At 6:05 pm Vice-President Barbara Saunders opened the meeting.
Vice-President Saunders introduced Ted Levin who presented on “The Rise and Fall of the Timber Rattlesnake.” Mr. Levin began his presentation with an update on the status of timber rattlesnakes in the northeast, explaining that most rattlesnakes inhabit dry, prairie habitat but the timber rattlesnake moved into unoccupied territory east of the Mississippi and into the heart of deciduous forests. He then illuminated the fact that rattlesnakes are an entirely new world species, are extremely long lived and often do not breed until later in life. He concluded his presentation by proposing that due to the timber rattlesnakes diet of white footed mouse, it may be possible to encourage the public to protect them due their potential effect on the reduction of Lyme disease.
At 7:34 pm President Andrew Rubenfeld called the regular meeting of the society to order.
Recording Secretary Thomas read the minutes of the November 14, 2017 meeting and they were approved as read.
Louise Fraza, registrar for Rick Wright’s field trip to Vancouver informed the audience of the trip dates – April 3-7, 2018, and the species of interest, including: Barrow’s Goldeneye, Golden-crowned Sparrow and Sandhill Crane. She encouraged anyone who is interested to contact her.
At 7:41pm President Andrew Rubenfeld presented the Natural History Service Award to Andrew Baksh, for enabling the restoration of the West Pond at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
At 7:43 pm President Rubenfeld introduced George Archibald, who presented on, “My Life with Cranes.” Mr. Archibald began his presentation with videos of cranes and humans interpreting and honoring cranes through dance. He explained that there are fifteen species of cranes found on all continents except South America and Antarctica, and that their closest relative is the Limpkin. He stated that cranes are the tallest birds in the world that can fly, can swum and evolved early on in North America before spreading around the world. He then informed the audience of the story of the International Crane Foundation, how the organization was started in Baraboo, Wisconsin and how the organization’s mission is to help crane populations around the world. He concluded with his thoughts on the challenges with conservation and the need to get young people involved in conservation efforts.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Rochelle Thomas, Recording Secretary