Hello. I am happy to have joined the Altacal Audubon Society as the Conservation Chair.  You may know my name, Dawn Garcia, by some of my previous banding contributions to the newsletter.  I hope to be involved with local environmental issues as well as keep you posted on some of the State and National issues.  I will introduce you to easy ways to make a difference, usually just an e-mail or letter to the appropriate entity voicing your concerns.  However, being new to the area, I am not always aware of issues in our own backyard.  This newsletter and our meetings act as an open forum for bird- and environmentally related good or upsetting news, solutions, and concerns, for all members.  Sometimes things can seem out of our hands, but really we have so much power.  Remember Margaret Mead who quoted; “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Let’s keep each other informed and active in making a difference!  E-mail the editor, Tim Ruckle, tim.ruckle@sbcglobal.net with contributions to the newsletter or e-mail me at Mel.dawn@sbcglobal.net  I’m happy to join you!