Wildlife Blind Success!
Wildlife Blind Success!
The Friends offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone whose extraordinary generosity helped us to meet our goal of $15,000 to fund the construction of Oracle State Park’s brand new Wildlife Blind! Building has started and we expect the entire Wildlife Blind to be completed by mid-January. We look forward to a dedication ceremony to recognize each and every one of you whose donations made the new Wildlife Blind a reality.
A year in the planning, it will be thrilling to see the design of landscape architect Jim Pollack come to life. Special gratitude is owed to Judy Smith, her family and those friends who donated to the Wildlife Project in Gene Smith’s name. Gene, a devoted volunteer and board member, passed away in November. He will be long remembered for his profound dedication to preserving nature and the Park.
Environmental Education Restart
In other FOSP news, Oracle State Park seasonal ranger Dale Redies—who worked on schoolchildren’s Environmental Education Programs for 15 years—is now helping us on plans to bring the programs back. We are hoping she can soon come back herself!
April Star Party
The next Star Party will be April 23rd. This will coincide with Earth Day events. Watch for more information and an event to celebrate the new Wildlife Blind.
Welcome Our New Board Members
Keeping up with other recent news, we are pleased to welcome two new board members for 2022. Our new Treasurer Michael Carroll comes to us with years of technology experience, which he has already put to invaluable use. David Singleton, a new member at large, enjoys birding and has been an active member of the Audubon Society and Sierra Club. (See a list of all current officers.)
A Fond Farewell to Park Ranger Jennifer Rinio
Lastly, we hope everyone will join us in wishing a fond farewell to Jennifer Rinio, who recently resigned her position of 21 years as an Oracle State Park ranger. An expert birder, naturalist, and educator, Jennifer has worked to promote the Kannally family’s vision for the Park as a wildlife refuge. The Friends of Oracle State Park will be sponsoring a party to show our appreciation for Jennifer (date TBD). Watch for updates to find out how you can participate.