Opinion page: She Says – Susie Hovater Malone

Russellville’s Cultura Garden Club started its new year of meetings Jan. 14 at the beautiful home of Ann Marie Buckholtz.

Debra Spillers presented the program. Topics included native and migratory birds and wildlife sanctuaries, and there was an emphasis on Wheeler National Refuge in Decatur.

Points shared by Spillers included: The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association was established in July 1998 in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to promote conservation and awareness, and to provide assistance to environmental education programs.

According to the International Crane Foundation, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is the best place in Alabama to view the endangered whooping crane and the sandhill crane. On average, the refuge hosts about 20,000 sandhill cranes and 18 whooping cranes each year.

Cranes are among the largest birds in North America. Sandhill cranes stand nearly five feet tall with a wingspan of 6.5 to 7 ft. and whooping cranes are even taller. The whooping crane is among the rarest birds.

Patricia Cox presented the institute, covering the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park. Cox said the park was founded in 1977 as a small all-volunteer, and homebased organization which has grown into Alabama’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center. It provides free advice and information on how to deal with all kinds of wildlife problems and emergencies.

It has been in continuous operation 365 days a year since 1981 and receives thousands of calls each year.

Both the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association and the Alabama Wildlife Center are qualified as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

New club business included information on the Gulf Shores Garden Club Floral Seminar trip scheduled for Jan. 21-23 and the Garden Clubs of Alabama Convention, which will be held April 13-15 at Guntersville State Park.

President Cheri McCain presented the Club of Distinction report and the club president’s report.

Barbara Sage and Debbie Beason served as co-hostesses.

Susie Hovater Malone is a member of the Cultura Garden Club.