SUMMER 2017

Annual Report Edition FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

am so excited about this Newsletter! IThis issue represents our Annual NH AUDUBON Report edition where we share the wide diversity of your impact on the work we BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michael Amaral, Vice Chair, Warner accomplish each year. We feel enormous Louis DeMato, Treasurer, Manchester gratitude for all the volunteers, donors, David Howe, Secretary, Concord foundations, and grants we receive each Tom Kelly, Londonderry Lauren Kras, Merrimack year that support our critical work in Dawn Lemieux, Groton environmental education, conservation Paul Nickerson, Hudson Chris Picotte, Webster science, land management, and advocacy. David Ries, Chair, Warner For example, Larry Sunderland Tony Sayess, Concord Thomas Warren, Dublin represents not only an individual donor who supports our policy work, he is also of our work-force. We applaud their STAFF one of our most loyal donors. Larry’s level of dedication and consistent high Douglas A. Bechtel, President Shelby Bernier, Education Coordinator involvement with NH Audubon spans performance. Next time you see one of Nancy Boisvert, Nature Store Manager 30 years. Thank you Larry, for your these folks, make sure to thank them for Lynn Bouchard, Director of Human Resources support and loyalty! their work, too! Phil Brown, Director of Land Management Another amazing example of support Finally, we recognize two leaders Hillary Chapman, Education Specialist Gail Coffey, Grants Manager comes from the estate of Drs. Lorus in the environmental and Audubon Joseph Consentino, Director of Finance and Margery Milne, both of whom movement that passed this year. Barbara Ian Cullison, Newfound Center Director were acclaimed scientists and authors Day Richards and Chan Robbins were Helen Dalbeck, Amoskeag Fishways Executive Director of their time. When they each accepted champions of birding, wildlife ecology, Diane De Luca, Senior Biologist faculty positions at UNH in 1948, New and support for our great work. We will Laura Deming, Senior Biologist – Hampshire began to benefit from their miss them. 26,381 people Wetlands/Animal Care I hope you enjoy the stories and Kelly Dwyer, Director of Education exemplary careers in biological research total program outreach, Carol Foss, Senior Advisor for and secondary education. NH Audubon information that summarize your impact including kids Science and Policy continues to benefit from the Milne’s in the recent year. Without support Frederick “Chuck” Gallant III, Custodian from you, and your belief in our work, Dawn Genes, Massabesic Center Director through the endowment fund established Sean Gillery, Director of Membership in their name, providing annual and we would not be here. It is a very simple and Development long-term support for our science staff’s model, and yet so important. Holly Groh, Amoskeag Fishways Teacher Program Naturalist contributions to wildlife research. Thank you. Craig Holmes, McLane Center Coordinator In this issue we also say thanks to our We couldn’t do it without you! Pamela Hunt, Senior Biologist – long-term staff. Thirteen members of the Avian Conservation Emily Johnson, Amoskeag Fishways Audubon team have been employees for Center Program Naturalist more than 10 years each, representing Vanessa Jones, Director of Conservation almost three centuries of longevity and Jane Kolias, Membership Coordinator Lauren Kraemer, Events Manager expertise (295 years combined). In a staff Doug Bechtel Angie Krysiak, Massabesic Center of 36, this group represents over a third President Program Manager Dawn Lieder, Administrative Assistant Chris Martin, Senior Biologist – Raptors Rick Matthews, Custodian NH Audubon Grant Kathleen Neville, Amoskeag Fishways Cover Photo: Education Coordinator Acknowledgements Amy O’Brien, Volunteer Coordinator Brown Booby, photographed Jonathan Saulmon, Massabesic Center Queen City Rotary by David Lipsy, Eagle Eye Administrative Coordinator Massabesic Center camperships Dyanna Smith, Communications and Photography, on June 11 at Marketing Coordinator Ruth Smith, Development and Kettering Family Foundation Cobbett’s Pond in Windham, Community Engagement Manager Environmental education programs NH. This very rare sighting is Becky Spinney, Accountant thought to be the first record of Rebecca Suomala, Senior Biologist – Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Citizen Science Bird Data Project Leader Rusty Blackbird research the species in the state. Here it Kevin Wall, Program Manager is walking across the roof of a NH Audubon Afield Dorr Foundation home at the edge of the pond. Dyanna Smith, Editor/Designer Bald Eagle research

