Thursday, April 26, 2012

a force of nature

Eleanor Stopps died on Wednesday morning, 25 April 2012. Information can be found at both the Leader and the Peninsula Daily News.

Her friends and family are planning a memorial/tribute sculpture in her honor and with her agreement. More information will be posted as it is forthcoming.

UPDATE: an account has been established for donations to commission a sculpture honoring Eleanor. Follow this link for the latest news.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

this island is for the birds

The Peninsula Daily News reports that Eleanor Stopps has terminal pancreatic cancer. If you don't know who she is, you might want to read the article at the link below. She founded Admiralty Audubon in 1977 and is responsible for the establishment of Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge.

What the article does not say is that Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park also benefited from her advocacy. As one small example, back in 1978-79, she and Bernard Beck, the first president of Admiralty Audubon, did a year-long bird survey at Kah Tai that documented bird populations for the LWCF grant proposal. Her efforts placed Kah Tai on the list of 'important wildlife habitats in the state of Washington' that was compiled by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1978.

And you might also not know that the motto for the Protection Island campaign was 'This island is for the birds'. There is a bumper sticker in town these days that says 'Kah Tai Park is for the birds'. The sentiment has a rich history.

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20120418/NEWS/304189989/wildlife-advocate-terminal-moved-to-care-facility

Her family indicates that she would appreciate letters and cards, which can be sent to Eleanor Stopps at Harbor Place at Cottesmore, 1016 29th St. N.W., No. 20, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.