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| COPYRIGHT 2007 PAYNE COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
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| CHAPTER HISTORY |
An Audubon Society has existed in Stillwater since 1955, with Marguerite Baumgartner, Bracie Fawcett, and
Florence Wass among a group of very active birders.
In 1977, the National Audubon Society’s local representative asked John Couch and Helen Miller to organize a
chapter of the NAS. The organization then became more formal with constitution and bylaws. Presidents were
elected for 2-year terms.
Here is a list of past presidents: Helen Miller, John Couch, Scott Shalaway, Billy Teels, Helen Jordan, Freddy
Miller, Linda Bryant, John Dole, John Couch, Pat Jaynes, and our present president, Jerry Wilhm, who is
beginning his third year. If you do the math, you will see that Jerry is not the only one to extend his presidency
beyond a two year term. Birders tend to be busy people; it is not always easy to find someone to take on the
responsibilities of president.
Scott Shalaway was in the OSU Zoology Dept when he was president but left OK to live on a farm in W.VA, where
he makes his living writing a nature column carried by a dozen or so newspapers, hosting a nature-oriented TV
show and radio program, and, with a Canadian company, marketing high-quality wild bird food. Scott also found
time to write and publish several natural history books. Billy Teels and John Dole have also gone to jobs outside
of Stillwater. John Dole also published a book: Butterflies of Oklahoma, Kansas, and North Texas.
In 1979, Ann Redelfs began putting out a Chapter newsletter—Feathers. Subsequent editors included Carl
Wisk, Susan Walker, Coetta Lamp, and a succession of paid individuals not associated with the Chapter. At
present Susan Walker is again putting out Feathers and Pinfeathers.
In 1982, PCAS gave its first scholarship for bird research.
In 1986, the scholarship award went to Cathy King for work on “A Behavioral Study of Captive Maguari Storks in
the U.S.” Cathy went on to do work in the international arena, married Koen Brouwer, a Dutch scientist working
with storks, and now curates and does research at the Amsterdam Zoo in the Netherlands.
In 1983, PCAS began a savings account to accumulate money for a Nature Center.
In 1984, Mike Carter, an OSU graduate student and PCAS member, was given a scholarship to survey the birds
of Payne County. His 3-year study resulted in the “Payne County Bird Checklist,” published by the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation and still used by PCAS.
Also in 1984, Dolly Warden developed and published the first Pinfeathers page in Feathers.
In 1985, PCAS began to buy equipment for a future Nature Center. The first purchase was a “Spacemaster”
spotting scope and tripod.
In 1986, Helen Jordan nominated PCAS for an award as part of the national Take Pride in America Program—
listing numerous community activities of the Chapter—and we won. Helen Jordan and Helen Miller attended an
awards ceremony in the State Capitol Building and were given a certificate by then governor George Nigh.
Also in 1986, the National Audubon Society awarded a framed certificate to PCAS member Elaine Stebler for
having obtained the most sponsors and for raising the most funds in the West Central Region* during Birdathon
that year.
In 1987, NAS presented PCAS with a framed certificate in appreciation of its having the largest number of
Birdathon participants in the West Central Region.
Also in 1987, The ODWC awarded Rod Soper, an OSU Zoology graduate student a contract and $156 for the
construction of 14 bluebird houses to be placed “in a segment of Highway 51 between Stillwater and I-35.” Rod
had to monitor the trail during the breeding season for 5 years and then “his responsibility may be transferred to
the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society or other group with the Department’s approval.” Several different PCAS
members, including Helen Miller, Kate Hellgren, and Olin Thomas have taken a turn at monitoring the trail since
1991 when Rod Soper relinquished responsibility. In 2007, a full 20 years later, OSU student, Hailey Deslauriers,
has taken on the Bluebird Trail Monitoring responsibilities.
In 1988, 1989, and 1990, PCAS donated a number of bird and environmental children’s books and bird videos
to the Stillwater Public Library.
In 1989, Elaine Stebler recruited Carolyn Hunger to help with Birdathon, and in 1990 the two coordinated it
together. They went to both the Tulsa Audubon Society and Oklahoma City Audubon Society in February of 1990
to give presentations on “Successful Birdathon Fundraisers – Tricks of the Trade.”
Elaine Stebler won the following awards before relinquishing her direction of Birdathon in 1991:
PCAS first place among chapters in the state and West Central Region, as well as second place in the nation for
chapters of its size.
In 1991, Carolyn Hunger took over Birdathon and won the National Audubon Society’s William Dutcher Award for
her work as a Birdathon fundraiser. Carolyn became a Birdathon ambassador for the NAS, making presentations
to other chapters and at national and regional conferences.
Between 1992-2004, the PCAS participated in establishing Heinrich’s Park, in saving Gallagher Woods from
development, in protecting the area north of Boomer Lake from development, in trying to get a prairie preserve
established in Oklahoma, and in improving the natural areas at Sanborn Park and Lake McMurtry.
