Date: 5/25/26 11:01 am From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: Announcement from Our Board President Lisa Sheridan
Good on you Lisa. You have done a great job leading (and sometimes
refereeing) our little cussedly independent club.
Wouldn't have it any other way!
Cliff
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Santa Cruz Bird Club <scbirdclub...>
Date: Mon, May 25, 2026, 7:59 AM
Subject: Announcement from Our Board President Lisa Sheridan
To: <clifford.bixler50...>
*Announcement From Our Board President Lisa Sheridan*
------------------------------
Dear SCBC Members,
At the last General meeting I announced that I have decided to step down as
the President. It has been a privilege and an amazing experience to have
served on the SCBC Board. After one year as the Conservation Officer and
nine years as the President, I’m ready to turn the reins over.
Every year in April the Board announces a slate of officers to fill our
Board for the next year. I’ve nominated our Membership Officer, Bob Mead
to replace my position as President for 2026-27 year. I’m really thrilled
he’s decided to accept. He’ll bring fresh ideas, steady and intelligent
leadership to our board.
I’m also thankful to announce that the other officers that have served in
their positions have all chosen to remain on the Board.
Serving on this Board has been a fabulous opportunity to learn about birds
through the network of our community.
Our Board members bring a collective knowledge of wisdom based on life
experiences. We share ideas and everyone genuinely cares about how we can
further our club goals. In particular, to unite those who have a common
interest in wild birds for study, conservation and to promote good
fellowship among bird lovers.
As I step down from serving on the Board, I’m grateful for the goals we
achieved together. Here is just a short list of accomplishments from the
past years:
- Started an email system of communications with members.
- Created a website which allows for on-line membership renewal, field
trip and meetings information, conservation news, current and past board
letters and access to the Albatross.
- We raised over one hundred thousand dollars for the Breeding Bird
Atlas project (which is nearing completion).
- Provided training seminars for BBA participants.
- Membership increase from under 300 to over 500.
- Sent dozens of letters to local, State and Federal agencies commenting
on projects which have impacts on birds. Including letters which helped
preserve bird habitat and potentially harmful outcomes to birds.
- Drone use at State Parks.
- Overhead lights at Shoreline Middle School.
- Bird Safe design standards for tall buildings.
- Concerns about the Santa Cruz Wharf redesign.
- The SLR park redesign.
- College Lake habitat monitoring.
As I look back at my journey on the Board, I appreciate that many members
of the club come from a variety of backgrounds and birding ability. I’ve
never been a birding expert but birding for me is truly a health benefit. I
hope I have helped in creating an atmosphere where everyone has felt
welcome and included and our walks and talks have brought our community
good health, joy, education and friendships.
This is not a goodbye, as I will be looking for you all wearing your bins
and in silent pose under trees, at the water’s edge, along roads and
fields. Until then, good birding and thank you for all the wonderful
support you’ve given me through the years.
I look forward to seeing you all at our May 28th general meeting where we
will conduct the vote for the 2026-27 year slate of Board of Directors.