2 SUMMER 2017 NH AUDUBON AFIELD

5,200 2,309 volunteers 8,241 bats gave their time members recorded during state-wide for a total of acoustic surveys 21,946 hours that’s 2.5 years of time! 14,249 students learned about 19 bills the nature of NH supported with testimony during or sign-in 51 Bald Eagles fledged 553 school 11 bills from a record high of 42 incubating pairs were enacted programs 32 Peregrine Falcons fledged opposed from 20 incubating pairs 26,381 people 8 bills total program outreach,

including kids only 1 20,294 raptors migrated of these was enacted, past our two observatories and an amendment removed the

objectionable section 15,575 were Broad-winged Hawks that’s 77%

802 boards span the length of the new Alice Bemis 998 campers Thompson Sanctuary boardwalk having fun and making lifelong connections with the outdoors

33 Rusty Blackbird nests found in the Androscoggin watershed: completed third and final year of down from 50 in 2015 Olive-sided Flycatcher surveys:

gone from one third 5 Purple Martin colonies of its former range in NH 2 new colonies on the seacoast

12 Purple Martin pairs a record-breaking in Seabrook, produced an estimated 417,134 River Herring 58 fledglings used the Amoskeag fish ladder SUMMER 2017 NH AUDUBON AFIELD 3 SCA crew building the Thomsom boardwalk, by Matt Coughlan. by building the Thomsom boardwalk, SCA crew Larry Sunderland infront of the Concord State House, by Sean Gillery. Sean by House, State of the Concord infront Larry Sunderland

forthank all the ways you you support NH Audubon

The Environmental Policy Committee advocates for effective, science-based environmental policies, reviewing current TD Charitable environmental issues and proposed Foundation’s decade of legislation. At the very heart of these annual giving creates the efforts is Larry Sunderland. A politically longevity of support that active resident of Deering, NH, soft- allows NH Audubon a spoken Sunderland is a powerful voice continued presence in for the environment. He has championed Manchester’s Beech Street legislation protecting lakes and streams, School. Grants from the air quality, and threatened wildlife Foundation enable us habitats. NH Audubon is grateful to Larry to offer monthly science not only for generously supporting our programs, teaching ongoing environmental policy efforts, the importance of but also for taking a leadership role in environmental values to protecting the future. 1,200 2nd grade students since 2006! Since 2006, our partnership with the Student Conservation Association’s NH AmeriCorps program helps us accomplish Providing for NH Audubon through conservation stewardship projects on a bequest in your will is a powerful many of our wildlife sanctuaries. These way of creating a lasting legacy while projects include numerous access perpetuating Audubon’s important improvements including the Tudor work. In 2007, NH Audubon received Richards Memorial Platform and a generous bequest from Drs. Lorus boardwalk along the shore of Cherry Pond J. and Margery J. Milne to create an at Pondicherry, and now, the entire length endowment in support of ongoing of the new Americans with Disabilities research in the biological sciences. For Act (ADA) accessible trail and boardwalk the past decade, the Milne Endowment at the Alice Bemis Thompson Sanctuary has supported important conservation in Sandwich. This long-lasting public projects on threatened and endangered access improvement will allow safe and species, scientific publications, and responsible viewing – for all – for many research of regional importance. The years to come. Milne Endowment will continue to support biological research at NH Audubon long into the future.

forthank all the ways you you support NH Audubon Environmental education program at the Beech Street School. Street at the Beech education program Environmental Drs. Lorus estate. courtesy J. and Margery of the Milne J. Milne, FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2017 Highlights Annual contributions increased Revenue & Support Program & Functional Expenses by more than $39,000 5 % 5018 donors made generous contributions— 8 % 13 % 24 % 345 more than FY16 26 % 13 % 69% of NH Audubon donors 26 % made larger contributions <1% 11 % 12 % We maintained our 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator 30 % 26 % 1 % We added 541 new members 5 % to our ranks

