by Shelby Thomas

I’m Shelby Thomas, and I am the new Membership Chair. I am currently a freshman in college taking classes at Moberly Area Community College (MACC). I have not yet decided on a major. I began birding in about 2015 and joined Columbia Audubon Society soon after. I have enjoyed getting to know a lot of birders in the Columbia community. In Boone County, I enjoy birding at Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary and Eagle Bluffs. I also enjoy traveling to other states looking for lifers. I was fortunate enough to attend eBird’s Young Birders Event at Cornell University in 2019 where I learned a lot about different job opportunities in ornithology. I am looking forward to being a part of the CAS board and hope to see everyone out birding sometime!

 

 

Brooke Widmar is the new Conservation Chair for Columbia Audubon Society. She is new to Columbia, coming from Springfield, MO, where she was previously on the board of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, getting involved after participating in and then working for their GLADE educational program for high school students. Through her time with GOAS she had the chance to get involved with other student birders, connecting with groups in Los Angeles through an exchange program, and working with fellow college students across the country to form National Audubon Society’s new college chapter program. Brooke graduated from Missouri State University in 2019 (Go Bears!) and currently works for the Missouri Prairie Foundation as the Director of Administrative Operations and Member Engagement. She is also involved with the MOBCI steering committee, Conservation Federation of Missouri, and the Missouri Stream Team Program. Brooke is anxious to get to know all the Columbia birding spots and meet fellow birders along the way!