I Wrote My First President’s Page in September of 2001!

I became involved with Audubonin Hawaii in the late 1970s. I worked on conservation issues for Hawaii Audubon, including testifying before a Hawaii state committee against development in an undeveloped area at the base of the Ko‘olau cliffs in eastern Oahu. The goal was to protect bird species nesting in that one area and found in few other places. I attended several bird walks and was impressed and intrigued by the knowledge and sense of wonder that leaders had for the birds and natural areas we were visiting. They imparted a joyfulness and spirit of adventure that I found inspiring.

When I moved to Eugene in 1992, my first local activity the day after I arrived was attending an LCAS bird walk. I met the leader, Dick Lamster, and we gradually became friends and then more than friends and two years later were married in 1995. We have shared birding and Audubon volunteer work for decades.

October is my birth month and it always brings introspection and assessment of goals and a deep awareness of time’s passage. This year I need to lighten my load to have more time for my personal goals, especially regarding family and friends and my own health and well-being. Age is not always something we can ignore as our life moves into the later years. Another birthday looms large.

Volunteering with Audubon has been a decades-long priority for me. I’ve made wonderful friends, had fulfilling relationships on many levels, and feel that I’ve contributed to our community’s awareness of the importance of conservation and education about the natural world. It has been a rewarding experience and long-term project!

The act of volunteering can bring great rewards, but it also can be a deep hole of commitment with no end in sight. To those of you who are volunteers, we cannot do any of our functions without YOU and you are truly appreciated! Our chapter is full of wonderful, dedicated, and caring birders. These long-term friends are one aspect I will always treasure.

My term as president needs to end at the end of this year. I will remain for a time as past president to pass along my various tasks and make sure things get organized and moved along to other willing helpers. We need an organizational person to learn the big picture of things we do and the cycles of activities and timelines. It won’t happen overnight.

I want you to know that the friends, acquaintances, and strangers that have cycled through my years of involvement with Audubon have made this truly a labor of love. People who love nature or want to learn more and share their love of nature are the very best types of people: interesting, fun, openhearted, curious, adventurous, willing to impart their knowledge to others, and always seeking to learn more. It is the sense of wonder and even joy that often hooks folks on birding. Please do not let this character and quality of experience slip away from our wonderful organization. We need each other to keep the momentum of protecting birds and habitats for the future. We need each other to educate and inspire the upcoming generations about nature’s wonders. Please step up and volunteer with our group! We need you!!