President’s Perch March 2024

By Lisa Bierer-Garrett, President PGAS

Hello fellow birders! I am excited to introduce myself.

Though I am not new to Prince Georges Audubon as I have served as the VP for about 6 years before coming on as the new President of the chapter, I may be new to some of you.

I worked as a Park Naturalist for MNCPPC Parks & Rec for about 20 years. Folks remember me leading Bird of Prey shows at Watkins and Clearwater Nature Centers and driving the pontoon boat at Patuxent River Park. I also had a short ownership of the Old Town Bowie Wild Bird Center.

After retiring from the PG park system, I went to work for the Town of North Beach in Calvert County, where we also reside. For the past 5 years I have headed Community Conservation efforts and now run the new North Beach Nature Center. It is in Wetlands Overlook Park, a birding hotspot on Ebird. I could not ask for a better office view!!

Being involved at the President’s level has been a learning experience. I attended the National Leadership Conference November 2-5 in Estes Park Colorado. Back home in Maryland, I have been serving on the I Bird I Vote Committee, completing the Audubon Annual Report with Board members, watching the team bringing back our Bluebird Newsletter digitally, and celebrating the amazing successes the Habitat Advisors group has been achieving, all of which has eased the transition into my new role.

Now that Spring is upon us, what birds are you seeing? What bird makes you think Spring is here? Please join us on our Bird walks. I hope you all will take advantage of the regular walk’s members lead at Lake Artemesia, GBNA and FUNA- though this one has moved to Patuxent Refuge South Tract recently. There is the upcoming May Count with the Patuxent Bird Club, and Evening Zoom programs still in May and June where you can meet other members and hear excellent guest speakers. Please join us in some of our birding adventures.

Whatever you do, get outside, and enjoy all that nature offers this time of year!