Contributions - $ 497,803 Conservation - $ 510,197 More than 100 people honored Bequests - $ 6,533 Massabesic Center - $ 226,878 retired President Mike Bartlett Contracts & Grants - $ 575,986 Silk Farm/McLane Center - $ 559,631 with gifts totaling $108,632 Membership - $ 94,318 Newfound Center - $ 28,333 Programs & Events - $ 500,036 Amoskeag Fishways - $ 249,602 Note Investment Income - $ 142,465 Administration & General - $ 271,275 Other Income - $ 88,841 Membership & Development - $ 275,103 While robust fundraising and strong event rentals help NH Total Income $ 1,905,982 Total Expenses $ 2,121,019 Audubon exceed its annual revenue goals, we realized a Change in net operating assets $ (215,037) small deficit due to several Nonoperating revenue & other changes to net assets $ 180,609 unbudgeted expenses. Total change in net assets $ (34,428)

Our Incredible Employee Dedication By Lynn Bouchard, Director of Human Resources 40 years: Carol Foss, Senior Advisor for Science and Policy here is no doubt that the success of an organization Trelies heavily on the performance and dedication of 29 years: Diane De Luca, Senior Biologist its employees. Here at NH Audubon, we are fortunate to 29 years: Rebecca Suomala, Senior Biologist work with a wonderful team of employees who regularly demonstrate a commitment to our organization and an 27 years: Chris Martin, Senior Biologist admirable passion for the work they do. We have a broad 25 years: Laura Deming, Senior Biologist range of skilled employees who play crucial roles in our success-from staff who cheerfully greet visitors in our 23 years: Ruth Smith, Development and Community centers and custodians who maintain the Gold Leed status Engagement Coordinator of our McLane facility, to seasoned biologists who climb 17 years: Helen Dalbeck, Amoskeag Fishways Executive cliffs to check on falcon nests and administrative staff who Director enter membership data and pay the bills. NH Audubon exists as a reputable, beloved institution because of the 17 years: Kathleen Neville, Education Coordinator dedicated employees who work diligently to support our mission. In addition to being appreciative of ALL of our 16 years: Pam Hunt, Senior Biologist devoted employees, I would like to recognize our current 12 years: Phil Brown, Director of Land Management employees who have worked at NH Audubon for 10 years or more. 10 years: Vanessa Jones, Director of Conservation Having 13 employees with ten or more years of service 10 years: Angie Krysiak, Program Manager from a team of 36 regular employees is a proud testament of employee loyalty and dedication to NH Audubon’s 10 years: Becky Spinney, Accountant valuable mission. 6 SUMMER 2017 NH AUDUBON AFIELD TRIBUTES AND GIVING

