Congratulations to club member Jenny Gaden for winning the Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) Eike Service Award which recognizes VSO members for outstanding service to the VSO.
As those of you in the Piedmont Virginia Bird Club (PVBC, a charter club of the VSO) know, Jenny is a very active volunteer. Jenny past roles for the VSO include Board Member and Secretary. She is a past president of the PVBC as well. And she keeps on volunteering!
The compiler of the Charlottesville Christmas Bird Count since 2006, Jenny has welcomed many into participation to the Christmas Bird Count. As a compiler, she not only ensures coverage of the circle but also figures out ways to pair new participants with experienced teams.
She has provided enrichment to many teaching and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes in ornithology at the University of Virginia. And she has been actively supporting young birder initiatives in the area.
The Rivanna Master Naturalists also have relied on Jenny for classes and field trips on the birds of the area. Additionally, Jenny has contributed to local efforts on bird conservation including raising awareness of the importance of keeping cats indoors and reducing the number of birds killed by windows.
Jenny is also one of the authors and editors The The Birds of Albemarle County and Charlottesville Virginia, an Annotated Checklist 2010 which is an excellent local resource.
These contributions, along with many others, to birding and birds in the state of Virginia, are worthy of this important award. Please join us all in congratulating Jenny!
