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Refuges lose a Friend
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 Sue Chapman, long-time supporter of the refuge system and operator of Swamp Girls Kayak Tours, died on February 25th. Sue was elected last year to the Friends group Board of Directors, and helped out enormously with the development of The Gator Hole, our book and nature store. Sue had been ill for some time, but had recently been able to visit the VC and was looking forward to the membership meeting on March 26th. A Celebration of Sue's life will be held Sunday, March 27th, from 2-6 PM at Sergeant Jasper Park in Hardeeville. To view Sue's obituary and Guest Book click HERE. Our condolences go out to Sue's friends and family, she will be missed.
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Life Members | |
The Friends group deeply appreciates the contributions made by the following individuals who have achieved Life Member status:
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Dr Roy and Lynda Baker
Dot Bambach and Matt Ryan
Dr Robert and Terri Beard
John and Nancy Davis
Pat and John Metz
Dr Steven and Beth Roth
Allyn Schneider
Diego Shen Shields
Dr Richard and Leslie Shields, Jr.
Martha and Olvis Spencer
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Life Member status is attained by donating $500 or more to the Friends Group. |
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Our Business Sponsors
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Georgia Emergency Associates
Water-Dog Outfitters
Georgia Ornithological Society
Colonial Coast Birding &
Nature Festival
St. Joseph's/Candler Health System
Ogeechee Audubon Society
Swamp Girls Kayak Tours
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Authors Wanted:
We are planning to publish a Friends Group brochure that explains what we are and what we do. If you are involved in volunteer activities, or have strong opinions about issues facing the Refuge system, please take the time to write an article for the brochure or for this e-newsletter. Just send it to webmaster@coastalrefuges.org.
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Another way to keep up to date:
New Blog
I am making another try at a blog as a way to keep you posted on issues and coming events. Check it out at coastalrefuges.blogspot.com. Sign up as a Follower , and subscribe to the blog so you will get an e-mail whenever a new item is posted.
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Thanks to new and renewing members!
Your Friends group recently received membership renewals from: Charles and Mary Warnock, Claude and Sandra Falls, Chuck and Kimberly Hayes, Bob Gard and Beverly Bassett, Dr. Carroll and Linda Hughes, Mary Jane and Bob Major, Joanne Miller, Kay Grinnell and Jeff Ulbright, Carroll Richard (at the Supporter level), Tom Moylett, Stuart and Regi Sonnen, Dave and Lois Chafin (at the Supporter level), P. James Stokes, and an anonymous donation at the Supporter level.
New members include: Kathleen and Mark Schafer, Jean and Larry Wickline, Harry and Jo Hickson, the Right Reverend and Mrs. Henry Louttit, Kaye and Roger Murray, and Tim and Dorothy Kilty (at the Supporter level).
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How about you?
Friends Group memberships are based on calendar years, so now is the time to renew your membership for 2011. If you are up for renewal, you should have received an e-mail reminder. You can renew on the website using PayPal, or send us a check at the address below (that saves us the PayPal surcharge).
Not a member? Choose your membership level and from the list below and send in your check. Membership dues are tax deductible.
Giving a gift membership is also a great gift idea.
Individual $15 per year.
Family $25 per year
Supporter Level $100-249 (with one year family membership for each $100)
Sponsor Level $ 250-$499 ( with one year Family membership for each $100)
Patron Level $ 500-$999 (includes Life membership)
Benefactor Level $1000 or more (includes Life membership)
Download our membership application HERE.
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Friends:
Hard to imagine that March is here already, but it is surely looking and feeling a lot like spring! Time to get out and enjoy your local refuge.
Feel free to forward this to friends and associates by clicking on the "Forward email" link at the bottom of the page.
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March 12, 2011:We will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Savannah NWR Visitor Center and the 108th birthday of the Refuge system with a "Kid's Day Celebration".
Join us from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM for beginning birding and binocular training, free face painting, birthday cake, and the introduction of our new Junior Refuge Ranger program.
At 2:00 PM Dave Chafin will present his reptile program with live specimens of many critters found on our refuges. As an extra benefit, all merchandise in The Gator Hole will be offered at 20% off.
Join us for a fun day for the whole family.
Download the flyer HERE.
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March 26, 2011: The Third Annual General Membership Meeting of the Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges will be held on Saturday, March 26th, from 10AM to 2PM at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center. Join us to hear Kris Williams  from The Caretta Research Project discuss "Sea Turtle Conservation and Research in Georgia".  Jane Griess, Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Project Director, will give her annual State-of-the-Refuges talk, and Rick Shields, Friends Group President, will report of the past year's Friends group activities. The Gator Hole will be offering 20% off all merchandise. The meeting also features light refreshments, door prizes, and the election of Board of Director's members. Your Board will also be soliciting your input on determining the course the Friends group should take over the next few years. After a quick lunch we will move outside to complete the signage on the Beech Hill Interpretive Trail at the VC in our first effort to combine the annual meeting with a volunteer opportunity. Everyone is welcome, but only members in good standing may vote or have a shot at a door prize. Hope to see you there!
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Friends Group Board of Directors:
Ready to up your level of involvement with the Friends?
We are looking for candidates to run for seats on the Friends Group Board of Directors. If you are interested, e-mail us at
webmaster@coastalrefuges.org
for details.
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US F&WS wants your input!
A new vision...
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Monitoring Georgia's Indigos
Our only threatened snake
If you haven't done so already, be sure to subscribe to the GA DNR e-newsletter "Georgia Wild". Last month's issue featured an article about monitoring Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) populations in the Georgia sandhills. These are beautiful animals, threatened by habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade. |
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Calling all volunteers!
Share your efforts
I am preparing the annual report of the Friends group and volunteer activities for presentation at the General membership meeting. Please send me an update of your volunteer projects and activities, including photos and copies of material you have distributed. Share the glory!
webmaster@coastalrefuges.org.
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Outstanding Conservation Leaders to Receive 2011 Refuge System Awards
Washington, DC - The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 National Wildlife Refuge System Awards. These annual awards recognize refuge conservation professionals, volunteers, and Friends groups that exemplify outstanding dedication and passion for wildlife conservation in advancement of the mission and purposes of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
"Wildlife conservation doesn't happen by itself," said Evan Hirsche, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. "The recipients of the Refuge System awards represent the most effective and creative individuals working and volunteering today in the service of America's wildlife conservation legacy."
Awards honoring the Refuge Manager, Refuge Employee, Volunteer and Friends Group of the Year will be presented on March 17 at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. Click HERE to read about the winners.
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Richard Shields
Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges, Inc. |
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