Event Supports Education & Conservation Programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch & Marin Audubon Society

February 16, 2012–Stinson Beach, CA – Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR), a leader in conservation science, habitat protection and restoration, and environmental education, announced today that the public is invited to its Martin Griffin Preserve (formerly called Bolinas Lagoon Preserve) on Sunday, May 13th, from 11a.m. to 3p.m. for a special Mother’s Day BBQ to benefit the education and conservation programs of ACR and Marin Audubon Society. These programs include docent-led nature walks, monthly slide presentations, overnight adventures as well as classes and workshops.

For years, ACR and Marin Audubon Society have hosted this fundraiser in the beautiful setting of the Martin Griffin Preserve.  Guests can enjoy guided nature hikes throughout the preserve and to active nesting sites where Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons return each year to build their nests and raise their chicks in the protection of the trees near the food-rich waters of the Bolinas Lagoon.  The preserve averages 100 active nest sites yearly in a grove of redwoods on the property. Throughout the months of the public season, visitors can witness different stages of the heron and egret nesting cycle including courting rituals, eggs, chicks and first flights.

From 12-2p.m. a lunch of barbecued free-range chicken or vegetarian quiche will be served. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase. 

The event will be held rain or shine at ACR’s Volunteer Canyon, located 2.66 miles north of Stinson Beach at 4800 Shoreline Highway One. Carpooling strongly encouraged.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Reservations are required by May 5, 2012. Tickets can be purchased online at www.marinaudubon.org or by calling (415) 453-2216. Or mail a check payable to: Marin Audubon Society, 141 Oak Avenue, San Anselmo, CA  94960

ABOUT MARIN AUDUBON SOCIETY
The Marin Audubon Society (MAS) was established in 1956 as part of the effort to prevent development of houses on Richardson Bay tidelands. In the years since, MAS has worked to protect important baylands through acquisition, habitat restoration and conservation advocacy. Current restoration projects include Simmons Slough near Novato, Triangle Marsh in Corte Madera and 632 of acres of woodlands and baylands at Bahia in Novato. MAS owns more than 500 acres along San Francisco and San Pablo Bays and donates some properties it has acquired to public agencies for permanent protection. 

MAS also provides its members and the public many opportunities to experience the birdlife and nature of Marin County and beyond through Field Trips and events, our monthly newsletter, The Clapper Rail, and the annual Christmas Bird Counts. MAS is an all volunteer 501(c)(2) organization and is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Please visit the Marin Audubon Society website at: http://www.marinaudubon.org.

ABOUT AUDUBON CANYON RANCH
Audubon Canyon Ranch protects nature through land preservation, environmental education and conservation science. 

ACR’s preserves include the Cypress Grove Research Center on Tomales Bay, the 535-acre Bouverie Preserve in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon near Glen Ellen and the 1,000-acre Martin Griffin Preserve near Stinson Beach, which is home to one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most studied Great Egret nesting sites. 

In 2009 ACR announced an agreement with Jim and Shirley Modini to acquire the 1,725-acre Modini Ranch property, located in the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County.

ACR is an independent non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status. ACR is not affiliated with the National Audubon Society. 

ACR’s programs are made possible thanks to the contribution of thousands of hours of volunteer service, and donations from caring individuals, foundations and businesses. For more information, call 415-868-9244, email acr@egret.org or visit www.egret.org.