Late 1990s-early 2000s
Because a physical Nature Center was not possible at the time, Linda Bryant, then PCAS President, established
Nature Camp and Nature Day, and the PCAS Board voted to hire Kate Hellgren to be our paid Nature Educator
and the coordinator of these two programs. Kate's commitment to the quality and integrity of PCAS programs was
unparalleled, and her Nature Days and Nature Camps set the bar for the continued success of PCAS's education
efforts.
Between 2004-2008, our participation in the Cornell University Great Backyard Bird Count increased significantly
due to the encouragement of Pat Jaynes and the student counters pressed into service by Tim O'Connell. In
three of those four years, PCAS led the state in participation.
In 2005, Susan Walker became editor-in-chief again of the PCAS newsletter, Feathers. Due to Susan's publishing
knowledge and today's computer technology, the publication generated new and renewed interest.
In 2006, the PCAS began to work with others in Oklahoma to establish an IBA (Important Bird Area).
In 2007 Birdathon began to return to the competitive and rewarding event that in the late '80s and '90s saw
PCAS reach national acclaim. Five teams participated -- Tim O'Connell's Team Timmy's Tyrannid Targeters sighting a
record 131 species! Tim and his students have become a very important part of the Stillwater area bird census.
Another 'Thoner who deserves special recognition is Edwin Glover. Ed consistently raises the most funds year
after year. In fact, Ed often raises more money than all the other participants combined. In 2007 Ed raised $2500
-- a full $500 of that being his own generous contribution.
In 2006, 2007 the Chapter began receiving grants for Audubon Nature Camp from the Ligon family’s Delta
Foundation.
In 2007, Jim Ownby retired as website director and our .org site expired. Susan Walker created this new .com
website and serves as its webmistress.
In 2006-2007, over 400 people attended Nature Day, now coordinated by Crystal Cork.
In fall of 2007, Paul van Els, a graduate student from the Netherlands, Les Imboden, and Tim O'Connell
instituted regular Saturday morning Nature Hikes in and about Stillwater.
In 2008, with Delta Foundation grants, and an increased emphasis on fundraising, the PCAS will be able to
expand Nature Camp--now directed very successfully by Crystal Cork--increasing it in size from 40 to 50 campers.
In 2008, at the chapter's opening picnic, The new slate of officers for 2009-2010 was installed: Susan Walker,
president, Freddy Miller, Vice president, Tim O'Connell, Secretary, and Les Imboden, Treasurer.
In 2009 PCAS plans to again increase the size of Nature Camp, from one, one-week session with an enrollment of
40, to two, one-week sessions, with an enrollment of 80.
*At the time, the West Central Region was comprised of eight states: North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma,
Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas
Florence Wass among a group of very active birders.
In 1977, the National Audubon Society’s local representative asked John Couch and Helen Miller to organize a
chapter of the NAS. The organization then became more formal with constitution and bylaws. Presidents were
elected for 2-year terms.
Here is a list of past presidents: Helen Miller, John Couch, Scott Shalaway, Billy Teels, Helen Jordan, Freddy
Miller, Linda Bryant, John Dole, John Couch, Pat Jaynes, and our present president, Jerry Wilhm, who is
beginning his third year. If you do the math, you will see that Jerry is not the only one to extend his presidency
beyond a two year term. Birders tend to be busy people; it is not always easy to find someone to take on the
responsibilities of president.
Scott Shalaway was in the OSU Zoology Dept when he was president but left OK to live on a farm in W.VA, where
he makes his living writing a nature column carried by a dozen or so newspapers, hosting a nature-oriented TV
show and radio program, and, with a Canadian company, marketing high-quality wild bird food. Scott also found
time to write and publish several natural history books. Billy Teels and John Dole have also gone to jobs outside
of Stillwater. John Dole also published a book: Butterflies of Oklahoma, Kansas, and North Texas.
In 1979, Ann Redelfs began putting out a Chapter newsletter—Feathers. Subsequent editors included Carl
Wisk, Susan Walker, Coetta Lamp, and a succession of paid individuals not associated with the Chapter. At
present Susan Walker is again putting out Feathers and Pinfeathers.
In 1982, PCAS gave its first scholarship for bird research.
In 1986, the scholarship award went to Cathy King for work on “A Behavioral Study of Captive Maguari Storks in
the U.S.” Cathy went on to do work in the international arena, married Koen Brouwer, a Dutch scientist working
with storks, and now curates and does research at the Amsterdam Zoo in the Netherlands.
In 1983, PCAS began a savings account to accumulate money for a Nature Center.
In 1984, Mike Carter, an OSU graduate student and PCAS member, was given a scholarship to survey the birds
of Payne County. His 3-year study resulted in the “Payne County Bird Checklist,” published by the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation and still used by PCAS.
Also in 1984, Dolly Warden developed and published the first Pinfeathers page in Feathers.
In 1985, PCAS began to buy equipment for a future Nature Center. The first purchase was a “Spacemaster”
spotting scope and tripod.
In 1986, Helen Jordan nominated PCAS for an award as part of the national Take Pride in America Program—
listing numerous community activities of the Chapter—and we won. Helen Jordan and Helen Miller attended an
awards ceremony in the State Capitol Building and were given a certificate by then governor George Nigh.
