Scarborough Resident Presents $10,000 to Maine Audubon Birdathon

FALMOUTH - June 28, 2005

At Maine Audubon’s annual meeting June 15 at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Scarborough resident Eddie Woodin presented the organization a $10,000 check towards its seventh annual Birdathon, a fundraiser to help conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat.

Inspired by news in late April that the ivory-billed woodpecker is not extinct as scientists had believed for more than 60 years, Woodin offered to match, dollar to dollar up to $10,000, every pledge or donation of $50 or more to the Birdathon.

EDITORS/REPORTERS: Maine Audubon can provide a digital photo of Eddie Woodin presenting an oversized cardboard check to Maine Audubon. If you’re interested, call (207) 781-2330, ext. 229.

“ It’s such an inspiration that the ivory-billed woodpecker managed to survive so long in the bayous of Arkansas even though its habitat was destroyed,” said Woodin. “It’s also a reminder that we need groups like Maine Audubon to keep birds and other wildlife from nearing extinction.”

Birdathon participants solicited pledges ranging from 10¢ to $10 for each bird species they planned to see and then counted birds in trees, on the water and even at backyard feeders any time between Saturday, May 14 and Thursday, June 2.

Woodin participated in Birdathon as a member of the Mighty Marsh Muckers team, which counted 146 bird species on June 2 day to raise funds for the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center.

A total of 125 people participated in the 2005 Birdathon, raising more than $50,000 for Maine’s wildlife.

For more information on the Birdathon or other Maine Audubon events, visit www.maineaudubon.org.

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action.

Support for Maine Audubon comes from its 11,000 members and supporters, including individuals, foundations and corporations. Members are automatically members of their local Maine Audubon chapter and National Audubon Society, Inc., of which Maine Audubon is an affiliate. Contributions to Maine Audubon are used only in Maine.

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