Lori Danielson, president of Eastside Audubon Society.
President’s Letter: Executive Leadership Changes and Local Science
By Lori Danielson
My letter this month is going to cover a few different topics, starting with changes in leadership. I’m sad to say that Executive Director Sheila Ritchie will be resigning from her position due to health issues. The board is very sorry to see her go, as she has done so much to strengthen Eastside Audubon. She has done wonderful work to improve our communications to donors and members, support our mission programs, enhance our fundraising capabilities, build our membership, and support our volunteers. I wish her the very best. The board is now searching for her replacement and the job announcement is posted here.
But there’s also good news in that we have two new directors who have joined the board. I’d like to welcome Tammy VuPham as an At Large Director with a focus on outreach and education and Eliza Kronenberger as an At Large Director with a focus on the conservation program. I’m very excited to have these women bringing their fresh ideas and energy to our programs and governance, and hope that when pandemic conditions improve you’ll have an opportunity to meet them in person.
The board will be holding another “open house” via Zoom aimed at providing information to people interested in volunteering for Eastside Audubon. We’ll be talking about our mission, the organization, our volunteer needs, and answering questions on Wednesday, March 10th at 7 p.m. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about volunteering, registration for the online event is here.
Finally, I´d like to share an interesting scientific study with a local connection. Eastside Audubon member Dawn Huss, who works at the Oxbow Farm in Carnation, provided this exciting news: “Researchers from the Bird Genoscape Project came out to Oxbow to study willow flycatcher physiology and were filmed doing it. We made it into this short 15-minute long video sponsored by National Geographic about the plight of the southwestern willow flycatcher and how the Bird Genoscape Project is helping… It's a very cool project that helps pinpoint specific populations of migratory birds.” I agree with Dawn that it’s an awesome project and am excited that part of it is taking place in our region.
A brighter spring is coming! I hope you’re doing well.