Volunteer Powered
Stilt, Curlew, and Avocet at Blacks Creek. Photo by Ceredig Roberts.
GEAS is a volunteer-powered organization.
We are a positive force for birds in our community only through the support of hundreds of amazing volunteers.
Our volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to GEAS each year, leading field trips, representing us at outreach events, supporting and leading restoration efforts, teaching classes, and much more. We are so grateful for your time and support of this organization!
Lark Sparrow. Photo by Dondi Black.
2024 Volunteer Recognition
Berit Kuykendall
If we had merit badges for our volunteer tasks, Berit Kuykendall would have a full sash (or two). Berit has volunteered close to 100 hours during the past two years improving habitat along the Boise River. She's worked hours at our Native Plant Nursery tending to the plants we grow for habitat restoration projects. She's spent many more hours planting those tiny plants and watering them through the hot summer knowing that they will provide food and shelter for birds and insects in the years to come. Berit has tended the Warm Springs Pollinator Garden and helped us care for the Bethine Church Trail too. Berit is often accompanied by her dog, Loki, who's become a mascot of sorts for the ReWild Watering Team. ReWild Plot Lead Jon Mathews praises Berit as a "dedicated loyalist who shows up ready to get the job done, always with a smile." Thank you Berit for helping us create a better world for the birds and wildlife.
Nancy DeWitt
Cold, wet weather doesn't deter volunteer Nancy DeWitt from collecting data to help protect birds. Nancy participates in the Winter Climate Watch counting Red-breasted Nuthatches and she served as a Zone Leader for the 2023 Boise Christmas Bird Count. She also participates in raptor counts. Nancy has indoor skills that are very helpful as well. She solicits donations for our fundraising auctions and makes sure our events run smoothly. “I really enjoy working with Nancy on our special events (the Flock for Art is March 9) and appreciate her expertise in nonprofit management, birds, native plants, art and all things auction”, says Cynthia Wallesz, GEAS Executive Director.
Mark Whitaker
Mark Whitaker has the marvelous ability to put people at ease. This makes him an excellent teacher. Mark graduated from our 2023 Presenter Academy and is in his second year of teaching classes we offer at local libraries and through community education. He teaches Introduction to Birding, Winter Feeder Birds and Treasure Valley Hummingbirds. He shares stories of his birding experiences and beams with enthusiasm. Mark also led a Christmas Bird Count team and will be helping with a homeschool field trip. Mark's positive attitude helps everyone learn and enjoy. Thanks.
Stephanie Low
Stephanie Low shines as one of our fine field trip leaders. I first met Stephanie when she participated in the Winter Bird Challenge in January, 2023. She was enthusiastic, conscientious and learning fast. She enrolled in our Field Trip Leader Academy and graduated with honors. She's led or assisted on dozens of field trips where she shares her love and knowledge of birds. Stephanie serves on our Field Trip Committee too and tackles the huge task of creating Eventbrite registration pages for all the trips. She was a zone leader for the Christmas Bird Count and has surveyed for swallows. She's also helped at our Boise River ReWild Project. We are honored to have Stephanie on our volunteer team.
Bhavana Padiyath
Many people shy away from writing, but not Golden Eagle Guest Blogger Bhavana Padiyath. Bhavana has been writing guests blogs for one year now, and she has explored many subjects including women ornithologists Margaret Morse Nice and Florence Merriam-Bailey. Excellent International Women's Day blogs you can find at https://www.goldeneagleaudubon.org/newsandstories along with the rest of her excellent blogs. Bhavana's most recent blog is about the Mountain Bluebird. Bhavana is a new birder and reminds us to provide content for those that aren't seasoned birders. Bhavana is a Master Naturalist and has also volunteered many hours at our Boise River ReWild Project and our Native Plant Nursery. Bhavana is great with her words and with her hands. Thanks Bhavana!
Josh Thompson
Josh Thompson became a Golden Eagle Audubon presenter because of his desire to introduce the world of birds to children and novice birders. Josh started by teaching our Introduction to Birding class and has now expanded his repertoire to the Winter Feeder Birds and Hummingbirds of the Treasure Valley classes. Josh is helping us expand our offerings and our reach by teaching our new Spring Migrating Birds class at the Boise Basin Library in Idaho City on March 30. Josh's strong birding skills and contagious enthusiasm combine with his ability to connect with our diverse audiences to make him an excellent presenter. His knack for knowing which cord and cable connect where and which button to push have saved the day for us at classes more than once. Don't miss taking a class from Josh. Thanks.
GEAS Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Al Larson
Hilda Larson
Matt McCoy
Sue Norton
Western Grebes. Photo by Mick Thompson.