by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Executive Director
It’s hard to believe but fall is here. I know it’s true because the marsh is no longer green but instead a mosaic of green, brown, tan, purple, and red. Some of the winter birds have taken up their residence in the marsh, while some of our summer friends are still here. It’s that special time of year so even though I may be incredulous that another summer has screamed on by, a quick look out the window confirms what I do know to be true.
It’s been a whirlwind year with so many great accomplishments and the celebration of so many milestones. We have so much momentum right now that we are taking the opportunity to launch a couple of new initiatives. The Board of Trustees has formed a Junior Advisory Committee to invite young, talented members of our community to serve as a board committee. We are looking to have a mutually beneficial relationship whereby they can bring fresh, new perspectives to a specific project of the board, while gaining valuable board experience. The inaugural committee has five members and will serve an initial one-year term with an option to renew. We already have nominations for the next cohort as well. This new committee will be looking at our membership programs and how they are structured, and at our social media and marketing approaches to see how we can enhance our communications. They will be preparing a report for the board with recommendations for changes and options for implementation so we expect some great outcomes. We will update you all on their results as they come in.
Traveling with The Wetlands Institute is back on the horizon. This year, in honor of our 50th Anniversary, we are hosting a trip to the Galapagos to discover the wonders of Darwin’s Enchanted Islands. Dr. Lisa Ferguson and I will be on board and will be adding scientific and conservation information to the daily events of the trip. My background in geology, oceanography, and evolution will allow me to enrich our experiences, while Lisa will be adding a wealth of knowledge regarding coastal birds endemic to the islands. Together we will also be linking conservation issues and challenges in the Galapagos to research and conservation programs at TWI and in our region. The trip sold out quickly and we are getting quite a few requests for us to host another ecologically significant trip next year. If you have ideas for that perfect trip that would be made especially significant because of the added benefits that travel with TWI would bring, please let me know. Keep your ears open for the next opportunity.