Michigan Audubon Society
Awards
Michigan's Magnificent Birds is an Overwhelming Success
A large gathering of both new and veteran Michigan Audubon members attended the 105th Annual Conference on March 6 & 7. There were a total of 140 people in attendance over the two-day event. They were rewarded with some great sessions to attend on a whole host of topics. A few of the outstanding topics of discussion were grassland birds and the impact different biofuel crops have on their survival, the scientific DNA work being done on birds and how it is changing taxonomy and therefore will keep our field guides changing every few years, and how the introduction of alien species to the Great Lakes is impacting both the lakes and the water and shore bird populations. All the sessions were well attended and well presented providing a wealth of information.
The Saturday keynote was presented by John James Audubon. Audubon shared his life story and spun tales about his travels around this country over a 30 year period. Brian "Fox" Ellis, who portrays Audubon, had everyone in his spell listening to his tales about different bird species. He even explained the trials he went through to get his bird portraits to appear life like.
Everyone seemed to have a great time at the conference and we look forward to seeing them all back next year!
AWARDS:
The 2008 Conservation Award was given in recognition for Distinguished Stewardship to Ron Hoffman. Ron has been the Sanctuary Steward of the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary for the past 30 years. Ron recently "retired" from the position of steward but we know that he will continue to be involved at Haehnle for years to come.
Chuck and Colleen MacDonald came down from Sault Ste. Marie to pick up the 2008 Education Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. Chuck and Colleen lead guided birding trips around the eastern end of the U.P. every January and February, and do this all free of charge to Michigan Audubon. The office receives glowing reports from participants and some people go every year, not because of the birds they saw but it gives them the chance to spend time with Chuck and Colleen again. Chuck has been a Board member of Michigan Audubon and has been one of the organizers of the Annual Raffle. Both Chuck and Colleen have been involved with Michigan Audubon for many years.
The 2008 Research Award was given for Exemplary Youth Education Project to Laurie Dykehouse, a sixth grade instructor at Cheyboygan Middle School, and members of the Straits Area Audubon Society. Laurie devised a program to get her sixth graders out in the field, or in this case Dingman Marsh, to study all aspects of the ecosystem. Through funding provided by Straits Area Audubon who was awarded a grant from Michigan Audubon, Laurie was able to make this project a reality. Members of the Straits Area Audubon participated and helped lead groups of students at the marsh and presented programs on marsh related topics. This project taught students the many aspects of research and provided them with an outdoor classroom. On hand to accept the award on behalf of Laurie and the Straits Area Audubon was Rich Adams, former editor of the Cheyboygan Daily Tribune, who covered the marsh study program in the local paper.
