A Letter from Our Chapter President
| Welcome to the New Year! 2020 was difficult, 2021 holds out hope. Spring is not far off, vaccines are on the way, and migratory birds will be returning. On behalf of the Board of Forsyth Audubon I wish you all a Happy New Year, I hope you are well and remaining safe. Despite the difficulties of 2020 Forsyth Audubon has been busy. New members have joined us, our Board of Directors has enlarged with new voices adding their ideas and enthusiasm. There are new volunteers and new friends. We have entered the Virtual world and expanded our communication reaching a wider population thanks to Heather Moir and Hannah Addair. Audubon Society of Forsyth County is now 50 years old! Celebration is commencing with founding and sustaining members sharing their stories with Ann Robertson in our Newsletters, the 50th Anniversary Committee led by Ron Morris plans for a gala later in the year. We have continued with legislative advocacy, individually and collectively, focusing attention on matters of conservation, education and environmental justice. Participation in Audubon Climate Watch program is ongoing, Cornell Lab’s Nestwatch program is revitalized, both recruiting new volunteers. A new nature education program at Bethabara Park was established in partnership with Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, NC Arboretum, and City of WS. Local conservation efforts continue under the leadership of Max Nottke increasing the use of Native Plants in restoring habitat at residential and public spaces. A strong Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity committee has formed, chaired by Joy Rochester, helping us to better support diverse populations in our community and open nature outings to everyone. Our involvement with local College and University students and faculty continues with increasing interest in Audubon and birding. Part of the 50th Anniversary celebration will be original music composed and performed by students of UNCSA in the theme of the Wood Thrush Migration Project. WSSU students plan to join us in Climate Watch and Nestwatch. Salem College students were instrumental in presenting the 4th grade environmental education curriculum. Efforts are ongoing to form a college chapter at WFU. Park Ranger Jesse Anderson and Graphic Designer Barb Borucki designed and installed a beautiful Hawk wingspan mural at Pilot Mountain State Park attracting the attention of lots of kids with outstretched arms. We continue working with many partners including Habitat for Humanity, Gateway Nature Preserve, Piedmont Land Conservancy, City and County Parks, and look forward to collaboration with WSSU, NC State, NCA&T. Goals for the new year are many with primary being re-opening when it is safe, resuming field outings locally and distant, moving ahead with our many conservation projects, and establishing a leadership pipeline to bring Forsyth Audubon into it’s next 50 years. I look forward to working with all of you to make this a reality. Don Lendle President, Forsyth Audubon |
Jean Chamberlain Receives Snavely Award!
The Christmas Bird Count evening social was highlighted by the presentation to Jean Chamberlain of
the Ramona Snavely Award for 2020.
Jean is a most deserving recipient. A long term member of Audubon Society of Forsyth County she
has contributed in so many ways. A good friend to many, a leader on the Board of Directors, a leader
in the field. She has worked tirelessly on conservation projects such as the Wood Thrush Migration
Study and Native Plant habitat restoration. Her work redesigning and maintaining our Website has
helped greatly to make us professional and friendly.
Jean is a world traveler and a world birder, a student of birdsong, and a devoted bird rehabilitator.
In preparing these remarks I asked several people for their contributions, many responded glowingly.
A story Nathan Gatto told says it well: One day on the Hanging Rock Bird Count, Nathan and Jean
were birding together, Jean kept disappearing and Nathan could not figure out where she went off to.
After the count, Jean explained that she was rehabilitating a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and she stepped
away to feed and care for the healing Cuckoo in the back of her car. Such devotion!
We are very pleased to honor Jean for years of outstanding service to Forsyth Audubon with the
Ramona Snavely Award. Thank you Jean!
Become an Audubon Ambassador on Climate Change!
Audubon North Carolina is looking for Ambassadors on Climate Change. Can you volunteer five hours a month for the benefit of our birds, other wildlife and people? There are a host of things you can do, and you probably do some of the: take part in Christmas Bird Counts, as bird-friendly native plants to your garden, talk to your neighbors about birds and climate change, write legislators about it. Look for a future Audubon Ambassador workshop soon to learn more about the issue and how you can help. To read a summary of the National Audubon Society’s report on “Birds and Climate Change“
Order Birding Guide to Forsyth County!
The fifth edition of “Birding Guide to Forsyth County,” by David Disher, is now available. David’s book, in a handy 6 x 9 paperback format, compiles documented observations for 280 bird species in Forsyth County. Learn what birds can be seen here and during which weeks of the year you are most likely to see them. Photos of uncommon sightings are included. Information on local birding spots also is included. For $15, this is a great gift for your favorite birder. All profits go to our chapter. Copies are available at Wright’s Backyard Birding Center, 3906 Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, and at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1589 Skeet Club Rd, High Point. Copies also are available for sale at our monthly chapter meetings. If you have a smart phone or tablet, download the electronic version available for $4.99 from www.lulu.com.
