Draft Columbia Audubon Society
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday March 19, 2025
Meeting conducted at Boone Electric Cooperative
Present: Lottie Bushmann, Lori Turner, Emma Buckingham, Vickie Park, Greg Leonard, Reed Gerdes, Shelby Thomas, John Besser, Bill Mees, Eric Seaman, Eric Woods
Meeting called to order: 6:00 pm
Previous minutes: Greg Leonard moves to accept the February minutes as written. Lori Turner seconds the approval. Motion carries.
Treasurers report: Reviewed and discussed
Conservation Federation of Missouri Award was displayed. Bill Mees will keep it in his house.
Field Trips: Eric and Joanna report that the pre-Big Day event at Logboat is on the calendar. Because of the cost, indoor space has not been reserved, but adequate space should be available outdoors on May 7. There will be a pizza truck on site which will simplify the process of ordering the right amount of food. One of the goals for this event is to self-arrange small groups for Saturday’s Big Day without the fuss of pre-arranging districts or routes. Since this event is not meant to be an outreach to the general public, they recommend that advertisement of the event be limited to CAS associated people. The board discussed the proposal and fully support this sound plan.
John Besser has agreed to lead a hike with Missouri Conservation Corps at Kiwanis Park on May 6
Conservation: Gans Creek Trail/Rookery- Bill Mees reports a recent meeting with Parks and Rec where the negative ecological impacts of the proposed trails were discussed. Frustratingly little progress was made.
Bill Mees reports that Dark Sky Missouri/Bird City is a work in progress
Nature Areas: Jeff Brodecker has suggested that he would consider a higher sum to purchase the Albert Children’s property. Little interest in the idea was expressed by the board.
Eric Seaman continues to look for an attorney to guide us through the process of gaining access to our Albert Children’s property.
John Besser reports that Davin (the new hire for $2,000.00 worth of work) and David Neely have been working almost daily to eradicate invasives at Wildhaven. Volunteers have contributed help. Davin has proven to be a multitalented worker and he should be remembered as a potential resource for other projects.
Programs: Emma Buckingham reports no change in the April event to be held at the Ellis Library auditorium. Snacks will need to be coordinated.
The May 18 annual event needs to be planned. Emma will reserve park space.
Communications: Allison needs submissions to the Chat by March 27.
Membership: no report
New Business: Missouri Conservation Corps is looking for volunteer instructors for nature education camp this summer, K-4th grade. Stipend available
Montreal National Audubon Leadership Conference July 7-20, 2025. CAS could help fund a participant.
Next Board Meeting: April 16,2025
Meeting adjourned at: 6:53
Respectfully submitted by Vickie Park