The Osprey Outlook
               A Monthly Newsletter of the Alabama Coastal Foundation 

Note from the Executive Director

ACF is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2008, and our mission to improve and protect the quality of Alabama's natural resources by identifying and solving problems through education, participation and cooperation is still the guiding force behind our activities and educational programs. Our volunteers and their commitment to conservation is what allows us to continue to be successful advocates for a facts-based approach to the environmental issues that face our communities. We rely on our members' continued support and we hope you will join us at the Kids Quiz and the Crawfish Craze as a testament to your support of our work in the community. I look forward to seeing you soon!

It's time once again for ACF's annual fundraiser: the Crawfish Craze. The event will be held Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 pm at the Five Rivers Delta Center on the Causeway. Teams will compete in a crawfish cook-off and you will enjoy all you can eat and drink crawfish, shrimp, sausage, veggies and beer while listening to live music and watching the sun go down over the Delta.

Tickets are $25.00 and include a membership with the Alabama Coastal Foundation. You can purchase tickets the day of the event or by calling 990-6002.

If you are interested in registering a team or your company is interested in sponsoring the Craze, you can download team information and registration forms by clicking here.

Coastal Kids Quiz Teams Gear Up for Competition

On April 29, students from thirteen schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties will participate in the 7th annual Coastal Kids Quiz.  Teams of fifth graders will test their coastal knowledge in a round-robin style tournament. The competition is fierce, with the winning teams receiving scholarship bonds and the winning teachers winning funds for environmental education projects in the classroom.  Please consider supporting this incredible event as a sponsor. Contact the ACF office at 990-6002 if interested.

Long-Time ACF Volunteer Receives Award

Long-time ACF member and Gulf Coast advocate Garland Sims received Fairhope’s first "Quality of Life” Award at Fairhope’s “State of the City” event on March 30th. Since moving here in 1988, Sims has been a significant presence in the city, serving on the Environmental Advisory Board and as a founder of the Marietta Johnson Museum. One of his best known projects is the Purple Martin Riviera, a set of bird “condos” that dot the waterfront around the Fairhope Pier. Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family and are known as “air acrobats.” They are almost exclusively dependent on humans for housing in this area of the United States. Congratulations Garland and thanks for everything that you do!

Illuminating Autism Event

The Illuminating Autism Project is hosting their 3rd Annual FUNraiser June 6th, 7th, and 8th 2008. The Illuminating Autism Project is dedicated to the education and treatment of autism. This year will feature a draw down on a 2008 4 Door Jeep provided by Gulf Chrysler Sunday and other activities. Music will be provided by notable local and national artists throughout the weekend.

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