Spring is beginning to peek out from behind the snowbanks at Gilsland Farm. Not only are the days becoming longer, but during a recent mini-thaw, I heard birds singing in the bushes. Our gardens are still buried in thick snow, but that will soon begin to recede, and the ancient cycle of rebirth will begin. As I think of what will happen–soon, I hope–to the white blanket covering our gardens, I am reminded of the line Herman Melville used to close Moby-Dick: “then all collapsed and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled 5,000 years ago.”
With the coming of spring this year, Maine Audubon will be embarking on a new course. Over the past two months (despite the disruption of weather-related office closures!), Maine Audubon’s board and staff have been hard at work on a new strategic plan, which we’re calling “Maine Audubon 2020.” It’s a bold new blueprint for our venerable organization, one that aims to place us on a path for growth and prosperity, and one that aims to engage a broadly diverse set of interests in wildlife conservation.
As I write this, the blueprint that will be Maine Audubon 2020 is far from finished. We think we have identified some compelling core programs that will motivate people–both within and outside Maine–to engage with us in conserving Maine’s wildlife. But we are also looking for help from people who care about wildlife and habitat.
We are conducting an email survey to gain more information about how we can motivate people to embrace our mission. If you receive the survey, I hope you’ll respond. Even if you do not, I hope you’ll take the time to send me an an email to share your concerns about Maine’s wildlife and how Maine Audubon can do a better job of engaging you in the conservation. Perhaps you’d like to know more about helping wildlife in your own backyard or perhaps you’d like information about wildlife-related bills that are in the legislature this year. Whatever it is, I’d appreciate knowing what moves you – or would move you – to act in support of Maine Audubon’s mission.
Thanks for your help. Maine is truly one of America’s last, best places, and Maine Audubon is proud to be the leader in conserving its natural assets.
– Charles
Charles Gauvin started at Maine Audubon in 2014. Gauvin brings more than 25 years of experience in conservation leadership, much of it as the president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, the nation’s leading river and fish conservation organization.Gauvin most recently served as Chief Development Officer at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. He collaborated with Carnegie scholars worldwide to develop program strategies and support in the United States, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia and South Asia.
