The Board approved the recommendation from the Ways & Means Committee to move a portion of our reserve funds from a bank savings account into our ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) mutual fund to increase returns.
The new Corresponding Secretary has offered to research on-line membership database companies. Currently our donation and membership information is compiled on an Excel spreadsheet.
The Avian Science Committee has approached the WA Dept of Natural Resources about installing bluebird nest boxes at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. The Department is willing to explore this project with us and has also asked for help with putting up one or more replacement Barn Owl nest boxes where an old barn on the Mima property is being torn down.
Our compiler for the Lewis County Christmas Bird Count is interested in conducting a spring bird survey in the same CBC circle, using similar protocols. The Board was supportive.
The Ad Hoc Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion met for the first time and outlined how they will proceed. This will include monthly meetings.
The Puget Sound Blueprint restoration pilot projects for Eld/Totten Inlets and Mud Bay estuary are active. Both WA State Audubon and National Audubon are involved and a state coordinator for the pilot projects will be hired this year. Money to fund this position will come from National Audubon following a settlement involving the sale of tainted birdseed.
Ongoing projects include the email hotline for birding questions, a review of the BHAS website, a Beginning Birder class in March, and a possible BHAS annual picnic in the middle of September.
