On February 10, 2010, our new Executive Director, Terry Shepherd passed away unexpectedly from complications of the H1N1 virus. Her short tenure at CACS was marked by an enthusiam and passion for learning more about our organization and figuring out how she could best use her talents to help CACS continue to provide high-quality environmental education experiences and opportunities for all ages to learn and discover more about the amazing ecology of Kachemak Bay. A memorial gathering was held for Terry on February 27, 2010. To honor the work that she was beginning at CACS and her growing love of Kachemak Bay, the CACS Board of Directors established the Terry Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund. 100% of your donation will go to a scholarship for youth to attend one of our summer camps. You may contribute at any Wells Fargo Bank to: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Terry Shepherd Memorial Fund. You may also contact us for further information.
We will miss Terry, but her energy and drive will remain with us always...
Drift Buoy Art Contest sponsored by the NOAA Marine Debris Community Prevention Grant. Call 235-6667 for more information.
Volunteer Brunch March 25 at the CACS Headquarters Bldg. Dessert Potluck from 6-7:30pm
Kachamak Bay CoastWalk Celebrates 25th Year
In 1984, Center for Alaska Coastal Studies (then the China Poot Bay Society) volunteers began to monitor the Kachemak Bay shoreline. Every year since, volunteers have gathered to participate in Kachemak Bay CoastWalk, a community science and stewardship program.
September 2009 marked the 25th year that CACS has coordinated the annual effort. Volunteers choose a predetermined section of beach, and collect data on biodiversity and human impacts in their stretch of beach. Over 400 volunteers participated in the 25th anniversary CoastWalk, including participants in the very first CoastWalk, Toby Tyler and Mike McBride.
During the 25 years of CoastWalk, volunteers have logged in 9100 volunteer hours monitoring the beach and have picked up over 12,000 lbs of marine debris (37,159 items)! The 25-year data set is a treasure trove of information on observing the shores of Kachemak Bay. Check out our new data report showing changes in sources of marine debris collected during CoastWalk.
NOAA support has also allowed CACS to export the CoastWalk model to 13 coastal communities across the state through the Alaska CoastWalk Marine Debris Challenge Grant program.
Thanks to the dedication of many CACS volunteers, staff and partners, the CoastWalk program is strong and growing.
0, our new Executive Director, Terry Shepherd passed away unexpectedly from complications of the H1N1 virus. Her short tenure at CACS was marked by an enthusiam and passion for learning more about our organization and figuring out how she could best use her talents to help CACS continue to provide high-quality environmental education experiences and opportunities for all ages to learn and discover more about the amazing ecology of Kachemak Bay. A memorial gathering was held for Terry on February 27, 2010. To honor the work that she was beginning at CACS and her growing love of Kachemak Bay, the CACS Board of Directors established the Terry Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund. 100% of your donation will go to a scholarship for youth to attend one of our summer camps. You may contribute at any Wells Fargo Bank to: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Terry Shepherd Memorial Fund. You may also contact us for further information.
