The Hermit Thrush (the bird) returns to Vermont each spring, bringing joy to bird enthusiasts. The Hermit Thrush (this publication) returns to Vermont after a long hiatus. We hope to bring joy to bird enthusiasts, as well. “Welcome back” to our longtime fans. “Welcome” to newcomers.
This new incarnation of the Hermit Thrush is the result of the enthusiasm of several new Green Mountain Audubon Society (GMAS) board members and a host of content contributors. In addition to our usual cast of bird enthusiasts, we plan to elevate voices that have not been prominent in earlier editions. We also hope to inspire our members to participate in activities including field trips and educational programs.
The Audubon family at the national and the local level has embarked on a journey to expand the meaning of family. Through a purposeful Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging effort, we hope to welcome more community members into the Audubon family. To protect birds and the places they live (planet Earth), and to save humans at the same time, we need as many people on board as possible. GMAS has a new committee dedicated to this effort and you’ll hear of its efforts in future issues.
Direct conservation activities have always been critical to Audubon’s mission. As you’ll read in this issue, GMAS recently supported conservation projects locally and further afield. We provided funding for a floodplain forest restoration project at the Saint Michael’s College Natural Area. We also provided funding for mist nets at a bird banding station in Belize. Expect to hear about more conservation projects and ways that you can support these efforts, including direct participation.
Our Programs Committee adapted to the restrictions brought by COVID by using Zoom to deliver our programs virtually. The committee developed a great lineup of presenters and forged strong partnerships, including with North Branch Nature Center and Friends of Missisquoi. We have realized several beneficial outcomes through virtual program delivery. We have been able to invite presenters from outside our local area without incurring travel costs, widening the pool of potential presenters.
The same is true for attendees. Rather than drive through the snow on a cold winter evening, folks attended from the warmth of their homes – or anywhere with a broadband connection. And finally, we have been able to raise additional funds through these Zoom events, not just to support more conservation work and educational programs for GMAS, but for some of the organizations that we have partnered with on programs. For all those reasons, we plan to keep Zoom in the mix for the foreseeable future.
The future of Audubon lies in the next generation. GMAS has always supported educating young people. Last year we provided a three-fold increase in our typical support of summer camps at the Green Mountain Audubon Center. We also continue to provide an annual scholarship to a young adult connected with the Center- the Haidee Antram Scholarship. For the past three years, we have provided grants to K-12 schools to support getting kids outside to learn about nature and conservation. This year, we are expanding this grant program to support non-profit organizations in addition to K-12 schools, to broaden our impact.
None of the work that we do would be possible without your support, and we are profoundly grateful to you, our members. This edition of the Hermit Thrush is our first step in working to re-connect with our membership - over one thousand people in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden counties in Vermont. We welcome your feedback and look forward to developing a deeper connection with you and your fellow Audubon members.
~ Jeff Hullstrung, President, Green Mountain Audubon Society