Augusta-Aiken Audubon Chapter Meeting Minutes for 9/12/2019

The program was “Pollinators and Their Pals” presented by Vicky Bertagnolli from Clemson Cooperative Extension of Aiken County. She is known as the Local Bug Geek and appears monthly on the show Making It Grow. There were twenty six people in attendance.

Business Meeting

President Brandon Heitkamp called the meeting to order.

The treasurer’s report was provided by the treasurer.

Announcements

The next meeting will be on 11/14/19. The program will be “Managing Trees for Wildlife” by Brandon Heitkamp.

New Business

On Saturday 9/7/19, eighteen scouts were at Silver Bluff working on a Boy Scout Eagle project to make a new loop trail from the pavilion. The new Quail Trail is a flat 3 mile loop that will go across the bluff to the river and back. Remnants of the wreck of the Robert E. Lee will be on display along the trail. The trail should be complete in October. A celebration event is being planned for the opening of the new trail.

Interpretative signs obtained by a grant from Aiken County have been received and are being installed along the trail and at the Stork Ponds.

The Aiken County Fall Migration Count will be held on October 5. Paul Koehler is the coordinator. The miles driven and walked will need to be recorded by the counters. Those wanting to participate, and who have not been assigned an area can contact Paul or meet at Silver Bluff on 10/5 at 7:30 am. This event is open to all levels of birders.

An Augusta Aiken Audubon Board Meeting was held on 9/6/19. Audubon South Carolina announced that Sharon Richardson is no longer serving as executive director. The new director will be Justin Stokes. Fundraising for replacement of the existing classroom trailer at Silver Bluff was discussed. National Audubon has agreed to do a 50% match to any donation of $10,000 or more from a single donor. An appeal letter is planned to be sent. To date approximately $70,000 has been raised towards the $110,000 needed. The deadline for needed funds is 12/1 to support the installation prior to the spring semester classes. The board appointed new chairs, Diane Watson for Friends of Silver Bluff Staff, Brandon for Silver Bluff Staff and Sharon Richardson for Development.

Education

Beth Eberhard said she has sent about 400 emails to teachers in the CSRA asking whether they are interested in receiving Audubon Adventures kits for use in their classrooms. She has received requests for 25 kits. Beth has received positive feedback from teachers and students who have used the program.

Field Trips

9/14 Lovers Lane

9/21 Phinizy Fall Migration Walk

10/26 Silver Bluff