Dear Conococheague Auduboners and Friends \u2013 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s all give heartfelt thanks to outgoing president, Terri Kochert. She navigated our organization through the COVID-19 pandemic with grace, patience, and creativity. She made sure we held as many activities as we safely could, and we all learned about new technologies along the way. Thank you, Terri! Many thanks, too, to Debby Hook, who was extremely active as Immediate Past President and Education \u2013 Outreach chair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Conococheague Audubon Society and why do we exist? The local Conococheague Audubon Society was organized in 1961 as the Conococheague Naturalists. Anyone joining the National Audubon Society in our general area automatically becomes a member of the Conococheague Audubon Society (CAS). We are a family-friendly group with over 300 members primarily from Franklin, Cumberland and Fulton Counties. We have an active membership of 40-70 people who attend meetings regularly and support our activities. We are supported by donations and a small dues-sharing income from the National Audubon Society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds, wildlife in general, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth\u2019s biological diversity. Our goals are to promote the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment and encourage interest in the study of nature; to provide the opportunity for study and observation of birds, other wildlife, and plants; to contribute to research in the fields of conservation and ornithology by monetary support and\/or active participation; and to educate the public on the need to protect wild birds and animals, trees and plants, soil, air and water and promote a better public understanding of these natural resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We end this season with two critical committee vacancies: Education \u2013 Outreach and Publicity. We cannot accomplish our mission and goals without someone in each position. Some long-term members look at me and wonder why I am president \u2013 again. I stepped forward because no one else would. Won\u2019t you please step forward now and help? In the May Naturally, Debby Hook described the Education \u2013 Outreach position. The Publicity chair shares information about our activities with local media. Please contact me about helping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we wind down for this season, we still have a few great activities planned. Please call the leader in advance and be at the meeting place a few minutes early. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Please check our website for updates: www.ConococheagueAudubon.org<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n To date, Conococheague Audubon Society members have donated more than $5,000 for the Community Cloud Forest Conservation (CCFC) in central Guatemala to support their capital campaign to purchase 390 acres on which the center is built. If you plan to make a donation, you may write out a check to \u201cConococheague Audubon Society\u201d and send it to: Conococheague Audubon, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Please indicate \u201cCCFC donation\u201d in the memo area of your check. We will accept donations until July 1, 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n National Audubon is sponsoring \u201cFor the Birds: The Birdsong Project\u201d. It is a historic outpouring of creativity by more than 200 artists to celebrate the music and joy that birds bring into our lives\u2014and to raise awareness about the need to protect them. Listen today and all proceeds will benefit @National Audubon Society: https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/birdsong-project<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n May you enjoy the songs and gorgeous plumages of our feathered friends, both those who are just passing through and those who are nesting locally. Good birding!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Valerie Barnes, President <\/p>\n\n\n\n