[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      “MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY”

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to invite our colleagues to 
join us in congratulating Mt. Diablo Audubon Society as it celebrates 
its 50th anniversary.
  Founded in 1953, Mt. Diablo Audubon Society (MDAS) has an impressive 
record of environmental achievements in Contra Costa County, including 
the following:
  Involved extensively in the protection and recovery of McNabney Marsh 
in Martinez. Formerly Shell Marsh, this area was saved as part of a 
settlement over an oil spill years ago. It is named after Mt. Diablo 
Audubon Society's well-known and respected former vice-president of 
conservation, the late Al McNabney.
  Worked with the East Bay Regional Park District on the establishment 
and development of Waterbird Park in Martinez.
  Led fifty-four yearly field trips for MDAS members and the public.
  Supported the Muir Heritage Land Trust which has initiated a bold 
plan to link together many of our open space areas.
  Partnered with a local flood control district to restore and protect 
a 22-acre saline marsh in Antioch, the Julia Cox Freeman Marsh.
  Provided Audubon Adventures to over 90 classrooms (3,000 students) 
throughout Contra Costa County. Since 1984 Audubon Adventures has 
provided basic, scientifically-accurate facts about birds and wildlife 
and their habitats.
  Partnered with Native Bird Connections and Wild Birds Unlimited to 
develop a life science course of study for freshman and sophomore high 
school students. Currently two high schools are participating in this 
program.
  Supported the expansion of the California Bluebird Recovery Program 
and the placement of hundreds of bluebird houses in California.
  Participated in many events and festivals in Contra Costa County and 
northern California to help educate the public about birds and the 
habitat they require.
  Initiated the Conta Costa County Breeding Bird Atlas. This Atlas (a 
major five-year project underwritten by MDAS) will be an important tool 
in the battle to preserve open space and breeding habitats for birds.
  Conducted slides shows and nature presentations to many schools and 
other groups throughout Contra Costa County.
  Closely involved in the development of the Delta Science Center.
  Participated in fifty Christmas Bird Counts.
  We know we speak for all Members of Congress when we congratulate Mt. 
Diablo Audubon Society on its 50th anniversary and wish its members 
many more years of environmental stewardship.

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