Jeffrey Hall presented “Great Texas Birding Trail: the Rio Grande Valley.
The  Lower   Rio  Grande  Valley  of  Texas  teems  with  unique  birds  like  green   jays,  chachalacas,  Altamira  orioles,  and  kiskadees.  It  is  full  of   iconic  birding  spots  like  Santa  Ana  and  Laguna  Atascosa  National   Wildlife  Refuges,  South  Padre  Island,  Bentsen-­‐Rio  Grande  State   Park…so  many,  in  fact,  that  they  have  now  been  linked  into  the   “World  Birding  Center.”  This  program  introduced  us  to  many   of  the  natural  wonders  of  a  very  special  part  of  our  country .

Allegheny County Park Ranger, Braden Meiter, talked about reasons amphibians are in decline. With a special emphasis on frogs, he explained how different our world would be without them.  Frogs are important for insect control and also as bio-indicators of problems in the environment. They are a food source for bats, snakes, and other animals, including humans.   He ended on an encouraging note, showing a short film about frogs on the verge of extinction being bred for reentry into their environment.

While Hurricane Michael threatened her house in Florida,Joan arrived in Pittsburgh to give a wonderful presentation on Chuck’s life.

An owl box will be installed on one of the trails in the Raccoon State Park Wildflower Preserve in Chuck’s honor.

Afterwards, some of the guests gathered for a picnic lunch, and then Joan led a walk on the Valley Trail.