Lunar Eclipse as seen from Reston, VA, Feb. 20, 2008

Volume 6, Number 4

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Circulation: 4,700

“The world is mud-luscious,
and puddle-wonderful.”

- e.e. cummings

 

Please continue to send your news and updates to Dianna Parker at diannaparker@audubon.org.

In this issue:

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

House Passes Renewable Incentives Bill

Washington, DC — The U.S. House of Representatives passed an $18 billion renewable energy tax incentive package last week, which includes a three year extension of the renewable energy tax credit. The credit is due to expire this year. Audubon strongly supports the bill because the incentives have the ability to continue the development of clean energy sources that will slow global warming. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

To learn more about the bill and its benefits for the environment, please visit: www.audubon.org/globalWarming/incentives.php .

Red Knots Need Help

Washington, DC - Two subspecies of Red Knot are in serious decline and face extinction, according to a recent report from 20 shorebird biologists from around the globe. The report recommends that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reconsider its decision not to list the rufa under the Endangered Species Act and consider listing the roselaari, because of sharp declines to both populations in recent years. One reason for the decline, it says, is the insufficient supply of horseshoe crab eggs in the Delaware Bay, which the Red Knot depends on for sustenance.

"There is no question the Red Knot is in very deep trouble and needs emergency protection if it is to survive," said Betsy Loyless, Audubon's Donal O'Brien Chair for Policy and Advocacy.

Audubon, along with nine other conservation organizations, sent a letter to US FWS director, Dale Hall, asking for an emergency listing for the Red Knot. Local Audubon groups, including New Jersey Audubon, have been active in leading the effort to place a moratorium on harvesting horseshoe crabs on the Eastern Shore.

To learn more, please visit: www.audubon.org/campaign/esa/redknot.html .

Or, read the report here.

ENew Funding Advances Wetlands Enhancement in San Pablo Bay

Emeryville, CA - Audubon California and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are poised to begin a much-needed wildlife habitat restoration project in the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

A sum of $200,000 from ConocoPhillips will help restore tidal marshes that are critical breeding ground for a number of threatened and endangered bird species, including the California Clapper Rail and the California Black Rail. Thousands of migratory and wintering shorebirds and waterfowl rely on the area for breeding as well, making the Refuge a particularly critical habitat.

"The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a critical stopover for birds migrating up and down the Western United States," said Graham Chisholm, director of conservation for Audubon California. "Improvements that we make in this small area will have a tremendous impact across a wide variety of bird species. We want to thank ConocoPhillips for making this early funding possible."

To continue reading, please visithttp://ca.audubon.org/newsroom/080214_SanPablo.php. .

Governor Names Wake Audubon Conservation Organization of the Year

Raleigh, NC - Wake Audubon has been honored with one of the highest natural resources awards in the state of North Carolina: Conservation Organization of the Year. Recognized at the 2007 Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards on February 23, the chapter was commended for its dedication to land, open spaces, wildlife, and instilling a love of nature in others. click hereto see a complete list of winners.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival- Spring is in the air in Kern River Valley, CA! Audubon's Kern River Preserve in Weldon is hosting the festival from April 30-May 6 to celebrate the biodiversity of the Kern River Valley and Southern Sierra Nevada, home to over 200 nesting species of birds, over 100 species of mammals, over 130 species of butterflies, and over 2000 species of plants. Field trips, presentations, workshops, and dinners are planned. Registerhere.

Illinois Audubon Society Holding State-wide Spring Conference-DCalling all Illinois Auduboners! The Illinois Audubon Society is holding a spring conference, hosted by the Decatur Audubon Society in Decatur, IL from April 18-20. Field trips and lectures—including one from noted nature photographer, Don Chamberlain—will be available. For information on how to participate, please visit: www.illinoisaudubon.org.

Audubon of Florida Eagle Cam!- Check out a pair of bald eagles and their new young -dubbed Birdie and Bogey- with Audubon of Florida's Eagle Cam. The camera, which provides 30 minute sessions per upload, is intended to inform and educate young people about eagles. To see the live video, please visit www.audubonofflorida.org/friendsoftheeagle/cam.html.

Stories Sought: What You Are Doing to Help Fight Global Warming - We're looking for stories from the Audubon family. Tell us what steps are you taking - both individual actions and chapter or other group initiatives. We will share your experiences through Newswire and on the Audubon website - inspiring others to join Audubon in making a difference. Please send your story to kconnors@audubon.org - with photos showcasing what you are doing, if you have them!