Also in 1986, the National Audubon Society awarded a framed certificate to PCAS member Elaine Stebler for
having obtained the most sponsors and for raising the most funds in the West Central Region* during Birdathon
that year.
In 1987, NAS presented PCAS with a framed certificate in appreciation of its having the largest number of
Birdathon participants in the West Central Region.
Also in 1987, The ODWC awarded Rod Soper, an OSU Zoology graduate student a contract and $156 for the
construction of 14 bluebird houses to be placed “in a segment of Highway 51 between Stillwater and I-35.” Rod
had to monitor the trail during the breeding season for 5 years and then “his responsibility may be transferred to
the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society or other group with the Department’s approval.” Several different PCAS
members, including Helen Miller, Kate Hellgren, and Olin Thomas have taken a turn at monitoring the trail since
1991 when Rod Soper relinquished responsibility. In 2007, a full 20 years later, OSU student, Hailey Deslauriers,
has taken on the Bluebird Trail Monitoring responsibilities.
In 1988, 1989, and 1990, PCAS donated a number of bird and environmental children’s books and bird videos
to the Stillwater Public Library.
In 1989, Elaine Stebler recruited Carolyn Hunger to help with Birdathon, and in 1990 the two coordinated it
together. They went to both the Tulsa Audubon Society and Oklahoma City Audubon Society in February of 1990
to give presentations on “Successful Birdathon Fundraisers – Tricks of the Trade.”
Elaine Stebler won the following awards before relinquishing her direction of Birdathon in 1991:
- 1986 -- National Audubon Society's Birdathon Award for Most Sponsors and Most Funds Raised, West
Central Region - 1987 -- National Audubon Society's Birdathon Award for Most Species Counted, West Central Region
- 1990 -- Payne County Audubon Society Award for Unselfish Devotion of Time and Effort towards Birdathon
PCAS first place among chapters in the state and West Central Region, as well as second place in the nation for
chapters of its size.
In 1991, Carolyn Hunger took over Birdathon and won the National Audubon Society’s William Dutcher Award for
her work as a Birdathon fundraiser. Carolyn became a Birdathon ambassador for the NAS, making presentations
to other chapters and at national and regional conferences.
Between 1992-2004, the PCAS participated in establishing Heinrich’s Park, in saving Gallagher Woods from
development, in protecting the area north of Boomer Lake from development, in trying to get a prairie preserve
established in Oklahoma, and in improving the natural areas at Sanborn Park and Lake McMurtry.
Late 1990s-early 2000s
Because a physical Nature Center was not possible at the time, Linda Bryant, then PCAS President, established
Nature Camp and Nature Day, and the PCAS Board voted to hire Kate Hellgren to be our paid Nature Educator
and the coordinator of these two programs. Kate's commitment to the quality and integrity of PCAS programs was
unparalleled, and her Nature Days and Nature Camps set the bar for the continued success of PCAS's education
efforts.
Between 2004-2008, our participation in the Cornell University Great Backyard Bird Count increased significantly
due to the encouragement of Pat Jaynes and the student counters pressed into service by Tim O'Connell. In
three of those four years, PCAS led the state in participation.
In 2005, Susan Walker became editor-in-chief again of the PCAS newsletter, Feathers. Due to Susan's publishing
knowledge and today's computer technology, the publication generated new and renewed interest.
In 2006, the PCAS began to work with others in Oklahoma to establish an IBA (Important Bird Area).
In 2007 Birdathon began to return to the competitive and rewarding event that in the late '80s and '90s saw
PCAS reach national acclaim. Five teams participated -- Tim O'Connell's Team Timmy's Tyrannid Targeters sighting a
record 131 species! Tim and his students have become a very important part of the Stillwater area bird census.
Another 'Thoner who deserves special recognition is Edwin Glover. Ed consistently raises the most funds year
after year. In fact, Ed often raises more money than all the other participants combined. In 2007 Ed raised $2500
-- a full $500 of that being his own generous contribution.
In 2006, 2007 the Chapter began receiving grants for Audubon Nature Camp from the Ligon family’s Delta
Foundation.
In 2007, Jim Ownby retired as website director and our .org site expired. Susan Walker created this new .com
website and serves as its webmistress.
In 2006-2007, over 400 people attended Nature Day, now coordinated by Crystal Cork.
In fall of 2007, Paul van Els, a graduate student from the Netherlands, Les Imboden, and Tim O'Connell
instituted regular Saturday morning Nature Hikes in and about Stillwater.
In 2008, with Delta Foundation grants, and an increased emphasis on fundraising, the PCAS will be able to
expand Nature Camp--now directed very successfully by Crystal Cork--increasing it in size from 40 to 50 campers.
In 2008, at the chapter's opening picnic, The new slate of officers for 2009-2010 was installed: Susan Walker,
president, Freddy Miller, Vice president, Tim O'Connell, Secretary, and Les Imboden, Treasurer.
In 2009 PCAS plans to again increase the size of Nature Camp, from one, one-week session with an enrollment of
40, to two, one-week sessions, with an enrollment of 80.
*At the time, the West Central Region was comprised of eight states: North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma,
Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas
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