Video recap created by Shon Rabinowitz
PHOTOS & RECAP: 2021 Member Picnic & Annual Meeting
A celebration of generations
SOLC’s first Member Picnic and Annual Meeting in two years had all the joy and energy of the family reunions so many of us have done without during the pandemic. From this year’s Conservation Award, presented to Conservancy Co-founder Dave Garcia, to the assembly of 100+ members, staff, and board (former and new), this was truly a celebration of generations.
Former board and staff member Su Rolle recalled in her award presentation the formative days when Dave and others started the organization. “Now we’re talking about the 1970s,” she said, “and of course some of you were not even born yet.” Since then, she continued, “Dave’s inspired thousands of people with his passion for the natural world. We are all beneficiaries of his gift of time, focus, and commitment to Southern Oregon.”
Dave recalled his own inspirations, how his grandparents seeded his love of nature through camping, hiking, and other adventures. He noted that his grandson Sam was there at the picnic too, ready to carry on the family tradition also shared by Sam's grandmother and Dave's wife, former SOLC Executive Director Diane Garcia, among the dozens of former staff, board members, and others enjoying the sunny afternoon at the Rogue River Preserve. Dave also encouraged people to advocate for conservation, and to remember that policy counts as an important way to guide public standards toward protecting more lands for the future.
Board President Keith Emerson thanked past staff and board leadership at the picnic, which counted five past presidents among the attendees: Pat Acklin, Tom Lavagnino, Bill Morrish, Donna Rhee, and Kevin Talbert. Keith then conducted the unanimous approval of updated articles of incorporation and bylaws, streamlining the process to elect future board leaders.
Executive Director Steve Wise summarized SOLC’s progress of the two years since the last member gathering, with more than 1,000 acres of lands protected and the field education program getting underway. He congratulated Stewardship Director Kristi Mergenthaler on 10 years’ service at the heart of SOLC’s conservation team. He also recognized the hundreds of years of commitment that the assembled members had given to SOLC. “Conservation,” he said, “is work that we can only accomplish together.”
We thank the volunteers who show up, some every year, to make this event happen, including hike guides like Frank Lospalluto, Bob Hunter, Brian Barr, and Molly Morison who add to the fun. And we thank all of you, our dedicated supporters for celebrating with us and keeping us inspired to conserve even more lands, forever. Please enjoy a photo gallery and video recap above of the day taken by a team of fellow community members and professionals (click on the photo to see the photographer’s name).
Thank you!
