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The Osprey Outlook
                     A Monthly Newsletter of the Alabama Coastal Foundation 
January 2008                                                                                                                                                              Vol. 1 No. 1
       
                           

Welcome to the first edition of The Osprey Outlook, an online newsletter detailing the Alabama Coastal Foundation's work in conservation.
 		        

Letter From the President

Not long ago a friend asked why the environment is such an important issue to me. The best answer that I can give is that I feel most invigorated when connected to the energy of the natural world. The happiest days of my childhood were when we escaped the dullness of a subdivision and spent long summer days on Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores. My sisters and I learned to be aware of the wind and weather as captains of our sailboats. Floating in the ocean, digging in the surf for periwinkles, and watching storms roll toward the beach were our entertainment. I grew to cherish the beauty and bounty of our area's natural resources and I know that we cannot afford to take them for granted.

In 2002 I joined ACF because I was concerned about the health of our local waterways and I wanted information as well as an opportunity to help. I quickly learned that the health of the environment is a complex issue with multiple components. ACF addresses our local issues on many fronts. I have been impressed with the quality of our programs, our work within the community and especially the educational aspects of ACF.
Please browse through our website to learn more about ACF and all that we offer. I am honored to represent ACF as president and I ask that if you are not a member, you will become one; and if you are, I thank you and look forward to working with you in the coming year. 

I would also like to express my thanks to our past president Sam St. John.

In addition to his clear vision and outstanding leadership, Sam has contributed to the local environment in a personal way. He was instrumental in bringing native Mobilian and underwater cinematographer Mike deGruy to the Saenger Theatre for an exciting and successful Spring fundraiser. And it was Sam's inspiration and determination that created the Osprey Platform Program.  With the help of local Boy Scout troops and the Cassity Brothers, 10 platforms have been erected in the Fowl River Dog River and Weeks Bay areas as habitat for the regal birds.
 Catherine Hall-Pate, Board President

      
2008 Brings Change to ACF

 The start of a New Year often signals change: new resolutions to keep and new goals to achieve. But with new beginnings come endings, and so it is with best wishes that ACF says goodbye to Executive Director Angela Montgomery as she and her husband Joey begin a new adventure in Fort Worth, Texas. A note from Angela: I was with ACF for over 7 years and enjoyed every moment of it.  Most people can't say that they truthfully love their jobs, but I could stand tall and be proud of what we were accomplishing. To everyone I have worked with; thank you for the knowledge you have passed on and putting up with me on my off days!  Unfortunately, a moved has forced me from a job I love, board members I appreciate more than they know and I am heading into the great unknown of Fort Worth , Texas (without my horses)...Yee-Haw!  I've heard everything is bigger and better Texas...I'll be sure and keep ya'll updated if the rumor is true!”


  Angela Montgomery


                                
    

 

 

 

     Bethany Kraft

      
Note From the Executive Director

Growing up, I was lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of natural resources: clear, cool spring-fed waters, caves to explore and a family whose vacations revolved around camping and hiking. It instilled in me a love of the natural world, and I am honored to be able to share that passion for conservation with like-minded people who understand that the key to long-term sustainability is educating younger generations about environmental issues and working together to affect on-the-ground change; never doubt that getting your hands dirty by planting a tree or helping a child learn about wetlands has a positive impact on the world we live in!

I am excited to be here at ACF: it is my goal to continue to enhance the outstanding reputation for a commitment to preservation and education that the organization has built over the past 15 years.  There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon for ACF and I hope you will continue to be a part of our success. I want to know what issues you are passionate about and where you would like to see us improve. You can reach me at 990-6002 or by e-mail at bkraft@joinacf.org - I look forward to hearing from you.

      

Tree Planting at Little Dauphin Island a Success

With the help of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and the Marine Resources Division, ACF held its second tree planting of the year on December 1st. Over 50 volunteers participated! Years of hurricane and storm damage have depleted the barrier island of protection, leaving it vulnerable to wind and erosion. 325 native trees were planted by volunteers from ACF, Boy Scouts of America, Mobile Bay NEP, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, local high school students and other organizations. ACF projects like this one have produced acres of enhanced estuarine wetland and coastal habitats, preserving our coastal web of life for generations to come. Tree species planted include; Yaupon, Sand Oak, Splash Pine, Wax Myrtle, and Baccharis.


Volunteers prepare to plant trees on Little Dauphin Island


Board members take a break at DI planting

    
On the Horizon...

It's almost Coastal Kids Quiz time again! This competition is held for 5th grade students and their teachers who are interested in conservation and the environment. Teams of five students (team of four, one alternate) from public and private schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties are encouraged to enter this double-elimination, question and answer competition.


Current Volunteer Opportunities

Looking to get involved? We need your help!

Alabama Groundwater Festival—February 18-19 Daphne, AL

6th Annual Coastal Kids Quiz– April 29

To volunteer or for more info, click here.

Photography Contest

Are you an avid shutterbug? Enter our monthly photography contest to win ACF merchandise and be featured in our monthly newsletter!

 
     

ACF Merchandise is Here

 ACF T-Shirts and hats are the perfect gift for a friend or for yourself. Short and long-sleeve shirts are available in several colors that feature artist Ricky Trione's incredible artwork. For Ricky's story, click here. To see all available styles, check out our merchandise page.

        
                 
                           

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