ways. Many thanks also to all the committee chairs who are continuing in their roles.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Bluebird Trail coordinators Lynn and Dorian Runt and Ruth Barton are always looking for volunteers to monitor the trails. To volunteer, please contact the Runts at 717-352-4995 or email adamsmail@centurylink.net, or Ruth Barton (301-367-6968).
• Janet Tice and Dave Cooney are starting to plan for this year’s Beginning Birders’ Workshop. The next planning meeting will be before our next General Meeting, on Monday, May 11. Come early – at 6 PM – if you would like to help at the workshop.
• Seventh grade students at Greencastle-Antrim Middle School participate in PA’s Trout in the Classroom program and will be releasing fingerlings at Caledonia State Park on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  See below for further details.
• Master Gardeners have invited us to set up a display table at their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18. See below for further details.
• Other opportunities will arise soon. So, let us know what you want to do and when you might be available!

This reminder from Conservation Chair John Greer:

• Recycling to reduce plastic pollution can be confusing.  What can I recycle and what can I not?  What do those recycling symbols mean?  Here’s some help. 
• Yes, can recycle:  No.1 (PETE) and No. 2 (HDPE).  Examples include soda and water bottles, cleaning products, milk and juice jugs, butter tubs, peanut butter jars, and motor oil bottles. 
• No, cannot recycle: No. 3 (V), No. 4 (LDPE*), and No. 7 (OTHER). Examples include cooking oil containers, shampoo bottles, fast food containers, PVC containers, vinyl and Styrofoam products, squeeze ketchup bottles, and microwavable dishes.

• *While No. 4 plastic bags and shrink wraps cannot be put in your recycling bin, many grocery stores will recycle them.

• Maybe can recycle:  No. 5 (PP) and No. 6 (PS). Examples include disposable hot cups, meat trays, yogurt containers, straws, pancake syrup bottles, and bottle caps.  
  • To check on whether and where an item can be recycled, go to www.search.earth911.com.  Enter the item and your zip code.  You should also check with your trash and recycling hauler for guidelines on what items they may and may not take.

See the Calendar for upcoming CAS activities 

The first day of Spring is officially March 19. Come on, Spring!

Janet Tice and Dave Cooney are starting to plan for this year’s Beginning Birders’ Workshop. The first planning meeting will be before our next General Meeting, on Monday, March 11. Come early – at 6 PM – if you would like to help at the workshop.

Member Bob Keener will share his experiences with the March 11 program Galapagos: A Model of Conservation. The program will be available in person at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church or via Zoom. Bob will present from a remote location via Zoom, starting at 7 PM.

At our April 8 meeting, we will vote for officers, new directors, and changes to our Constitution and By-laws. Stay tuned for a special “Election” email in mid-March. Visit the latest Naturally for a preview.

Conservation Chair John Greer has a word about this year’s theme of stopping plastic pollution. The word is “pre-cycle.” Pre-cycling is about making choices that support environmentally responsible products and packaging. Pre-cycling makes recycling easier and cuts down on the amount of garbage thrown away. Some tips:

• Buy large single containers and put what you need for everyday use into smaller containers.
• Pass on Styrofoam. For example, look for egg cartons made of recycled newsprint.  
• For paper boxes, if the unprinted side is gray and not white, the box is made of recycled material.
• Avoid over-packaged products. Compare the size of the package to the size of the product.
• And don’t forget to shop with reusable bags!

With the change of seasons, we have more activities scheduled. Check out the calendar. Some of the events involve the opportunity for volunteering. Unless stated otherwise, please contact Terri Kochert to sign up as a volunteer. Contact the field trip leader to go on a field trip. Good birding!