Rising waters, Species Extinction: Guiding the Next Generation toward Conservation and Remediation

Members gathered at the home of Doree Leonard at the later time of 6:30pm this month to attend a club meeting with a conservation focus. The evening time allowed members who might usually be at work to join in as well and it was lovely to see so many friendly faces!

Shinara Sunderlal, Education Outreach Coordinator for the Billion Oyster Project joined us via zoom to tell us about the history and origins of the project, their progress to date and plans for the future. Members were fascinated to learn that Rye has its very own Oyster research station led by Rye Middle School Teacher Debra Davis-Galliard.

Debra and one of her wonderful students took to the floor to discuss their activities and we were wowed by their clear passion for the project and entertained by their stories of unexpected visitors discovered in the Oyster cages!

Following the Oyster presentation, Chris Duncan drew our attention to the first fabulous entries in the 'tea cup challenge'. Members were encouraged to vote for our favorite cup - very hard as they were all so beautiful!

The upcoming Big Daffodil Dig was discussed as was the planting of the Osborn Memorial Garden in memory of beloved and much missed members Anne Bernsten and Doris Reade. Cheryl spoke about seed collection and we were fascinated to hear her experiences of growing Dahlia from seed.

After the meeting, members enjoyed chatting and partaking of delicious refreshments provided by Jean, Josie, Joan, Marianna, Marilyn, Rosario, and Karen.

Many admired the stunning nautically themed table centerpiece floral arrangement created by Chris Duncan, and there were some happy moments as Chris and Victoria were handed their GCA Award certificates that had been announced at the club AGM in June.

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