Plumas Audubon Society is in the process of creating a strategic plan for 2024 – 2028. A survey has been generated and the group reports that community feedback would be greatly appreciated.
The survey is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7HxyGuWrxweIy5sdtZPX6-K71DbCXf2E4zmp_pM28AuvZuQ/viewform?usp=sf_link. Respondents can also visit the PAS website, http://www.plumasaudubon.org/, where the survey will be linked on the front page. “Community input is so important as PAS creates a plan that will guide the organization in the years to come,” said Liz Ramsey, PAS interim executive director. “Thank you for supporting your local wildlife conservation organization!”
The mission of Plumas Audubon Society is to promote understanding, appreciation and protection of the biodiversity of the Feather River region, especially birds, through education, research and the restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems. “Plumas Audubon Society turned 35 years young in 2024 and our conservation efforts have just begun,” said Ramsey. She pointed out that PAS hosts informative programs and events, sponsors field trips to the best birding spots around the county, and coordinates Christmas Bird Counts. In addition, PAS is active in the following projects:
- Monitoring and advocating for Western and Clark’s grebes at Lake Almanor, Antelope Lake and Lake Davis.
- Monitoring and researching a population of the critically endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and the effects of fire on aspen stands throughout the Moonlight Fire footprint near Antelope Lake as a part of a multiyear partnership with the Plumas National Forest.
- Engaging youth and fostering their connection to the land as a part of the Plumas Environmental Education Program. Through field trips and class visits PAS staff and volunteers get kids outdoors and helps them appreciate the amazing biological diversity in their own backyards.
- Working with a diverse group of collaborators to improve forest health, incorporate traditional ecological knowledge, and use fire to help restore forests and protect the community as a part of the Genesee Valley Watershed Improvement Project in collaboration with Feather River Land Trust.
- Monitoring osprey nest sites throughout the 2021 Dixie Fire footprint.
- Completing pretreatment California spotted owl surveys for the Plumas National Forest and Feather River Resource Conservation District’s North Quincy Wildfire Resilience Project.
Changes at Plumas Audubon
As is true with all things in nature, much is changing and developing at PAS, said Ramsey. Ryan Thoni, who had been the executive director of Plumas Audubon for nearly two years and a board member for five years, migrated east in December to take on the position of curator of the ichthyology department at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. “From those of us who have served with Ryan on the board, we extend our heartfelt thanks and wish him great success in his new position!” said Faith Strailey, PAS treasurer.
PAS’s current projects are thriving and many new projects are on the horizon as the organization continues to grow, said Ramsey. A few highlights are as follows:
- Staff has secured federal funding to research local wildlife species, such as Western and Clark’s grebes on Lake Almanor.
- The Plumas Environmental Education Program, PAS’s education program, has received funding from the Feather River Community Fund to continue teaching students at all Plumas Unified School District schools during the fifth grade Year of the Bird.
- PAS has brought on outreach coordinator Ellie Hinrichs in order to increase the group’s capacity to host events and communicate with members.
- PAS’s end-of-year giving campaign was a “huge success,” bringing in approximately $3,000 in donations from members.
- This year’s Grebe Festival has been set for Aug. 9 – 11, in Chester. “Save the date! We are so excited to continue hosting this family-friendly event. More details will be available in the coming months,” said Ramsey.
Information submitted by Plumas Audubon Society
