Hi, As spring migration gets underway and interest and awareness of birds and birding in Ohio peaks I would like to remind the community of the opportunities they have to improve, protect and preserve habitat here in Ohio. First and foremost the Friends of Magee Marsh have an effort underway to rebuild the boardwalk. That structure is more than 2 decades old. Before it was build even the small numbers of people trampled the area, and the boardwalk has become crucial to protecting the 7 acres that concentrate birds during migration. With increased visits due to the growing popularity of birding and festivals and tourism resulting in several thousand people utilizing this small space, this is a vital project. It will cost several hundred thousand dollars to complete. Please consider donating the cost of a nights lodging, or even the amount you spend on gas to this project. If every birder who utilizes the boardwalk would give $30 the project could be completed. Unfortunately only a small percentage will donate so the average contribution needs to be much higher. Another opportunity is the restoration of Mentor Marsh being done by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Lots of birders utilize the boardwalk at Wake Robin and this has proven to be one of the best sites in Ohio for some species. CMNH is striving to return the marsh to its former greatness by getting rid of the phragmites, increasing the water flow and open water and restoring native plants. Any contribution to the Mentor Marsh fund at CMNH will go directly to this effort. Lastly you can purchase an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp offered by ODNR Division of Wildlife. Many of the areas utilized by birders in Ohio have been protected and preserved with funds generated via hunting and fishing licences. The wildlife legacy stamp provides a way for the birding community to do their part in the protection and maintenance of the state wildlife and game areas they utilize so extensively. Happy Spring Haans ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Please consider joining our Society, at www.ohiobirds.org/site/membership.php. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: listserv.miamioh.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]