by Vickie Park, Secretary

Columbia Audubon Society

Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday October 16, 2024

Meeting conducted at Daniel Boone Regional Library

Present: Lottie Bushmann, Lori Turner,  Allison Vaughn, Vickie Park, Greg Leonard, Reed Gerdes, Shelby Thomas, Eric Wood, John Besser, Emma Buckingham

Time called to order:  6:35 pm

Previous minutes:    John Besser moves to accept the August 28, 2024 minutes as written. Eric Wood seconds the approval of the minutes.  Motion carries.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer’s report discussed

 Communications:

Submissions to Chat need to be sent to Allison Vaughn by October 28.

 CoMoGives:

170 letters and postcards will be sent to potential donors.

Membership:

Shelby Thomas reports current membership is 87.

 Field Trips:

Concerns were expressed about poor attendance at field trips.  It was suggested that RSVPs be requested for remote field trips and that field trips also  be posted on MoBirds.

Programs:

Rob Jacobson will speak about the Missouri River Recovery at the November meeting.  Emma discussed ideas for spring meetings.

 Education:

Lottie’s Walk for Stephen’s College fall retreat Wednesday Oct 9 was successful

Lottie reports that the MRR Sunday family event was successful.

Scholarships to teachers to attend Hog Island have been a good investment.

Girl Scouts has expressed an interest in education opportunities with CAS, but with greater than 300 local scouts it is unclear what meaningful role CAS could play

Nature Areas

John Besser reports multiple large fallen trees at CANS and Wild Haven that had to be cut and removed.

Honeysuckle work day at Bonnie View was a successful endeavor.  This was a cooperative effort by CAS and the Missouri Conservation Corps.

John Besser has scheduled a visit to the Albert property November 10 at 1 pm to make an informed decision about its future.  All CAS members will be invited.

 Christmas Bird Count

Lottie will continue coordinating the count. Allison will get it registered on the CBC website.

Dark Sky Missouri

Allison reports a plan to promote Dark Sky Missouri in coordination with the Office of Sustainability and MRBO

 Ebird Cafe

Lottie’s idea of an ebird café was discussed.  Eric Wood  agrees to help.

Next Board Meeting

Wed. November 20, 2024 at 6 pm at Boone Electric.  Ron Jacobson will report on Missouri River Recovery work.

Allison moves to adjourn the meeting.  Greg Leonard seconds it.  Motion carries.

Meeting adjourned at 7:29

Respectfully submitted by Vickie Park