Photo: Bald Eagle, Matt Felperin
Libby Lyons
As each November rolls around, I try to review the past year in order to acknowledge and honor the many things for which I am thankful.
I often have said that volunteers are the lifeblood of NVBA. Beyond that, I have learned over the last four years just how fortunate NVBA is to be based in an area with such a wealth of highly educated, capable, articulate and dedicated federal employees, along with the many contractors who support their work and our government’s programs.
Therefore, I take this opportunity to send out a huge THANK YOU to all those federal workers for:
All the important work you do and have been doing in positions related to science, conservation and environmental regulation throughout the federal government--Your work protecting our wildlife, our natural places and our quality of life is important and greatly valued.
Devoting your time as a volunteer, whether you are still working, in retirement (voluntary or otherwise) or in furloughed status--NVBA greatly appreciates the expertise and passion you bring to our work bolstering environmental conservation.
Joining NVBA activities as active and joyful participants in bird walks, invasive pulls, classes and much more. We celebrate your participation in these important community events.
If you are not yet volunteering with NVBA, let me add that we welcome federal workers and all others, young and old, as volunteers in a wide range of roles. We have just rolled out an updated volunteer webpage that makes it easier for you to find ways to help.
Let me also encourage all of you to participate in any of our upcoming activities. I find it uplifting and restorative, especially these days, to be on a bird walk, helping with a boots-on-the-ground conservation project or learning about nature in an in-person or online NVBA class. So, if you need more of those kinds of positive and hope-affirming experiences, please join us. Here is a link to our calendar.
And finally, I am eagerly looking ahead to next year. We have planned many activities that are exciting and designed to have a positive impact, activities that will serve the needs of our communities and require their support. As our year-end fundraising begins, we ask for your financial support, recognizing that this year not everyone in our community will be able to make their typical financial donation. We hope those more fortunate in our region might extend their generosity to help fill any gaps in our fundraising efforts.
If you have not yet joined NVBA, please consider becoming a member. Your dues and any additional donations will help us continue our activities to serve you and the wildlife in our area. Because NVBA is an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society (NAS), NVBA membership includes membership in NAS. More information on member benefits and becoming a member of NVBA is available on our membership page.