Terry’s Perch, September-October, 2010
By Terry Houle, MRVAC President
On 22 July, 2010 I was privileged to take part in a volunteer recognition event at the newly re-opened Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR). I accepted an award for the work the Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter (MRVAC) has done for clean-up and invasive species removal on the refuge. Thanks to all of you who helped with those projects.
In additional to offering field trips and programs, we are called on to be good stewards of Mother Earth and so please continue to help where you can, when you can and in whatever way you can.
In addition to habitat protection, like helping with clean ups and invasive species removal, you can also help by speaking up when you see bad choices being made by local, state or federal government. One example we heard about at a MRVAC meeting was the repositioning of a cell tower in northern Minnesota (out of the migratory flight path) that was triggered by someone who wrote a letter to the editor of the Duluth paper. Another great example of the work of a small group of committed citizens is our local wildlife refuge, formed due to citizen lobbying.
As the saying goes ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’ but as Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
So, as always, I call on you to be Earth Stewards and take up those fights. Make your opinions known – so few people do, you can be assured your legislator will listen. At the state representative level, I’ve heard that 5 or 6 comments on an issue is a lot – so even just a few people can make a big difference.
Purple Martin House at Lake Hiawatha
By Diana Doyle
Thanks to the support of MRVAC, this summer a Purple Martin house was installed along the shoreline restoration area of Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis. Funds were also contributed by the Standish-Ericsson Neighorhood Association, with the support and assistance of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Hundreds of people walk, run, bike, roller-blade, or picnic by this location every day. Hopefully there will come a time when city residents can enjoy the sight of Purple Martins hawking insects over Lake Hiawatha.
Read more about purple martins at Lake Hiawatha . . .
Join the MRVAC Board!
Help determine which projects should receive funding from MRVAC, plan fundraising activities, discuss requests for assistance, plan and approve the chapter’s budget. The time commitment includes 11 two-hour meetings a year plus taking on at least one task or project like chapter publicity, volunteer recruitment or being the Board Secretary. Contact Terry Houle at 952-583-7069 or .
Social Committee Chair Opportunity
The job includes recruiting people to bring snacks and beverages to the 8 monthly meetings, setting out the food and beverages and cleaning up. In addition, recruit people to help set up the food – and clean up afterwards – for three special events: the Holiday Auction, the Christmas Bird Count Soup Supper and the June potluck picnic. Please call or email Terry Houle if you would consider taking on this important outreach task, either on your own or with a co-chair. Terry can be reached at 952-583-7069 or .
2010 Trumpeter Award Winner: Bob Leis
The Trumpeter Award is presented annually to one MRVAC member for outstanding long-term contributions to MRVAC.
