Association President Ralph Hudson welcomed members and guests to the last General Membership Meeting of the 2009/2010 season. Ralph spoke about the Kids in Nature Program Grant and explained the expenditures from the grant. Approx. $4,034 has been expended so far from the grant for Outdoor Adventure Camp, including cameras, GPS, Backpacks, Water Bottles, Tents, etc. The spring sessions of the OAC have gone very well, and the kids are enjoying learning, Leave No Trace, Night Sky, GPS, and First Aid.
Ralph discussed the Work Projects at the Cabeza done by volunteers this season. Many, many volunteer hours were donated to the CPNWR this year. Projects ranged from Graffiti Removal to Saguaro and Ocotillo collection. The nature area behind the CPNWR benefited from over $1,500 worth of plantings donated by the CPNHA, and planted by volunteers. Birding blinds and and an irrigation system were also completed in the area behind the CPNWR. It was a great season for volunteerism and for the goals of the Natural History Association.
A very informative and humorous presentation was given by Bob Cardell on Crested or Cristate Saguaros. Bob and his partner have been working diligently to try and locate and photograph "all" Crested Saguaros in Arizona. So far they have about 1500 identified. They began their quest in Feb. of 2005. For more information there is a website www.crestedsaguarosociety.org. The societies goal is to protect, preserve and enhance crested saguaros and their environment.
Meeting was adjourned approx. 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Lauralee Bell
Sec.