Using proceeds from its recent sale of the McVicar Preserve to the California State Park system, Audubon California has contributed $10,000 to the Redbud Audubon Society.
“We are locally celebrating that Redbud Audubon is being recognized as the steward of the property,” said chapter President Marilyn Waits.
McVicar Preserve encompasses 245 acres of marsh woodlands next to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. The McVicar family donated it in 1978 to the National Audubon Society. Redbud Audubon publicist Roberta Lyons noted that local Audubon members established trails and hosted field trips in the McVicar Preserve.
Earlier this year, Audubon and the State of California closed escrow on the sale of the property. Using the $700,000 purchase price, Audubon California established an endowment to additionally benefit state parks.
“What Audubon has negotiated here is a tremendous gift to the state and not just to Lake County,” said Waits. “Our state parks are one of the greatest treasures we have.”
The endowment will fund joint projects between Audubon chapters in California and their local state parks. Waits said the Redbud Audubon board had not yet determined what use it would make of the $10,000 contribution.
Representatives of Audubon California, the Redbud Audubon Society and California State Parks gathered at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park for official presentation of the check. Directors of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association and Dist. 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith, representing the Lake County Board of Supervisors, were present to witness the contribution.
Glenn Olson, vice president and executive director of Audubon California, was the guest speaker later that evening at the Redbud Audubon members” meeting, where he showcased 20 years of achievements by Audubon California in conservation, restoration and public outreach.
For more information about the Redbud Audubon Society, call President Marilyn Waits at 279-1242 or visit www.redbudaudubon.org.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
