FRIENDS OF SUPAWNA MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
ANNUAL GENERAL MENBERSHIP MEETING
The Friends of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge invites the public to attend the Annual General Membership Meeting October 6, 2011, at 6 PM at the Pennsville Veterans of Foreign War Hall.
The agenda will reflect the accomplishments of 2011 with a short slide show. The Friends’ purpose is to support the US Fish and Wildlife Service in its responsibility to preserve and maintain the 3000 acre Wildlife Refuge. Friends and Volunteers support this effort by mowing, maintaining trails, cleaning and repairing wood duck nesting boxes, sponsoring the US Fish and Wildlife Service Annual Youth Fishing Event, picking up trash on the Refuge and along Lighthouse Road, participating in the statewide Lighthouse Challenge, conducting nature walks, and adopting major projects to enhance the Refuge. In 2011, the Friends have added a very successful environmental education program in conjunction with Dr. Robert Belding and the Pennsville School District. Our corporate sponsor, Carneys Point Generating Plant, has funded this educational outreach. Currently the Friends are assisting USFWS biologist, Heidi Hanlon, in a long term study of the bats that reside on the refuge each summer. Everyone with an interest in working as true stewards of this local natural area is invited to join the Friends and participate in this important challenge.
We are pleased to welcome our new managers. The new Refuge Manager is Brian Braudis who comes to Supawna Meadows from Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Brian was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. He graduated from Slippery Rock University with degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies. He earned a Masters of Science degree from Wilmington University. Brian has worked at six refuges in the Refuge System and is deeply committed to enhancing public and community involvement and support. Brian is married to Mary Pat and has a daughter and son.
For the first time in the Refuge’s history, Supawna Meadows shares with Cape May NWR, a Visitor Service Manager. David Bocanegra was born and raised in Puerto Rico where he began his career with the Federal Government in the National Parks Service. He was stationed in San Juan National Historical Site. In 2001, David joined the Fish and Wildlife Service at the Caribbean Islands Complex NWR in Cabo Rojo as the Visitor Service/Outreach Specialist. He transferred to Cape May/Supawna Meadows Complex in November 2010. David graduated from Sacred Heart University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He is married to Arlene and has two children.
Both Brian and David bring new ideas and plans for the local Refuge where the community can enjoy a true wildlife experience and even become a part of its development.
A social coffee hour will begin at 6 PM featuring desserts and a cake donated by the Pennsville Acme. The meeting will begin at 7 PM. There will be small gifts for the children. The community is encouraged to come out and meet the new staff and the Friends of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
For additional information please email us at friendsofsupawna@gmail.com or phone 299-5138.