A Message from the PresidentHappy New Year! There has been a lot of change over the past two years for our chapter - new faces on the board, an overhaul of the website and logo, a mix of in-person and Zoom meetings and programs… These are big changes that we are so glad to see you support and be part of. And there are still many aspects of SPAS that have continued on - the success of our Teacher Ecology Program, the exciting calendar photo competition, and our amazing field trips. As a St. Pete Audubon member, your local membership cost and additional donations support the Teacher Ecology Program, our ability to host free educational programs, and allow us to partner with other nonprofits. We will again be supporting the birds at Raptor Fest, so please stop by our table to say “hello!” The local membership is separate from the National Audubon Society (NAS) membership. Although you will still be listed as a member of the chapter, only a very small percentage of your NAS donation comes to the chapter. Many chapters have now created the idea of a “local” membership, so you know your donation is coming 100% to the chapter. This is not to discourage your membership from NAS - help the birds where you can! This year, we will have special field trips available to patrons and members only, and these will be to sites that are not easily accessible to the public. This is our way of saying “thank you.” There will be other goodies to come with your membership - how about a discount to our Bonfire shop at special times throughout the year? Please renew your membership or become a brand new member in 2024! If you have already signed up for a membership since November 1st, it will roll over for the entire year of 2024. Without your continued support, this chapter would not have been able to move forward with our successes and make improvements where needed. I cannot wait to see what 2024 has in store for St. Pete Audubon, and I hope that you join us as a member! Become a 2024 St. Pete Audubon member today! See you in the new year! Holley Short, President
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