Remembering Two Pioneering Leaders for In Memoriam Birds, Birding and NH Audubon New Hampshire Audubon is honored to receive donations in Barbara Day Richards memory of friends and relatives who have passed. These gifts NH Audubon’s First Lady are a valuable contribution to (January 1, 1929 – January 19, 2017) the work we do for wildlife and conservation. Thoughtful gifts When the Audubon Society of New were made by the following Hampshire elevated long-time volunteer individuals and businesses: Tudor Richards to be its first paid Executive In memory of Andrew P. Begosh: Director in 1968, the organization got more Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Chenette than a dedicated and capable leader. They In memory of Chandler S. also got Tudor’s wife Barbara. Her attention Robbins: to their three children enabled Tudor to Ms. Linda Kornfeld devote time to helping NH Audubon grow, In memory of Cheryl P. Burrows: over his long and noteworthy tenure. But Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Taylor, Jr. beyond being a mother and Tudor’s “right Marilyn J. Burday hand,” Barbara was a woman with endless Ms. Katrina Lozier curiosity and creativity. In memory of Christopher Doerr: An accomplished artist, Barbara drew NH Barbara Richards visiting the Tudor Richards John L. White Audubon’s first logo: a parent loon and two memorial at Pondicherry, by Dave Govatski. Tyngsboro Middle School Sunshine Committee chicks, first appearing on the cover of the society’s newsletter in 1951. Barbara’s efforts Mr. and Mrs. Mike Traynor also augmented Tudor’s vast bird records from around the state. Ms. Elsa Traynor Throughout her life Barbara remained inspired by the natural world. She noted the Ms. Martha McNally beauty of birds, flowers and landscapes and captured them with her colorful paintings. Ms. Maria Wood She once said, “I am blessed and cursed with the need to make something.” As a result, In memory of Janice M. we are blessed with the legacy of her artwork, marionettes, plays, song lyrics, stories and Beauchamp: whimsical productions. We are blessed to have had Barbara as a friend, a supporter and Mr. Nicholas Pringle our own “first lady”. In memory of Stephen J. Larson: Ms. Linda Ruiz Chandler S. Robbins In memory of Victor Wright: (July 17, 1918 – March 20, 2017)) Ms. Dixie Buckland Mrs. Sandra W. Martin Chandler S. Robbins died in March of Ms. Susan L. Hanamoto 2017 at the age of 98. Even if you didn’t know him personally, you probably knew him by his achievements. Chan created Honorary Gifts the Breeding Bird Surveys in the 1960s, In honor of Dr. Charles L. Ward: now the primary source of information Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Dunklee Ms. Fay Dabney on bird trends today. He was co-author of Ms. Stella J. Scheckter the “Golden Guide” – A Guide to Field Mr. Hank McIntyre Identification of Birds of North America, Mr. Paul W. Blackford and wrote about the effects of DDT before Ms. Eleanor E. McIntyre Silent Spring. He banded (and re-discovered Mr. Barry L. Brown 46 years later) the oldest known bird, a In honor of Ruth A. Smith: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pacelli Chandler Robbins, by Barbara Dowell, USGS. Laysan Albatross named Wisdom. Chan spent summers in New Hampshire In honor of Tracy Holmes: since he was a young boy and devoted many hours to the New Hampshire Breeding Bird Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation Atlas. He participated in over 400 Christmas Bird Counts, including several in New Hampshire. By all accounts, he was a humble, unassuming person whose contributions to Correction: In the last Afield a our knowledge of birds and bird conservation are legendary. His son, George, and wife, memorial tribute was made to Robert Lievens by Ms. Eliza Spaulding. This Andrea, live in New Hampshire and continue his birding tradition. should have been “in honor of” Bob and Deb Lievens. “The world has lost a birding genius.” – Andrea Robbins SUMMER 2017 NH AUDUBON AFIELD 7 Nonprofit Org. US Postage Change Service Requested PAID Permit No. 522 Concord, NH NH AUDUBON

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2017 Annual Gathering • Saturday, September 23 We are thrilled to be holding our Annual Gathering at Alnoba in Kingston – a place to reflect, connect and create change.With 400 acres of conserved land, a working farm, and an art gallery that spills out into the woods and trails, the morning will offer a lovely variety of field trips on the property. Other field trip choices will include coastal birding and exploring nearby sanctuaries. A farm to table luncheon leads into an afternoon flow from annual meeting and keynote speaker to awards ceremony and silent auction. “Self-organization, Co-evolution, Resiliency, and Stability” This year’s keynote speaker will be ecologist and author Tom Wessels, exploring the processes by which natural systems become more complex and stable over time and lead to incredible biodiversity. Many regional examples will be used to illustrate how co-evolution works. Wessels will conclude by describing how this process is a wonderful model for creating sustainable human systems. Sanderlings, by Jon Woolf Join us for a rewarding day together, celebrating the past year’s accomplishments and looking forward to opportunities for continued success. Event sponsors: Registration and details at www.nhaudubon.org.

NH AUDUBON • 84 SILK FARM ROAD, CONCORD NH • NHAUDUBON.ORG • 603-224-9909