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Birding EtiquetteNovice and seasoned birders alike are reminded to show consideration for their fellow birders by keeping talking and other disruptive activities to a minimum while on the trail and observing birds.Dogs are best left at home, and children need to be taught to be quiet and respectful of others when on bird outings. Our field trip leaders volunteer their time and expertise; please do your part to make the trips as enjoyable and rewarding as possible for all the participants. Saturday, February 6, 2010 - Climate and Weather in the New WestThis meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Christ Church Parish Hall, 825 Simpson Avenue, Cody.Dr. Bob Raynolds, self-described Colorado yak rancher and geologist, will give an illustrated talk designed to inform the non-scientist about the effects of climate change in the West. The program is presented by On Sacred Ground, a coalition of people of faith and conservationists, meeting to explore their common concerns for the future of our Planet Earth. The talk will take place February 6th at 4:00 PM at Christ Church Parish Hall, 825 Simpson Avenue, Cody, Wyoming. Parking is in the lot off the alley. Earth's climate is constantly changing. Studying ancient patterns of climate change, and their effects on the ecology of the time, give us the basis for future predictions. Current climate change is modifying ecosystems and habitats. The American West is experiencing changes in water resources, as warmer winters decrease mountain snow storage. We are observing ecosystem change as species move northward, and our forests are afflicted by the spread of bark beetles, unchecked by normal winter cold. The geological perspective allows observed changes to be placed in context. Some changes are relatively significant. Others when ranked next to known changes of the past become less important. For example, our water resource challenges are likely to grow throughout the Rocky Mountain region and will call for new technology to adapt to scarcity. Biodiversity on the other hand, is being impacted more by habitat fragmentation than by the effects of climate change. This presentation will review evidence that past climates have been both warmer and colder than the present, that climate changes have been frequent and rapid, and that our present state of scientific understanding allows us to cautiously predict future climate trends. Dr. Raynolds has studied earth sciences for 40 years and holds a PhD in geology from Dartmouth College. He has worked for the US Geological Survey, held positions in the oil industry, and now teaches at the Colorado School of Mines and at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This presentation is designed to encourage the audience to reach conclusions about the significance of the patterns observed. "Global warming is not something to be believed or not believed, it is something we should study and learn about; each year brings more information--come hear an update". Thursday, February 11, 2010 - Board Meeting, followed by General Meeting - Enjoying Outdoor Wyoming, including a variety of topicsThe board meets at 6:00 p.m., with the general meeting following at 7:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the basement meeting room of Big Horn Federal Savings and Loan located at 1701 Stampede Avenue in Cody.Well-known author and sportsman Bob Krumm will speak on topics ranging from bird-watching to historic places. A Sheridan resident, Krumm will present a slide-illustrated talk that also includes wildflowers and hunting wild edibles. An outdoor columnist for the Billings Gazette for more than 20 years, Krumm has degrees in biology and wildlife management. Author of four books on wild berries, including The Rocky Mountain Berry Book, he's also recognized as a fly fishing guide and instructor and as a specialist in tying flies. The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Wetland Conservation Project Progressing on Schedule.Meadowlark Audubon thanks members who volunteered to help with the first and second steps of an important conservation project. The initial effort involved removal of barbed wire fencing, and the second implemented mechanical elimination of the invasive non-native Russian Olive trees. (See the "What's New" page for more information.)The conservation project will enhance the wetlands at the southeast corner of the intersection of Wyoming 120 and U.S. 14-16-20 across from the Yellowstone Regional Airport near Cody. Daphne Grimes, owner of the property, has dedicated the area to be preserved in perpetuity and is working with our chapter to develop it for bird and wildlife habitat and concomitant public education. Among the planned improvements are adding a trail and interpretive signs and improving the vegetation mixture. This is an exciting ongoing venture for Meadowlark Audubon and there will be opportunities for members to volunteer to help as the project proceeds. Board meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month prior to the general meeting, September through November and January through May. Board meetings begin at 6:00 p.m., and the general meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, e-mail President Destin Harrell at <destin_harrell@blm.gov> Site posted:
2/21/02
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