Hey tweets, I heard from Wendy at the CUH yesterday. She reports that
we are a mere $110 short of our goal to build the whiteboard. She said
she feels so happy that so many people have contributed. I do, too,
but I am especially grateful to an anonymous photographer who handed
me a $100 bill at the Fill the other day. It was folded up, so at
first all I saw was a one and a zero. Then I noticed that the face on
the bill looked *really* unfamiliar. I was speechless with gratitude -
so now you know what it takes to shut me up. Later on, more birders
handed me $20 bills. You guys are fantastic.

If anyone out there still wants to contribute to this amazing project,
please do so this week if you can. Let's put ourselves over the top.
Then, whenever you pass by the whiteboard and stop a moment to read
what's out there in the field, you can also feel a part of a community
that cares about the environment, that steps forward to help when we
can, that believes in making the world better and more beautiful, that
believes in small ways and large that we *can* fix up the world.

I am just as touched about the stories you are posting about your most
meaningful encounters with the wild. They are powerful, moving
accounts of how the natural world has delighted you, taught you,
healed you. Your stories enlighten us all. I will point out that it's
still raining today, we're still stuck inside, and I for one would
still love to hear about your experiences. - Connie, Seattle

constancesidles at gmail.com